This question is from Dante, who lives in Provo, Utah: “How does a life insurance company assess their risk in insuring an individual?”

Answer to Readers Question: When you apply for a life insurance policy, the company will inquire about your health status and often require a medical exam. The life insurance company will use information gathered to determine if and how they want to insure you.

This determination of “if” and “how” is referred to as “underwriting.” There are not many limits on the type of information underwriters can take into consideration.