Who primarily benefits from the medical exam during life insurance underwriting?

The primary beneficiary of the medical exam during life insurance underwriting is indeed the insurance company assessing risk. The medical examination provides essential information about the applicant's health status, lifestyle, and medical history. This data helps the insurer evaluate the risk of insuring the individual. By accurately assessing this risk, the company can determine appropriate premium rates and decide whether to offer coverage at all.

Ensuring the accuracy of the information gathered through medical exams allows the insurer to create a risk profile for the applicant, which is crucial for the financial viability of the insurance product.

While the other parties may gain some advantages, such as applicants potentially lowering their premiums with a better health assessment or agents facilitating the sale, their benefits are secondary to the insurer's need for accurate risk evaluation, which is the main purpose of the medical exam.