Time to let go of our comfort blankets

'Customers today expect instant fulfilment'

clock • 3 min read

Lloyd Williams, development underwriting manager at Munich Re, examines how underwriters became swamped with medical report information and how the efficiency of underwriting based on GP reports can be improved.

The introduction of rules engines, redesign of application questions, expanded reflexive questioning together with a more pragmatic approach to ratings means that today, around 85% of applicants are underwritten without medical evidence. As an industry, our focus has therefore shifted to how we can improve the process for those applicants for whom medical evidence is required.   Good progress has been made with nurse screenings, laboratory tests and, to a certain extent, medical examinations as they are already returned in a structured format which lends itself to automation. However, au...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on Underwriting

Royal London aiming to reduce GP report delays

Royal London aiming to reduce GP report delays

Partnership with iGPR

Cameron Roberts
clock 05 October 2026 • 1 min read
Zurich personal protection and IP added to UnderwriteMe platform

Zurich personal protection and IP added to UnderwriteMe platform

Eighth insurer to offer ‘Buy Now’ option

Cameron Roberts
clock 28 August 2026 • 1 min read
Guardian reduces underwriting wait times

Guardian reduces underwriting wait times

Less than one-day average in Q2 2026

Cameron Roberts
clock 27 August 2026 • 2 min read