Jonathan Morris: Should a client take a rated quote?

"As time passes, there is an increasing risk of further health issues arising"

clock • 4 min read

Jonathan Morris, protection specialist at John Lamb Hill Oldridge, examines the considerations of increased premiums known as ‘rated quotes’ and the risks associated for clients in waiting to be offered standard rates when applying for cover.

When an applicant is told by an insurance company that they are not in perfect health, it can be a difficult message to hear. This is especially true, where the medical underwriting process has discovered an issue that the applicant was not previously aware of. Often people's first reaction is to question whether the life offices are simply trying to squeeze them for more money, since medical issues tend to result in increased premiums. These increased premiums are known as ‘rated quotes'.   The standard insurance price (also known as the standard rate or ordinary rate) quoted by insu...

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 Individual Protection

CIC claims for prostate cancer up by 65% since 2023: Aviva

CIC claims for prostate cancer up by 65% since 2023: Aviva

£38m paid out for prostate cancer in 2025

Jaskeet Briah
clock 15 June 2026 • 1 min read
Partner Insight: The evidence bottleneck - why claims slow down, and how we fix it together.

Partner Insight: The evidence bottleneck - why claims slow down, and how we fix it together.

Faster evidence. Clearer updates. Better support. Changes that could ease the bottleneck.

Dave Thompson, Senior claims technical manager, Scottish Widows
clock 15 June 2026 • 4 min read
ProtectZ 2026 round up

ProtectZ 2026 round up

"Protection is personal so it cannot be generalised"

Jaskeet Briah
clock 11 June 2026 • 2 min read