Medical tests are only done with the applicant's consent. These tests are usually done by a licensed paramedic who typically is employed by a paramedical company. In limited cases, tests are performed by a physician as part of a medical examination requested by the insurer. An insurer uses an individual's medical information strictly for business purposes, such as underwriting and claims processing. Insurers are well aware of their responsibility regarding an individual's personal medical information.
Insurers limit who can see personal information on applicants, policyholders, and insureds.
Only in certain circumstances can the medical information in a life, disability income, or long-term care insurance file be accessed and reviewed once the underwriting and risk classification processes are complete and the policy issued. By insurance regulators as part of an examination, or by law enforcement, following the appropriate legal process, if illegal activity such as murder for insurance is suspected. If the insurance company is reinsuring a block of business and the reinsurer wants to review the seller's underwriting practices. If the insured applies for additional coverage or seeks to reinstate or change the policy. View ACLI's Principles on Confidentiality of Medical Information .