Life insurance companies need to review medical history—with consent—before determining an appropriate rate for a life insurance policy. They typically look back into an applicant’s medical history for a certain period of time, which can vary depending on the insurer and the policy. Life insurance companies sometimes look back up to 10 years. This may include reviewing medical records, prior diagnoses, treatments, surgeries, medications and any preexisting conditions. An insurer may also look at your family’s medical history, including that of your parents and siblings.