After you apply for life insurance, the insurer will usually contact you to complete the following steps: Review of application and submitted documentation: The insurer will contact you to ensure all documents are complete and request any additional documents. Medical examination: Depending on your policy, insurer, and other factors like age and history of family illness, you may be required to take a medical exam. The insurer may also request access to your medical records. Underwriting: The insurer evaluates your application, medical records, medical exam results, and other documents to assess your risk profile.  Policy approval or modification: Based on their assessment, the insurer will approve your application or offer one with different terms. In some cases, the insurer may deem you too high-risk and deny your application. Policy issuance and activation: The insurer sends an offer outlining the policy’s terms. If you accept, you make the first premium payment to activate the policy. Ongoing coverage and management: By this time, the policy is in place. Make premium payments to keep it active, update beneficiary information when needed, and talk to your insurer if you need to make changes.