Underwriting guide to the 5 Ds: a smarter way to risk profile

ARTICLE
27 May 2025 dot 2 min read
At AIA Australia, our underwriters encourage advisers to use the 5 Ds when risk profiling clients – both during pre-assessment and new business applications.
 
What are the 5 Ds? Simple - it’s all about information.

Dates, Duration, Diagnosis, Drugs and Details

Dates

  • Dates the first and last symptoms of the condition occurred
  • Dates of any ongoing recurrence of symptoms
  • When symptoms stopped (if they have)

Duration

  • How long did the condition last? Include the initial and ongoing duration of symptoms.
  • Has your client fully recovered? If yes, how long for?

Diagnosis

  • What was the diagnosis and when was it made?
  • Include supporting reports (e.g., histopathology, cardiac report, etc.)

Drugs

  • Name, dosage, and type of medication
  • Is the medication ongoing?  When was it stopped (if applicable)?
  • Does it manage symptoms? Are there multiple medications involved?

Details

  • The more detail, the better
  • Even the smallest detail could be the difference between standard rates and a decline
  • Always be upfront, no matter the condition
  • Help us see the full picture by including:
    • Up-to-date blood tests and medical reports
    • Initial reports for comparison
    • Evidence of treatment progress and client compliance
       
  • This kind of insight helps our underwriters assess risk more accurately and may even lead to reduced ratings.

Why the 5 Ds matter

Better info = better outcomes.
 
Whether it's for new business or a claim, the 5 Ds help us make faster, fairer decisions and support better outcomes for your clients.