Last month we gave readers of Adviser News the chance to ask all things underwriting. Here are the top few questions, answered by our experienced underwriting team.
Your underwriting questions answered
ARTICLE
26 June 2025
2 min read
2 min read
Q1. I have had clients who unfortunately went through a cancer diagnosis, do you still offer modulated cover?
As a short answer, yes. However, the general rule of thumb is that the cancer treatment would have ceased, and we would need to be able to offer Life Cover to be able to offer modulated Crisis Cover.
Q2. Mental health is a big issue, what is AIA's approach to underwriting on the the topic?
At AIA, we look at all risks including a holistic view of mental health, taking into consideration all aspects of the condition including diagnosis, treatment, time off work and patient insights.
With such huge variations in mental health conditions, the best case for disablility covers would be a mental health exclusion and standard rates of Lump sum covers. The AIA underwriting team in conjunction with our re-insurance partners are regularly reviewing our guidelines in relation to mental health conditions and given the focus on mental health within the industry we are actively looking for new ways that will assist all stakeholders in assessing what is a very complex area.
As an example, there can be an opportunity to load for ADHD if there are no associated mental health conditions. Please feel free to call our Underwriting Hotline to discuss if you have a client in this situation.
With such huge variations in mental health conditions, the best case for disablility covers would be a mental health exclusion and standard rates of Lump sum covers. The AIA underwriting team in conjunction with our re-insurance partners are regularly reviewing our guidelines in relation to mental health conditions and given the focus on mental health within the industry we are actively looking for new ways that will assist all stakeholders in assessing what is a very complex area.
As an example, there can be an opportunity to load for ADHD if there are no associated mental health conditions. Please feel free to call our Underwriting Hotline to discuss if you have a client in this situation.
Q3. From an underwriting perspective, is there something that AIA does really well?
AIA underwriting prides ourselves on our relationships with our partners. We are approachable and accessible, and our underwriting guidelines are particularly competitive regarding BMI, Diabetes and Sleep apnoea.