---
title: "What Is Decline? Definition | Epic Life Glossary"
description: "A decline is a carrier's decision not to offer life insurance to an applicant after underwriting. The carrier judges the risk too high for the plan..."
url: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/decline
publisher: Epic Life Group
apply: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/apply
quote: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/get-a-quote
---

Underwriting

# Decline

A decline is a carrier's decision not to offer life insurance to an applicant after underwriting. The carrier judges the risk too high for the plan applied for.

## Why it matters

A decline from one carrier does not mean every carrier will say no. Carriers weigh conditions differently, and guaranteed issue plans accept nearly everyone in a set age range. Ask the agent about options and for the reason in writing. Consumers can ask about their reports. Rules vary by carrier.

Source: [naic.org](https://content.naic.org/article/consumer-insight-life-insurance-roadmap)

[Read next, for familiesGuaranteed issue life insurance: who gets approved, what the waiting period means](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/life-insurance/guaranteed-issue)

## Where we use this term

-   [Captive vs independent insurance agent: who owns your book?](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/captive-vs-independent-agent)
-   [Fixed vs fixed index annuity: how do they work and who do they fit?](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/fixed-vs-fixed-index-annuity)
-   [Guaranteed issue vs simplified issue: which fits your health and age?](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/guaranteed-vs-simplified-issue)
-   [No exam life insurance: simplified, guaranteed and accelerated options compared](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/life-insurance/no-exam-life-insurance)
-   [Is final expense a good career? What agents really do](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/careers/final-expense-agent)

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