---
title: "What Is Underwriting? Definition | Epic Life Glossary"
description: "Underwriting is the process a carrier uses to review an application, judge the risk, and decide whether to offer coverage and at what price. It looks at..."
url: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/underwriting
publisher: Epic Life Group
apply: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/apply
quote: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/get-a-quote
---

Underwriting

# Underwriting

Underwriting is the process a carrier uses to review an application, judge the risk, and decide whether to offer coverage and at what price. It looks at health, age, habits, and history.

## Why it matters

Underwriting ranges from a few questions to a full medical review. Simplified and guaranteed issue plans use fewer questions, so coverage may cost more or pay less early on. Fully underwritten policies can offer lower rates for healthy people. Honest answers matter, because the carrier uses them to set the price and to review any claim.

Source: [law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/underwriting)

[Read next, for familiesNo exam life insurance: simplified, guaranteed and accelerated options compared](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/life-insurance/no-exam-life-insurance)

## Where we use this term

-   [Burial insurance vs life insurance vs pre-need funeral plans: what is the difference?](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/burial-insurance-vs-life-insurance-vs-preneed)
-   [How much does final expense insurance cost, and what sets the price?](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/final-expense-insurance-cost)
-   [Your first 90 days as a telesales life insurance agent: a week-by-week ramp](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/first-90-days-as-a-telesales-agent)
-   [IMO vs FMO vs MGA: which structure fits an independent agent?](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/imo-vs-fmo-vs-mga)
-   [Can you still get life insurance over 70? Options that still work](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/life-insurance-over-70)

## Start your climb.

Tell us where you are today and request a call about licensing, training and the calls.

[Apply to join](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/apply)

Shopping for coverage instead? [Get a quote](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/get-a-quote)