How does an underwriter at a disability insurance company decide whether to accept you and what rate to charge you? (By the way, for some interesting history on where the word “underwriter” came from check out The Life Insurance Blog for the May 28, 2005 post entitled Life Insurance Underwriting - Definition.) The decision process or underwriting for disability insurance includes several factors: 1. Your health history and height weight ratio 2. Your occupation 3. Your income and historical income 4. Your avocations (in case they might be considered “dangerous”) You’ll almost always get a medical examination, lab work, have an interview from a representative of the insurance company (not the insurance agent) and also a review of your income based on your income tax forms or your pay stubs. After review, the underwriter lets us know if you have qualified for a preferred (best rate), standard rate (most common) or if they’ll accept you and charge extra (called a “rated policy” or “rated up”) or sometimes not charge extra but give you an exclusion for a condition or even a part of the body such as lower back. We work on your behalf at protectyourincome.com to negotiate the best possible disability insurance rate for you and because of our volume of business we at least get a good hearing from the insurance companies. Companies differ on how they underwrite different situations and interestingly, the reputability of your representative and the relationship with the company can also make a difference. If you have a specific question about how your history would be treated for disability insurance you can go to the quote page or email us. We will contact the insurance companies on your behalf.