Whilst some insurers will alter the premium cost to reflect the risk of underwriting the cover, many insurers will simply refuse to underwrite clients who fall outside their strict criteria.

• The factors which have to be taken into account are those that affect the risk of accident, sickness or unemploymnet, including:
• Age
• Health
• The client's present and past health
• The hereditary health records of the client's family
• Occupation
• Industry sector
• Hobbies, including sports
• Lifestyle (including smoking and drinking)

The type of policy and the term of the contract can also have an effect on the underwriting decision.