Mistakes on the health declaration are rarely deliberate - far more often they come from haste, forgetfulness, or well-meaning downplaying. The trouble is, the consequence can be the same either way: a disputable policy. Here are the seven most common mistakes - and how to prevent each one.
- Most mistakes come from haste and filling it in from memory - ten minutes of preparation heads them off.
- "It's not serious, I won't write it down" is the most dangerous reflex: rating it isn't your job.
- If in doubt, ask - it's easy to clarify before filling it in, hard afterwards.
1. The skipped field
A question left blank isn't neutral: it results in an incomplete declaration. Answer every question - "no" is an answer too, and an important one.
2. The rounded-off year and "a long time ago, at some point"
Inaccurate dates can later conflict with the medical records. If you're unsure, check EESZT or ask your treating doctor - the prep guide helps with this.
3. The forgotten medication and "just a vitamin"
Medications you take regularly - including long-running prescriptions - can fall within the scope of the questions. Write out the full list in advance with the active ingredients: two minutes, and nothing to forget.
4. The downplayed diagnosis
"My blood pressure is only slightly high, that doesn't count" - but the question isn't interested in your own assessment, it wants the fact. Factual disclosure typically leads to a standard or a predictable, loaded outcome: with an existing condition; concealing it, on the other hand, puts the payout at risk.
5. The question not read word for word
The time period ("in the last 5 years") and the concept ("treated", "under investigation") are part of the question - the smoking definitions are the best example. Read it twice, answer once.
6. The declaration filled in by someone else, "after a chat"
The declaration is the insured person's own personal responsibility: it rests on their knowledge and their signature. Asking for help is fine - outsourcing it is not: the person making the declaration is responsible for its content.
7. Not reporting a change between signing and the start of cover
If a health event happens after filling in the declaration but before the policy starts, it must be reported - the duty of disclosure applies to that period too. If in doubt, a quick question clears everything up: feel free to get in touch - the full process: how underwriting works.
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