Whether you’re completing your application online or sending it in by mail, if you do a little prep work before you start—determine how much insurance you need and have your medical and beneficiary information handy—you’re good to go. Simply complete the required information and, congratulations, you’ve applied for Life insurance!

So, what happens next?

If you are applying for fully-underwritten coverage, which is generally the least expensive and most comprehensive, the insurance company will need some additional information to assess the risk of insuring you, making underwriting an essential part of your application.

You may also be asked to schedule an appointment to provide blood and urine samples to a medical professional. At that appointment, they may also record vitals such as blood pressure, height, and weight. A telephone interview may be requested to collect additional information not provided during the application process.

Your Life insurance application will then be sent to an underwriter who will review your application answers, medical records, and exam results. This information helps determine not only whether your application will be approved, but also how much premium you’ll have to pay.

So how can you facilitate the process? Depending on your doctor, it may take some time to retrieve your medical records. You can help by ensuring your physician’s office responds quickly to requests. You can also keep the process on track by scheduling your interviews and exams quickly. Both can be done from your home or office, at your convenience. Once all your information is received by the underwriter, a decision about your application can be made in as little as five business days.

The specific steps and information required for Life insurance underwriting will vary depending on your individual situation and the coverage you apply for, but one factor remains the same—your loved ones deserve the security Life insurance can provide. Now that you know what to expect, why not get started today?