What the home-office underwriter reviews:
The application, which can be corrected; changes are normally initialed or signed by the applicant.
Medical exam and lab tests, possibly including an HIV test. In California, an insurer may require an HIV test only with the applicant's written informed consent and after giving the required information about the test and counseling resources (Ins. Code §799.03).
Attending physician's statement (APS): records from the applicant's own doctor; requires a signed authorization.
MIB, Inc. report: an information exchange among member insurers about conditions found on earlier applications.
Consumer reports (credit, employment) and investigative consumer reports (interviews with neighbors, employers or coworkers).
Risk classes, from lowest to highest premium:
Preferred: better than average.
Substandard (rated): higher risk; extra premium or limited coverage.
California anti-discrimination rule (Ins. Code §10140): a life insurer may not refuse, cancel or offer less favorable terms except for reasons that apply alike to people of every race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry or sexual orientation. Race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry or sexual orientation cannot by itself justify a higher rate. Rate differences by sex are allowed when based on objective, valid, up-to-date actuarial data or sound underwriting practice.