By Renee | Underwriting Corner
“She was diagnosed with cancer three years ago, why was she declined?”
Underwriting Tip:
Timing kills deals but it can also save them.
The difference between “yes” and “no” could be a matter of weeks. When you understand the lookback windows, you stop guessing-and start winning.
One Year vs. Two Years vs. Ever: Timing Is Everything
Because in underwriting, the timeline isn’t just a detail, it’s a decision point. Think of it like baking: you might have all the right ingredients, but if you open the oven too early, you’re still getting a gooey middle and a hard pass.
Carriers aren’t just looking at what happened to your client; they’re laser-focused on when it happened. And missing that piece can be the difference between approval and a decline.
Let’s break it down.
Timing is a Risk Filter
Every health question, every prescreen, every decision flows from timing windows. Some look back one year, some two, and some are lifetime exclusions.
Understanding what carriers are really asking gives you a strategic edge. And it helps your client avoid unnecessary rejections.
1-Year Lookbacks
These are about recent stability.
Common scenarios:
- Surgeries
- Therapy (physical or mental health)
- New prescriptions or medication changes
- Hospitalizations or ER visits
If it’s been over 12 months since the event-and the condition is resolved or stable-many carriers will consider an approval.
Agent Tip: Know the exact date. “Last year” isn’t good enough. If they had back surgery in June 2024, don’t submit in May 2025. Wait the full year if possible.
2-Year Lookbacks
These are about proven stability over time.
Common scenarios:
- Strokes or TIAs
- Cancer (post-treatment)
- Seizures
- Heart attacks or major cardiac procedures
Why two years? Because many of these conditions have a higher risk of recurrence within the first 24 months. Carriers want to see a longer track record of recovery and stability before they say yes.
Agent Tip: Know the treatment end date. Cancer diagnosed in 2022 but with radiation into early 2024. That clock didn’t start ticking until treatment stopped.
“Ever” Conditions
Some health conditions are automatic disqualifiers no matter how long ago they happened.
Common examples include:
- Diabetes with neuropathy
- Alzheimer’s or other dementias
- HIV/AIDS
If the app includes a question that starts with “Have you ever…”, there is no lookback window. Even if the condition occurred 20 years ago and is currently stable or well-managed, it will typically result in a decline.
Agent Tip: These are true “knockout” conditions. There’s no wiggle room, no stability period to wait out, and no underwriting note that will change the outcome. If you see one of these-pause the app and pivot to alternative products immediately.
Case Snapshots
Client A: Cancer diagnosed in 2022. Surgery to remove the cancer in February 2023, radiation treatments that ended in April 2023. Fully recovered, cleared for work. Nothing pending
Approved in May 2025, once the two-year lookback cleared.
Client B: Stroke in October 2023. Fully recovered by March 2024.
Declined in June 2025 due to 2-year lookback not being met.
How to Use This as an Agent
- Always ask for dates-don’t rely on general memory.
- Prescreen when the timeline is close. If they’re at 11.5 months, wait. If they’re past 2 years, highlight it.
- Don’t assume declines are forever. Timing may be the only issue. Use it to your client’s advantage.
Bottom Line
Timing kills deals but it can also save them.
The difference between “yes” and “no” could be a matter of weeks. When you understand the lookback windows, you stop guessing-and start winning.
Ask better questions. Clarify symptoms and timelines.
You might find a rock-solid case hiding behind a scary-sounding surgery.
Renee Stutes