Why the insurer writes to your doctor
Your application answers give the insurer a picture of your health. When something needs more detail, such as a condition you are being treated for, the insurer may ask your GP for a report. It covers your diagnoses, test results, treatment and how well a condition is controlled.
A GP report does not mean anything is wrong with your application. Insurers request them routinely, and many lead to standard terms.
Your rights over the report
The insurer cannot contact your GP without your consent, which you give as part of the application. UK law also gives you the right to see a report your doctor writes for insurance purposes. You can ask to see it before it is sent, and ask your GP to correct anything you believe is factually wrong.
If you want to see the report first, tell your adviser or the insurer when you give consent. It may add a little time, but some people value the chance to check it.
- Consent comes first
- You can ask to see the report
- You can ask for factual errors to be corrected
- The insurer, not you, pays the fee
Why reports cause delays
GP surgeries are busy, and insurance reports sit alongside patient care. A report can take several weeks to come back. The insurer cannot make a final decision until it arrives, which is why GP reports are one of the most common reasons an application stalls.
Some insurers now request your medical records electronically, which can be quicker. It depends on the insurer and your surgery.
Ways to keep things moving
The best step is to answer the application questions fully, with dates, medication names and the latest readings where you have them. Clear answers sometimes mean the insurer can skip the report altogether.
If a report is needed, you can let your surgery know it is coming and ask them to look out for it. Some people need cover in place quickly for a house purchase. Tell your adviser early so they can choose an insurer that suits your timing.
How Hi Tomorrow handles GP reports
We help you give complete answers at the start, which cuts the chance of a report. If the insurer still needs one, we chase both the insurer and the surgery and keep you updated, so you are not left wondering.
Where timing matters, we can suggest insurers whose processes may suit your situation. Acceptance and terms are subject to the insurer's underwriting.