What Is a Statement of Health (SOH)?

Reviewed by: Dr. Manoj Pawar
Chief Medical Officer at Mutual of Omaha

Estimated Read Time: ~6 minutes

Summary: A Statement of Health (SOH) is a form an insurer uses to assess your current health and to help determine eligibility, coverage and premiums. In this article, discover what a Statement of Health asks and how it can help you determine the coverage that’s right for you.

In this article:

• What does a Statement of Health cover?
• Statement of health versus a medical exam
• When you might be asked to complete a Statement of Health
• How it affects your insurance policy
• Where the Statement of Health fits in the bigger picture
• How to fill out a Statement of Health
• When your Statement of Health really matters

Before an insurer agrees to cover you, they need to understand who they are insuring and the risk involved. This is where a Statement of Health (SOH) comes in. It’s a document that outlines your current health, providing the insurance company with a clearer view of your medical history.

You might be asked to fill one out when you are considering or adjusting a life insurance policy, as well as certain other types of insurance, like disability insurance or long-term care insurance. The insurer uses this information to decide if you qualify, how much coverage to offer, and what your premium will be.

What does a Statement of Health cover?

A Statement of Health typically asks for:

• Current or past medical conditions
• Medications you regularly take
• Surgeries or hospital stays
• Lifestyle habits like smoking or alcohol use
• Relevant family health conditions

This information helps them set premiums based on your health and ensures your policy matches your current situation. It’s not a pass-or-fail test but a way to ensure the insurer has accurate information before offering coverage.

Statement of Health versus a medical exam

While a Statement of Health may lead to a medical exam (depending on the information you provide), they’re not the same thing. A Statement of Health is self-reported information, which makes it simpler and quicker. Some policies use only this form to make underwriting decisions.

When you might be asked to complete a Statement of Health

The form is usually needed when you apply for new coverage, but that’s not the only time. If your policy lapses because of missed payments and you want to reinstate it, for example, your insurer might want to confirm your health hasn’t changed significantly. The same could apply if you want to increase your coverage amount or enroll in an employer plan outside the standard enrollment period.

You might also need to submit one if you experience a major life event. Getting married, starting a family or changing jobs can all prompt insurers to reassess your situation and ask for updated health details.

It’s also not unusual for someone who’s had insurance for years to be asked for a new Statement of Health. It simply means the insurer is making sure its records match your current condition.

How it affects your insurance policy

The Statement of Health helps confirm your eligibility for coverage, set premiums, and terms. Not providing all the needed information can cause issues later, such as claim delays if the insurer finds significant omissions.

While some worry about disclosing every detail, transparency can help prevent claim approval issues. Most insurers are balanced; a managed condition doesn’t automatically raise premiums, but missing information may cause problems.

A Statement of Health ensures your policy, premiums and records are accurate. Omitting details can lead to delays or disputes during coverage checks or claims.

Where the Statement of Health fits in the bigger picture

The Statement of Health is just one part of the broader insurance process, along with your application, beneficiary information and payment authorizations. Together, these documents form a complete view of who you are and how the insurer can best cover you.

While it might feel like just another piece of paperwork, it plays an important role in helping to protect both you and the insurer. Accurate information helps ensure your policy works the way it’s meant to and that claims are handled fairly.

How to fill out a Statement of Health

Accuracy is important, but it’s OK if you don’t remember every date and minor detail. Your answers should reflect your current and past health.

Here are a few tips that help when you complete a Statement of Health:

• Read each question carefully and answer truthfully.
• Double-check your medication list before you start.
• Don’t guess if you’re unsure about a diagnosis or timeline; explain briefly instead.
• Keep a copy for your own records in case you need it later.

When your Statement of Health really matters

Completing a Statement of Health might seem routine, but it’s crucial when applying for coverage or changing a policy. The information you provide helps the insurer assess risk and helps you avoid surprises later.

If you ever need to use your policy, your Statement of Health helps the process to remain as smooth as possible. Providing clear and accurate information protects you from delays and disputes, maintaining your coverage.

A Statement of Health, or any type of health declaration form, can be an important part of making sure you and your loved ones have the coverage you need.

Make sure you get the right level of coverage.

Determine your life insurance needs today with our easy-to-use life insurance calculators.

Life Insurance Calculators

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Are pre-existing conditions automatically excluded if I disclose them in the Statement of Health?

Not necessarily. Disclosing a pre-existing condition allows the insurer to evaluate the risk and decide how it affects your coverage or premium. Some conditions may be excluded, others covered with adjusted terms, depending on the policy.

Reviewed by: Dr. Manoj Pawar

Chief Medical Officer at Mutual of Omaha

Dr. Manoj Pawar, MD, FAAFP, is a board-certified family physician and Chief Medical Officer at Mutual of Omaha. He brings over two decades of clinical and executive experience with a focus on preventive care, public health and empowering physicians and patients with the tools they need to live their best lives. Dr. Pawar completed his undergraduate degree at Northwestern University, his medical degree at McGill University in Montreal, and his specialty training at the University of Colorado. He’s a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, and a member of Delta Omega, the Public Health honor society.

642092