What determines the extent of medical evidence required for life insurance application?

The extent of medical evidence required for a life insurance application is primarily determined by the proposed sum to be insured and the applicant's age. As the sum assured increases, so does the insurer's potential risk. Therefore, insurance companies typically require more thorough medical assessments for larger coverage amounts. Additionally, the applicant's age plays a critical role; older applicants often require more extensive medical information due to an increased likelihood of health issues, thus representing a higher risk to the insurer. This approach allows insurers to accurately assess the risk associated with each applicant and set premiums accordingly, ensuring that they are appropriately covered for the risks they are undertaking.