illnesses or disability for which the insured was treated or advised within a stipulated time period before making application for a life or health insurance policy. A preexisting condition can result in cancellation of the policy.

acceptance of risk in return for payment. In a new securities issue, the underwriter, known as theinvestment bankerand his or her syndicate, may perform an underwriting function by purchasing the securities at a fixed price from the issuer, hoping to sell them at a higher offering price and making a profit on thespread. Underwriting is the function of investment bankers, who usually form an underwriting group, also called asyndicateto pool the risk and assure successful distribution of the issue.

physical, moral, or financial circumstance of a life insurance applicant that sets him or her apart from a physically, morally, and financially sound standard applicant. The underwriting weight attached to this impairment (such as a history of bankruptcy or a serious health condition) could result in the applicant being classified as substandard or uninsurable.

insured, or an applicant for insurance, with lower expectation of incurring a loss than the standard applicant. For example, an applicant for life insurance who does not smoke can usually obtain a reduced premium rate to reflect his or her greater life expectancy.

statement prepared by an inspection bureau for a life or health insurance company that summarizes information about an applicant for a policy, including financial standing, morals, physical condition, habits, and other information. This report is used by a company underwriter in evaluating an application for insurance; that is, whether the company should classify an individual as a standard risk at standard insurance rates, as a substandard risk (charged an extra rate), or as uninsurable.

insurance policy that pays benefits to a policyholder when that person becomes incapable of performing one or more occupational duties, either temporarily or on a long-term basis, or totally. The policy is designed to replace a portion of the income lost because of the insured's disability. Payments begin after a specified period, called the elimination period, of several weeks or months.

Some policies remain in force until the person is able to return to work, or to return to a similar occupation, or is eligible to receive benefits from another program such as Social Security disability. Disability insurance payments are normally tax-free to beneficiaries as long as they paid the policy premiums. Many employers offer disability income insurance to their employees, though people are able to buy coverage on an individual basis as well.