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If denied for life insurance from one company, is that information shared with other insurance companies?

I was denied for life insurance b/c of a trip to Africa. Is that record public knowledge for the other companies if I try and apply else where?

Public Comments

1. possible, but unlikely, it will definitely be shared with any parent or subsidiary companies. In any case, you do realise that it's illegal to wilfully omit or misrepresent anything on an insurance application? If the insurance became payable, and any material information came to light that wasn't originally told to them, it would void the entire policy on the spot.
2. supposedly not - because it would be a Hippa violation - read the laws about it.
3. I would not be at all surprised if this didn't show on insurance reporting databases, and if it does it would not be a violation of HIPAA. Whether it is shared or not the bottom line is that you must disclose it, as lying on an application for insurance is against the law. You can be charged with a crime if it is discovered, and as it is a material misrepresentation then the company can deny a claim and non-issue the policy. Most insurance companies will not issue the policy if you are going to an international "hot spot", or area they deem to be a significant risk. So you are best off waiting until your return to take out a policy. The good news is that a denial for travel won't be held against you unless you regularly travel to that area, or other hot spots. Good luck, and have a great time in Africa!
4. It's not PUBLIC, but the other insurance companies will have access to it. You sign off on the application that they can investigate you, and the denial reason will be on file with MIB. So you can't lie about the trip to the next guy, if that's what you're getting at.
5. Most insurance companies share general information about applicants through the MIB. It will not list the specific reason you were denied coverage, but will allude to it using various codes. The MIB does not share information that would be in violation of HIPAA and it is not public. Having said that, as long as your trip to Africa (which country?) is less than 4 weeks, any insurance broker on the street should be able to find you coverage. A previous denial does not disqualify you. If you are going for longer than 4 weeks, you may need to work with a specialist like me, particularly if you want coverage for war and terrorism. Good luck
6. When you signed your application you gave the company the right to report their findings to MIB. The next company you apply to will most likely check MIB and see information from your previous application. Most companies will not deny you coverage simply for a visit to Africa. I would encourage you to just apply with another company. An independent agent that works with multiple insurance companies may be able to help you find companies that will offer you coverage.
7. When you sign up for life insurance, you also sign a HIPPA release. Your denial from one insurance company goes on what is called the MIB (medical information bureau) and all insurance companies pull this report as soon as they get your application. Much like a credit report. It will show you were denied. I have clients that travel out of the country all the time, and were not denied. Are you sure that was the only reason. Sounds odd to me. All you need to do if fill out a foreign travel disclosure and that shouldn't be a problem.
8. Its not public knowlege, but it will exist in the MIB. Was the policy denied due to a previous trip to Africa or an upcoming one? There is a difference. A few years ago, a lot of companies were denying anyone who had been to England within 12 months due to Mad Cow. And if you were planning a trip to England, it was almost impossible. You need to talk to an agent who would be willing to research (its called a pre-application) which companies would write you. An Africa trip isn't like being HIV positive and all companies will deny you coverage, it will vary with each one.