Life Insurance & Annuities Forum

Aug. 8, 2007

I want to apply for life insurance but I have been getting conflicting advice from my coworkers about the medical bureau that keeps central records.

One person told me that I should get a copy of these records before I apply, but someone else warned that this would be reported to any life insurance companies I applied to for coverage (I have a condition and want to know if it's in their files). What should I do?

Tom, Virginia

The easiest way for you to check to see if the Medical Information Bureau (MIB) has a file on you and whether that file is accurate is to request a copy of your record.

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you have a right to see and correct the information the MIB has on you. While it may not be common for people to request their records, even if an insurance company did find out about your request, it would probably be viewed no more suspiciously than someone wanting to look at their credit rating before applying for a loan.

The MIB Web site tells you how to request your file. If you want to obtain it with a minimum of delay, you can print, fill out, and send in a Request for Disclosure form. (You'll need Adobe Acrobat to read and print the file.)

If you've been denied insurance coverage because of your MIB record, and are requesting your file within 60 days of the denial, you can get a copy of your MIB record for free. Otherwise, you will need to send $8.50 (payable by credit card, check, or money order) with your request — in the same way that you must pay to see your credit rating unless you've been turned down for a loan. Expect a response within 30 days. Or, you may prefer to write them directly:

MIB Inc.
P.O. Box 105
Essex Station
Boston, MA 02112

For more information, read What your health, life, and disability insurers know about you.

Back to the Forum

Disclaimer: We are journalists, not financial planners or insurance brokers. Nothing we say should be interpreted as a recommendation to buy or sell any insurance product, or to provide other financial or legal advice.