Glossary

Evidence of insurability

Health and other information an insurer requires to approve coverage, such as medical questions, records or an exam, often for amounts above guaranteed issue.

Also called: EOI, proof of insurability, statement of health

Evidence of insurability (EOI) is proof that a person meets an insurer's standards for coverage. It usually means answering health questions and authorizing the insurer to review medical records, prescription history and the MIB, and sometimes completing a paramedical exam with blood and urine tests.

The term comes up most in employer group life plans. Employees can usually get coverage up to a guaranteed issue limit with no health questions when first eligible, but above that limit, or when enrolling late, they must submit an EOI form, often called a statement of health. Hypothetical example: a plan offers supplemental life of up to five times salary, with $150,000 guaranteed issue at initial enrollment. An employee earning $60,000 who elects $300,000 gets $150,000 right away; the other $150,000 starts only after the insurer approves her EOI.

EOI also applies when reinstating a lapsed policy, increasing coverage on a universal life policy or adding a rider later. Some features let you skip it, including the conversion privilege and a guaranteed insurability option. A common pitfall is assuming payroll deductions mean coverage is in force: if EOI was never approved, the insurer may refund premiums instead of paying a claim. Check your benefits portal for pending requests. See supplemental (voluntary) life insurance at work and keeping group life insurance when you leave a job.

Last reviewed October 4, 2026

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Related terms

Underwriting The process an insurer uses to evaluate an applicant's risk, from health and lifestyle to finances, and decide whether and at what price to offer coverage. Insurability Whether, and on what terms, an insurer will cover a person, based on health, age, habits, occupation and other risks reviewed in underwriting. Group life insurance Coverage issued under one master contract to members of a group, usually employees, often at one or two times salary with little or no underwriting. Guaranteed issue Coverage an insurer must approve regardless of health, with no exam or health questions, usually for small amounts and with a waiting period. Guaranteed insurability option A rider that lets you buy more coverage on set dates or after life events such as marriage or a birth, without new medical underwriting. Reinstatement Restoring a lapsed life insurance policy to force, usually by paying overdue premiums with interest and proving the insured is still insurable.

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Related insurers

Unum Chattanooga workplace benefits insurer selling group and voluntary life, disability and supplemental coverage through employers, via Unum and Colonial Life.