What does the term 'underwriting' refer to in insurance?

Underwriting in insurance refers specifically to the process of evaluating risk and making decisions about whether to provide coverage for that risk. This involves assessing the applicant's information, such as health status and lifestyle, to determine the level of risk the insurer would be taking on by offering a policy. Underwriters analyze various factors to decide if the applicant qualifies for insurance, what coverage terms to offer, and how much premium should be charged based on the assessed risk.

This careful evaluation helps insurance companies maintain financial viability by ensuring that the premiums collected are appropriate for the risks covered. While setting premium rates, processing claims, and collecting premiums are important parts of the insurance process, they are not the core function of underwriting. Underwriting focuses directly on risk assessment and the decision-making involved in accepting or rejecting applications for insurance coverage.