Family history impact refers to how close relatives' diseases-particularly premature cardiovascular disease or aggressive cancers-affect underwriting outcomes. Early deaths among first-degree relatives may preclude preferred classes even when the applicant is healthy. Carriers weigh diagnoses, ages at onset, and current screening. Documented negative screenings and healthy lifestyle factors can mitigate, but not eliminate, adverse family history effects.

Advisors collect detailed family histories-diagnoses, ages, outcomes-to anticipate preferred class eligibility. They encourage clients to obtain screenings appropriate to their risk profile. Clear, documented histories help underwriters differentiate sporadic cases from hereditary patterns and can yield better offers for otherwise healthy applicants.