Did you know that there is a central database of people’s medical histories that affects your ability to get health and life insurance? Read more about how you can get a copy of your file for free.
The Medical Information Bureau (MIB)
It’s not quite as comprehensive as a credit report, but it does contain medical information, possibly about you that you should know about. The Medical Information Bureau (MIB) is a membership corporation that is owned by Member life insurance companies. They house medical histories and information on people that have applied for health or life insurance in the last seven years.
How Does This Affect Me?
When you apply for individual or family health, or life insurance, policies, the insurance company has access to the MIB. Some of the time your MIB record is requested by the insurance company you have applied to and compared to the medical information on your application. The information in your MIB file can help an insurance company determine whether or not they are going to offer you a policy.
Make Sure Your File is Correct
Sometimes your MIB file contains information you disagree with. It’s good to order a free copy and make sure everything is accurate, because it can affect your ability to get a policy in the future. You can request a free copy of your file by calling 866-692-6901. More information is available at the MIB website’s “Request Your File” page. Click here for their main page.
Making sure your medical file is correct is the first step in protecting your insurability. It doesn’t stop there. Make sure your doctor’s records contain accurate information. If you were diagnosed with a condition and it is now resolved, make sure your doctor notes it in your records. If you have stopped taking prescriptions, make sure that is noted as well. You can usually order a copy of your medical records by calling each doctor’s office and asking to speak to the medical records department.
by Jared Balis
