Workplace Benefits
Everything You Need to Know About a Statement of Health
If you’re enrolling in or making changes to a group life insurance or disability plan, you may be asked to complete a Statement of Health (SOH), also known as Medical Evidence of Insurability (MEOI).
In short, it’s a list of questions you need to answer about your overall health (more on these below). Completing a Statement of Health is key to getting the coverage you need. Here, we’ve answered the most common SOH questions, so you can be more informed.
What is a Statement of Health?
A Statement of Health is a document containing a series of questions about your overall health — such as if you’re a smoker or if you’ve ever been treated for a medical condition, like cancer or high blood pressure. This information helps MetLife evaluate your life insurance application.
When would I need to complete a Statement of Health?
Several situations may call for you to fill out an SOH. Some of these include:
- Requesting an amount of coverage that exceeds a specified threshold set by your employer (MEOI levels vary by group plan and coverage type)
- Reconsidering your choices after waiving all or part of your employer-paid insurance
- A recent hospitalization (within the last 90 days)
- A salary increase that puts you over the MEOI level
- When you’re actively-at-work but not currently enrolled in the plan and experience a Qualifying Life Event
- When you’ve previously waived all or part of contributory or non-contributory insurance and now wish to be insured for all or part of the amounts previously waived (where applicable)
What is the SOH process?
If you’re required to fill out an SOH, you’ll be notified to complete the form. Once you fill it out, your application will be screened, and you’ll either be approved or denied coverage.
Is SOH information confidential?
Yes. We apply strict standards for privacy and confidentiality, as with all MetLife processes.
Is there a time limit on submitting my Statement of Health form?
Yes. The SOH process is time sensitive, so you’ll want to act fast. The amount of time you have to submit your SOH depends on your group’s plan. Typically, you have around 60 days to complete and return the form. After that period, you’ll need to contact your Employer/Benefits Administrator.
Can I complete a Statement of Health online?
Ask your employer what options for submission are available to you. If available, an online submission is a great method to complete your SOH. It’s quick, easy, and can result in a quicker decision. Visit your enrollment website for additional information.
What if I have an existing medical condition? Should I still complete a Statement of Health?
Yes. Even people with relatively serious medical issues may still be eligible for insurance coverage and should complete an SOH form.
Does a Statement of Health require a doctor’s visit?
Not typically. However, if you answer “yes” to any questions on the SOH, we may request an Attending Physician’s Statement (APS) or paramedical exam.
What’s a paramedical exam and why would I need one?
A paramedical exam is a physical exam, arranged by your insurer and performed by a medical professional, that includes taking blood and urine samples. It takes approximately 30 minutes, and there’s no cost to you. The need for a paramedical exam is determined by your age, the amount of insurance coverage you are requesting, and your answers on the SOH.
A MetLife approved vendor will contact you by phone, e-mail, or U.S. mail for an appointment, if necessary. You may also initiate scheduling your paramedical exam online if that’s where you completed the SOH.
What happens to my Statement of Health form once I complete it?
MetLife will review your SOH form and generate a response within 10 business days after receiving the information. The response will either notify you that additional information is needed or provide the final determination regarding your requested insurance coverage.
Once I submit my Statement of Health form, how can I make changes, if necessary?
If you need to make changes to your SOH form after you’ve submitted it, contact the MetLife Statement of Health Unit at 1-800-638-6420 (prompt 1).
If you have additional questions about your Statement of Health, talk to your HR manager, employer, or benefits provider.
What happens if I’m declined for this coverage?
If your SOH is screened and your requested coverage is declined, it will not affect your existing coverage or any amount of pending coverage below your plan’s MEOI level. However, you won’t be issued the additional amount of coverage you requested by submitting the SOH.
You can dispute declined coverage subject to the terms identified in the declination letter by calling MetLife at 1-800-638-6420. You must include medical documentation to support the reason for the dispute.
Completing a Statement of Health (SOH) for life and/or disability coverage may entail filling out paper applications, going online to your enrollment portal, or engaging via email. Check with your employer/benefits administrator about how to submit your SOH.
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Completing a Statement of Health form is as easy as 1-2-3. See for yourself!
Only applicants who reside in a US state, the District of Columbia, or Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico or US Virgin Islands are allowed to complete their SOH form online. Otherwise, applicants will be provided with a paper SOH form. Note: Individuals residing outside of the US or in a US territory that is not listed above must be on US payroll and be approved by MetLife before being provided with an SOH form.
*Whole Life is not available to residents of Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and US Virgin Islands
Like most group insurance policies, insurance policies offered by MetLife contain certain exclusions, exceptions, waiting periods, reductions, limitations, and terms for keeping them in force. Ask your MetLife group representative for costs and complete details.