Reinsurance company Gen Re has released new data on how US insurers are managing the underwriting process for group medical Evidence of Insurability (EOI) applications.
The findings are based on its 2025 underwriting survey, which examined staffing strategies, processing methods, and operational challenges across 21 participating companies.
Insurers collectively processed over 2.7 million EOI applications in 2024, according to the survey. The average turnaround time to complete an application was reported at 11 business days.
Automation continues to play a role in the underwriting workflow, with many companies deploying systems designed for straight-through processing. However, a considerable volume of applications still require assessment by medical underwriters, signaling that automation has yet to fully replace manual reviews in this space.
Survey participants also identified recurring issues in their underwriting operations. Managing surges in application volume during peak periods was a common concern. Companies also pointed to inefficient systems, technological limitations, and the need to upgrade or create new application tools to better support risk assessment.
Gen Re, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, operates in both the life/health and property/casualty reinsurance markets. The company provides reinsurance solutions and risk management services.
What approaches is your organization using to improve EOI underwriting processes? Join the discussion in the comments.
