My husband and I are applying for life insurance. We will be going in for the exam provided by the insurer. I am under the impression that with our social security number, alone, they will be able to retrieve our complete medical history.

1) What source do they use to retrieve that information? (Some national database?)

2) Are we -- every citizen of the United States -- able to retrieve that same information for ourselves?

3) Is a history of asthma a reason to be declined for term life insurance?

(serious answers only, please)

Thank you!

They will use your social security number, which you gave to your medical providers.

It's difficult (and usually illegal) for an individual to access this information.

Your asthma history may affect your rates.