Loading
An increase to a premium applied because the insurer assesses the risk as higher than standard.
When an underwriter accepts an application but judges the risk above standard, it can add a loading — usually expressed as a percentage of the standard premium — instead of declining or excluding. Loadings are set individually, differ between insurers for the same history, and are written into the policy once accepted. Some insurers will review a loading later where the reason for it was a measurable factor that has since changed, but they are not obliged to, so ask in writing what evidence would be considered and when.
Where this comes up
Guides that use this term
- Weight, cholesterol and insurance underwriting
- Critical illness cover and pre-existing conditions
- Income protection and pre-existing conditions
- Diabetes and insurance cover: type 1, type 2 and underwriting
- Heart conditions and insurance: cover, underwriting and claims
- Insurance after a heart attack: what you can still get
- High blood pressure and insurance: how underwriters treat it
- Stroke, TIA and insurance cover









