Underwriting is the process of evaluating the eligibility of an applicant for insurance and determining the type of cover they can have and the price or premium they pay for it. The underwriter will take many factors into account such as current and previous medical history, lifestyle, occupation, and participation in any hazardous sports and travel. The underwriter at an insurer needs to review an applicant’s previous medical history and current health and determine what information may be required to correctly assess whether there is an increase in the applicant’s mortality and morbidity. They will often refer to an underwriting manual which is the cornerstone of an insurers’ underwriting philosophy. In some countries, the process may be based on a paper process whereas others will use a high degree of automation.