Legal Definitions - good health

In the context of insurance, good health refers to a reasonable state of well-being, meaning an individual is free from any grave, serious, or significant diseases or conditions that would gravely impact their overall health or life expectancy. It is important to understand that "good health" does not mean perfect health; minor ailments, well-controlled chronic conditions, or successfully treated past illnesses typically do not prevent someone from being considered in good health for insurance purposes. This term is often used interchangeably with "sound health" in insurance policies.

Here are some examples illustrating the concept of good health in a legal context:

• Example 1: Minor, Common Ailments

  Maria applies for a life insurance policy. During the application process, she discloses that she occasionally suffers from seasonal allergies and takes over-the-counter medication for them. She also mentions that she wears glasses for mild nearsightedness. The insurance company reviews her application and medical history.

  Explanation: Maria's seasonal allergies and mild nearsightedness are not considered "grave, important, or serious diseases" that significantly affect the general soundness or healthfulness of her system. These are common, minor conditions that do not typically impact life expectancy or overall health in a serious way. Therefore, Maria would likely be considered in good health for the purpose of obtaining the life insurance policy.

• Example 2: Past Serious Illness, Now Resolved

  David applies for a new health insurance plan. Five years prior, he underwent successful treatment for a serious illness, but he has been in complete remission with no recurrence or ongoing symptoms since. His doctors have confirmed he is currently healthy and requires only routine check-ups.

  Explanation: While David had a serious illness in the past, his current state of long-term remission, without any active disease or significant ongoing health issues, means he is currently free from an ailment that "seriously affects the general soundness or healthfulness of his system." An insurer would assess the risk based on the specific illness and duration of remission, but his present condition could be considered good health according to the definition, as he is not currently suffering from a serious disease.

• Example 3: Chronic but Well-Managed Condition

  Sarah applies for a long-term care insurance policy. She has Type 2 diabetes, which she diligently manages with diet, regular exercise, and prescribed medication. Her blood sugar levels are consistently within a healthy range, and she has no related complications such as kidney disease or nerve damage.

  Explanation: Although Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition, Sarah's effective management and the absence of serious complications mean that it is not currently a "grave, important, or serious disease" that significantly impairs the general soundness of her system. Her condition is controlled and not actively causing severe health issues. Therefore, she would likely be considered in good health for the purpose of the policy, though the insurer might still factor the diabetes into their risk assessment.