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Case Clinic Series

This series presents individual medical cases that feature challenging conditions, uncommon diseases, or an unusual presentation of symptoms. In each case, our team summarizes, explains our research and analysis, and suggests an underwriting recommendation. Munich Re’s team of global medical directors routinely conducts rigorous analyses of the latest medical advances so that primary insurers and society alike can benefit from evidence-informed risk assessments. It is our hope that exploring compelling cases will foster a greater understanding of medical research and awareness of new medical innovations and emerging risks while ultimately expanding insurability.

Pulmonary hypertension

The Munich Re medical team assessed a 50-year-old applicant with obesity and a history of severe sleep apnea. After treatment, follow-ups showed a remarkable return to normal health. The key question to answer: "How does this impact their insurability?"

Pancreatic cyst

The Munich Re medical team examined the insurability of a woman in her mid-60s with a 10-mm cystic structure on her pancreas, consistent with serous cystadenoma. The key questions to answer in this case: “What’s the appropriate management for this lesion?” and “Is she insurable?”

Von Willebrand Disease

The Munich Re medical team investigated the insurability of a person for life/critical illness (CI) insurance with Type 2A Von Willebrand Disease. The case included a history of severe nose bleeds, five ER visits in the past 12 months for the same, and mild iron deficiency. The key questions to answer in this case: “Should bleeding be better controlled before an offer can be made?”

Arachnoid Cysts

The Munich Re medical team investigated the insurability of a person who was seen by his doctor a year ago for headaches, and a subsequent MRI of the brain showed a 2 cm arachnoid cyst. The key question to answer in this case: “Does the lesion need to be fully removed with benign pathology before an offer can be made?”

Liver Hemangiomas

The Munich Re medical team investigated the insurability of a person with liver hemangiomas. The question to answer in this case: “Does the lesion need to be fully removed with benign pathology before any offer can be made?”

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