What Is the Medical Information Bureau (MIB) and How It Affects Life Insurance in Canada
The Medical Information Bureau (MIB) is a shared information database used by life and health insurance companies across Canada and the United States. Its purpose is to help insurers verify the accuracy of information provided during insurance applications and reduce fraud or material misrepresentation.
Despite its name, the MIB does not store full medical records or detailed diagnoses. Instead, it holds coded indicators related to certain medical conditions or application disclosures.
Why the MIB Exists
Life insurance underwriting relies on accurate information to assess risk fairly. The MIB exists to:
- Promote honest disclosure during applications
- Reduce fraud and misrepresentation
- Help insurers maintain fair and stable pricing
- Protect consumers by supporting consistent underwriting decisions
It functions as a verification tool, not a decision-maker.
What Information Does the MIB Contain?
The MIB may include general codes related to:
- Medical conditions previously disclosed on applications
- Certain impairments or risk factors (e.g., diabetes, heart conditions)
- Hazardous activities (if previously disclosed)
- Prior insurance application activity
Important clarifications:
- No lab results, doctor notes, or charts are stored
- No treatment plans or medications are listed
- No lifestyle details unless disclosed on an application
The data is high-level and coded, not descriptive.
How the MIB Is Used During Underwriting
When you apply for life insurance, the insurer may check the MIB to:
- Confirm consistency between past and current applications
- Identify missing or conflicting disclosures
- Request clarification if something doesn’t align
The MIB does not automatically approve or deny coverage. It simply flags areas that may require review.
How Long Information Stays on the MIB
MIB records typically remain on file for up to seven years from the date they were reported.
If a condition improves, resolves, or was previously misclassified, the record does not automatically update — but it can be corrected.
Your Rights as a Consumer
Consumers have clear rights when it comes to MIB information:
- You can request a free copy of your MIB report
- You can dispute errors or inaccuracies
- Corrections must be reviewed and updated if validated
- Insurers must notify you if MIB data affected a decision
Transparency and consumer access are built into the system.
Common Misconceptions About the MIB
There are a few persistent myths worth clearing up:
- “The MIB is a medical file.”
→ It is not. It contains only coded summaries. - “The MIB decides if I’m approved.”
→ Underwriters make decisions, not the MIB. - “A code means I’m uninsurable.”
→ Codes often just prompt follow-up questions.
Why Honest Disclosure Matters More Than the MIB
The most important factor in any life insurance application is accurate, upfront disclosure. The MIB exists to support that process — not to penalize applicants.
Being clear and consistent helps:
- Prevent delays
- Avoid future claim issues
- Ensure coverage works as intended
A Final Perspective
The Medical Information Bureau is one of many safeguards built into the life insurance system to promote fairness, accuracy, and consumer protection.
Understanding how it works removes unnecessary fear — and reinforces why taking a thoughtful, transparent approach to life insurance decisions matters.
No pressure. Just clarity.