When you sign your application, you are also signing an authorization for the insurance company to obtain medical records. This gives them the legal right to check with the Medical Information Bureau and obtain medical records from any physician, pharmacy or health care facility that has treated you. The look-back period will vary based on the type of health insurance (group or individual). But, it is usually sufficient for the insurer to determine if you have recently been treated for a specific medical condition. When the insurance company reviews your medical records, they have access to your office visit history, as well as any discussions you have had with your physician. In addition, your physician will often make notes on your medical chart that epress their professional opinion. Unless you periodically request a copy of your medical records, you will have no way of knowing what comments your physician has added to your records. It is the access to your medical records that allows the insurance company to later verify if the information you stated on your application was accurate.