General Concepts

Concealment

Concealment is deliberate silence about something significant — distinct from innocent non-disclosure — and can give an insurer grounds to void a policy or deny a claim.

Last reviewed: May 2026 · Editorial methodology

Definition

While misrepresentation involves actively stating something false, concealment is the act of intentionally staying silent about a material fact the applicant knows the insurer would want to know. For example, an applicant for life insurance who knows they have recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer but omits that fact entirely (without being asked a specific question about it) has concealed a material fact. Under the doctrine of utmost good faith, both parties owe each other a duty of full disclosure, so concealment — even of facts not directly asked about on the application — can be grounds for rescission. Courts distinguish between intentional concealment and simple oversight; innocent failures to mention facts may be treated as misrepresentations rather than concealment. Maintaining records of everything disclosed during the application process can protect policyholders if concealment is later alleged.

Where this term matters

Life Insurance →Home Insurance →Health Insurance →

Tip

Glossary definitions are educational. Always check your own policy language — insurers can define common terms differently from one another. When in doubt, request a written explanation from your agent.

Related terms

MisrepresentationMisrepresentation occurs when a policyholder provides incorrect information — intentionally or accidentally — that materially influences the insurer's decision to issue a policy or set a premium.RepresentationA representation is a material statement provided on an insurance application that the insurer relies upon when deciding whether and at what price to offer coverage.Utmost Good Faith (Uberrima Fides)Utmost good faith, derived from the Latin 'uberrima fides,' is the bedrock legal principle requiring both parties to an insurance contract to disclose all material facts and act with total transparency.RescissionWhen an insurer rescinds a policy, it treats coverage as never having been in effect and typically refunds premiums, leaving the insured without protection for any losses that occurred.
Source: Cover Forge USA editorial team|Last verified: May 2026|Methodology
Definitions are educational and may be simplified. Always refer to your policy contract and consult a licensed agent for terms that affect coverage decisions.
CF

Cover Forge USA Editorial Team

Editorial Lead

This article was researched and written by the Cover Forge USA editorial team against federal sources (NAIC, CMS, FEMA, DOL, SSA, state DOIs) and standard policy forms. Bylines organize content by topic — they do not assert individual licensure. See our editorial-policy for details.

Reviewed June 2026

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