Life Insurance Quotes

                                                               

           
 
    

Life Insurance Medical Exams

If you are shopping for life insurance, then you'll eventually get to the part where you have to schedule a life insurance physical exam. Learn what to expect and how you can prepare.

Life insurance companies require you to go through a medical exam so they can determine which health class you fall under and that determines what rate you'll pay for your coverage.

The company will send a nurse or paramedical to come to your home or work to do the exam. They are independent contractors who are hired by the life insurance company.

What to expect from the exam

The paramedical examiner will take down some basic information about your health history. They will also measure your height and weight, blood pressure, and they will take blood and urine samples. There may be other tests depending on the face amount you are applying for and which company it is.

What they are testing for

The insurance company will be looking for any health issues that may shorten your lifespan. Your blood samples will be used to test for HIV, hepatitis, liver or kidney disorders, diabetes, prostate specific antigen (PSA), and immune disorders. They will also check for the presence of nicotine and measure your cholesterol levels. The urinalysis may be used to screen for medications and drugs.

The results of these tests are submitted to the life insurance company for an underwriter to review. Your application and lab results are used to determine your health rating, which determines the premium you pay. At that point, you will either be approved or denied, or the underwriter may request more information from you.

Can I prepare for an exam?

The answer to this questions is yes and no. If you are a smoker, then you can't simply not smoke the day before and hope nicotine won't show up. But there are things that you can do to get the best results.

  • Avoid salty, greasy, or high sugar foods for at least 24 hours before the exam
  • Do not drink any coffee or other caffeinated beverage before the exam
  • No alcohol for 24 hours before the exam
  • Get a good night's rest
  • Schedule your exam for first thing in the morning before the stress of the day begins to weigh on you

If you don't want to go through an exam

There are other options available to you if you don't want to go through with a medical exam for life insurance.

Policies that do not require a medical exam will have higher premiums than a fully underwritten policy. If you want something that is fast and convenient, then these policies are an option for you.

Get a free no obligation quote today and compare multiple quotes from the nation's highest rated carriers. Remember that all life insurance carriers have different rates, so it pays to compare.