What to Expect from Your Life Insurance Medical Exam

If you’re wondering, “What can I expect from my life insurance medical exam?” you’re not alone. Many people feel intimidated by this process, but it’s a quick process that leads to financial protection for your family should you pass. When you apply for life insurance, many insurers will require you to take a medical exam at no cost to you. It’s a quick exam that typically takes less than an hour. It can even be conducted in your home, at work, or a medical center. It is generally your choice and what you find most convenient. The life insurance company will use your medical exam results, life insurance application, and financial information to confirm the rate they can over you for the coverage you want. This process is known as the underwriting process. Some form of underwriting occurs for every type of insurance policy whether it’s life insurance or home insurance.

How can I prepare for a life insurance medical exam?

Few people enjoy medical exams, but it’s important for the life insurance company to understand your current health and what type of risk they are taking by insuring you. The process is quick and easy, but there are some ways in which you can prepare. Booking your exam in the morning is the best time, since you will want to avoid drinking caffeine, smoking, or eating anything that would spike your blood pressure before your exam. It’s also a good idea to eat clean leading up to your medical exam, avoiding foods heavy in sodium or fat. Drinking lots of water, managing your stress, and getting adequate sleep in the weeks or days leading up to your exam can help keep your blood pressure down as well.

What are some common life insurance medical exam questions?

Why do I have to take a medical exam to buy life insurance?

The insurance company needs to determine the risk in insuring you. The worse your health, the more risk the insurer takes on. The medical exam is one way for underwriters to determine the current state of your health. The results of your medical exam will be included in the underwriting process and will determine the final price for your insurance coverage.

What can I expect to happen during my exam?

There are generally two parts to the life insurance medical exam. First, you will be given a medical questionnaire that asks you basic questions regarding your health, lifestyle habits, and medical history. Next is a physical exam similar to what you would expect from your annual checkup. They will take down your weight and height, monitor your heart, draw blood, etc. The exam further confirms the answers provided in your medical questionnaire.

Will the results of my life insurance medical exam impact my life insurance rates?

In addition to your application and financial information, your life insurance health exam results will influence your life insurance premiums. Some health factors can lead to higher insurance premiums including high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, HIV/AIDS and hepatitis, chronic illnesses, and hypoglycemia. If you use nicotine or recreational drugs that could increase your life insurance costs as well.

What are my options if I don’t want a medical exam?

You may not feel comfortable having a medical exam. There are no medical exam life insurance options for those who might not want a medical exam, aren’t in a rush, or are concerned about their current health. Insurance Best Prices can help you learn more about these options and if they are right for you.

What is Simplified Issue Life Insurance?

If you are between the ages of 45 and 85 and are looking for a policy that is $40k or less, this might be the right type of life insurance for you if you don’t want to take a medical exam. With this type of life insurance coverage, you will complete a health questionnaire in lieu of a medical exam.

What is Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance?

Another no medical exam life insurance option is guaranteed issue life insurance. You won’t have to answer an health questions and you can’t be turned down for coverage if you are between the ages of 45 and 85.