What to Expect When You Need a Medical Exam for Life Insurance
Quick Facts
A medical life insurance exam is a crucial part of the underwriting process
The medical exam is free, and you can receive the results yourself
A life insurance medical exam determines your rates and eligibility
Like most people, you need life insurance if something happens to you in the future. You may discover that one of the requirements for life insurance is taking a medical exam.
A life insurance payout eliminates the financial burden of your funeral, increases cash value, and provides your beneficiaries with a small inheritance depending on the type of policy. However, one deterrent from buying a life insurance policy is undergoing a medical exam.
One could dread a medical exam because they don’t have time or hate visiting the doctor’s office. Whatever the case, you shouldn’t let a medical exam prevent you from making a positive life decision.
With that said, let’s go over everything you should expect when you undergo an upcoming medical exam.
What does a life insurance medical exam involve?
Medical exams for life insurance usually involve a physical assessment, blood test, urine test, and an EKG (electrocardiogram). The physical examination will document your height, weight, and blood pressure.
The examiner may also evaluate your heart and lungs by listening to them with a stethoscope. Blood and urine tests detect any signs of disease or other health conditions that could affect the outcome of a life insurance policy.
An EKG checks for heart problems or irregularities in the heart’s electrical activity.
Your insurer may request additional tests like an X-ray or electroencephalogram, depending on your age and risk factors. Your doctor may also ask questions about personal and family medical history.
However, it’s important to mention that medical exams will differ based on age and insurance company.
For example, if you’re over 50, your medical examinations may include additional tests such as mammograms, prostate check-ups, and bone density scans.
If you have specific questions about what your exam includes, it’s best to contact the physician or insurance company for more details.
The purpose of the life insurance health exam is to provide the insurance company with accurate information to make an informed decision on whether or not to issue a policy.
The exam may take up to an hour but generally lasts around 30 minutes. It’s important to answer all the questions accurately to avoid getting denied coverage.
Once all the tests are complete, your examiner will review the results with you before submitting them to the insurance company for review.
If approved, you’ll receive a written notification, and your policy will begin once premiums get paid.
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Why do life insurance companies require a medical exam?
Life insurance companies require a medical exam for several reasons. First, the life insurance company needs to determine the risk associated with insuring an individual.
The medical exam helps the company identify any pre-existing conditions that could increase the risk of death or serious illness in the future.
Additionally, the life insurance company must accurately understand an applicant’s current health status and any potential risks associated with their lifestyle habits, such as smoking, drinking, and drug use.
This information helps companies assess how likely they are to experience a premature death or serious illness due to these factors to evaluate better how much coverage they should offer and at what cost.
Finally, having the results of a medical exam on file allows life insurance companies to adjust premiums and coverage if an individual’s health status changes over time.
By requiring a medical exam, life insurance companies can provide their customers with the best possible coverage at the lowest possible cost. However, not all life insurance companies require medical exams.
Depending on your chosen policy, you may or may not be required to submit a medical exam.
What information should you bring to the medical exam?
When preparing for a medical exam, it’s a good idea to bring along any relevant health information that may be applicable, including a list of current medications, previous medical history, and the results of any recent tests or examinations.
Additionally, it’s also helpful to bring along immunization records, insurance information, and contact details for your primary care physician. It’s important to provide as much detailed information as possible so the doctor can make an informed decision about your health.
Lastly, if you have specific questions or concerns regarding your condition or treatment plan, remember to write them down before your appointment so you can address them during the visit.
Having all this information readily available will help ensure you get the most out of each medical visit.
How to Get a Life Insurance Medical Exam
Life insurance medical exams are an important part of the life insurance application process. The exam assesses your overall health and risk factors for any potential medical conditions, so you must take the time to prepare for the exam properly.
Before your life insurance medical exam, you’ll need to provide personal information like height, weight, and blood pressure readings. You may also get asked questions about your lifestyle or family history of diseases.
It’s best to come prepared with this information to answer these questions accurately.
You should also ensure you get plenty of rest before your exam date so your body is well-rested and able to handle the physical testing. You don’t want to be tired or sluggish during the exam, as this could impact your results.
During the exam, a medical professional will take samples of your blood and urine for testing. They may also conduct physical tests such as checking your heart rate and lung capacity, measuring your height and weight, listening to your heart and lungs, or performing an electrocardiogram (ECG).
Most exams are brief and last up to 45 minutes. It’s important to stay informed throughout the life insurance application process so you know what to expect from the medical exam.
Your life insurance company can provide more information about their specific requirements for the exam if needed. The insurance company will partner with a paramedical service to perform the exam. Finally, you can have the exam done at your home or workplace.
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How should I prepare for the medical exam?
Preparation for the medical exam depends largely on the type of exam. However, here are some general tips to keep in mind when preparing for any medical examination:
Keep your medical records up-to-date. Ensure you have all of your medical records up-to-date and available, including any recent blood tests or X-rays that may be necessary as part of the exam.
Gather information about potential tests. Know what types of tests you’ll undergo during your medical examination to prepare accordingly. For example, if you require a urine sample, drink plenty of water before the appointment to collect an adequate sample.
Follow your doctor’s instructions. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions or guidelines before the medical exam, like avoiding certain foods or drinks, fasting for a specific period, or changing medications.
Wear appropriate clothing. If you’re undergoing a life insurance physical, wearing clothes that allow easy access for testing and examination can help ensure an efficient appointment. Women should also consider wearing a blouse with straps instead of a bra when attending the appointment if necessary.
Relax. A medical examination can be intimidating, but it’s important to remain relaxed and calm throughout the process. If you feel nervous about the appointment, talk to your doctor beforehand and discuss any worries or concerns you may have.
Following these tips and preparing in advance can ensure an efficient and successful medical exam.
Receiving the Results of Your Life Insurance Medical Exam
Your life insurance medical exam results are an important part of the underwriting process. Depending on the policy you applied for and the insurer, it could take anywhere from one to four weeks to get your results backs.
Once you receive your medical exam results, you should consider a few things. First, ensure all the information is correct, including your name and date of birth.
Next, check for any changes or anomalies in your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other health-related stats measured during the physical.
Finally, if there are any issues with the results or something looks off, contact the insurance company immediately to explain what happened and ask if they can provide a different outcome to ensure all parties are satisfied with the medical exam results.
If everything looks good with your test results, you’ll usually get a letter confirming your policy was approved. Keep this letter in a safe place in case anything changes or comes up during the term of your policy.
What are some other ways an insurance company can get your medical information?
Insurance companies can get your medical information through health questionnaires when applying for coverage by asking you to sign a release form allowing them to access your medical records from other companies, requesting results from laboratory tests, or having you take a physical exam.
They may also check prescription drug databases or access public records such as death certificates or motor vehicle reports.
Additionally, some insurance companies use third-party sources, like employers and healthcare organizations, to obtain additional medical information about their customers.
Finally, insurance companies can also use predictive analytics and digital health tracking technologies to analyze customers’ behavior patterns better and assess their risk levels.
Overall, the goal of any insurance company is to acquire accurate and sufficient information to assess their customers’ risk levels and provide them with the best possible coverage.
Consumers need to be aware of how insurance companies collect medical information and ensure their privacy gets respected at all times.
A clear understanding of these processes can help ensure you get the most out of your insurance policy.
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How can I avoid a medical exam?
The best way to avoid a medical exam is to stay healthy and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Get regular check-ups, eat nutritious food, exercise regularly, manage stress, and avoid smoking or using drugs.
If you can’t pass the medical exam due to pre-existing conditions or other health issues, alternatives may be available to help you obtain coverage.
For example, some insurers may offer modified plans with reduced benefits, higher deductibles, or caps on coverage for certain conditions.
You should always consult an insurance professional before deciding between your healthcare coverage options.
Finally, make sure you understand any insurance policy’s terms before purchasing it. Ask questions if you don’t understand something, and know exactly what coverage you’re getting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will no-exam life insurance cost more?
No-exam life insurance is generally more expensive than traditional life insurance because it involves less underwriting. However, the cost difference will depend on several factors, including age and health.
What does a medical exam consist of for life insurance?
A medical exam for life insurance may include a physical examination, lab tests, and questions about your health history. The purpose is to provide information to the insurer to assess the risk you present, determine your eligibility, and set your premiums.
What medical conditions disqualify you from life insurance?
It’s difficult to be certain about specific medical conditions that can disqualify you from receiving life insurance. Many insurers have certain conditions they consider high-risk and may not offer coverage.
Common disqualifying conditions include diabetes, sleep apnea, a history of stroke, cancer, heart disease, or mental health disorders.
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Rachael Brennan has been working in the insurance industry since 2006 when she began working as a licensed insurance representative for 21st Century Insurance, during which time she earned her Property and Casualty license in all 50 states.
After several years she expanded her insurance expertise, earning her license in Health and AD&D insurance as well. She has worked for small health in…
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Written by
Rachael Brennan
Licensed Insurance Agent
Benjamin Carr was a licensed insurance agent in Georgia and has two years’ experience in life, health, property and casualty coverage. He has worked with State Farm and other risk management firms. He is also a strategic writer and editor with a background in branding, marketing, and quality assurance. He has been in military newsrooms — literally on the frontline of journalism.
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Reviewed by
Benji Carr
Former Licensed Life Insurance Agent
