Life Insurance Medical Exams and Blood Tests
Some life insurance policies —particularly ones with a high-value death benefit — may require you to take a medical exam or submit a blood test in order to be approved. Read on to learn more about medical exams and life insurance.
Exams That May Be Required for Life Insurance
To qualify for life insurance, a potential policyholder may be required to take a medical exam. Insurers want to determine how much of a risk it is to cover an applicant. If you're unhealthy, there's a bigger chance that you could die while your policy is in effect. That means there's a bigger chance the insurance company will have to pay out a death benefit.
That's why people who are older or unhealthy typically pay higher premiums than those who aren't. Policies that offer substantial death benefits are usually "fully underwritten" and require a medical exam to uncover risk.
A life insurance medical exam is a lot like your annual physical you receive at the doctor's office. A medical examiner from the insurance company will come to your home or office to conduct the testing, at no cost to you.
- A series of medical history questions
- Height and weight measurements
- Vital signs (pulse, blood pressure)
- Urine and blood samples
- In some cases, an electrocardiogram (EKG) to check heart health
In addition, the life insurance company may request medical records and/or make the results of the exam available to the potential policyholder's doctor.
How to Prepare for Medical Exams
A medical exam can uncover certain red flags insurance companies look for. They include:
- High blood pressure
- Use of tobacco, alcohol or drugs
- Elevated cholesterol
- Elevated glucose
To get the best possible results from your exam, it's recommended you take the following steps leading up to it:
- Limit caffeine, sugar and alcohol
- Stay well-hydrated, but don't overdo it
- Avoid stress
- Get plenty of sleep
- Avoid vigorous exercise right before the exam
- Fast during the hours leading up the exam — it can skew blood test results
Speak With an Agent
To learn more about life insurance options and enroll in a life insurance policy that will protect your family, connect with a licensed life insurance agent by calling 1-855-303-4640. You can also request a quote online.
*Applications for insurance may be subject to acceptance by insurer. Rates and coverage amounts will depend upon the carrier selected.
