Urinalysis Test for Life Insurance
When you apply for life insurance coverage, you may be required to submit a urine sample as part of your pre-approval medical exam. A urinalysis test can help life insurance companies check for certain medical conditions and illegal drug use. Those factors play a role in determining your risk level and how much you'll pay for your premium.
What Is Urinalysis?
A urinalysis is a set of screening tests that involve examining how urine looks, what's in it and its concentration. It can help detect illnesses and other health problems.
What Does It Test For?
A urine test checks for certain preexisting health conditions and diseases such as:
- Diabetes
- Kidney problems
- Liver disease
- Urinary tract infections
- Cystitis, or bladder inflammation
It is also a commonly used method of drug screening. Many illicit substances circulate in the blood, eventually making their way to our urine. Among other substances, a urinalysis is used to detect cocaine, marijuana, opiate and tobacco use.
Why Do Insurance Companies Use It?
Many insurance companies use blood and urine tests to determine the level of risk a potential life insurance policyholder might pose. If you have a preexisting health condition or a history of using substances, it’s more likely you’ll die while you’re covered, and the insurance company will end up having to pay out your policy.
Medical exams and urinalysis are used to double-check for these conditions, and allow insurers to better protect themselves — either by charging you higher policy premiums or denying you coverage altogether.
How Do Urinalysis Results Affect Policy Rates?
If you're in relatively good health, a life insurance policy exam may be beneficial to you — you will either qualify for a standard rating, or (if you’re in excellent health) preferred rating. Completing a medical exam and going through urinalysis will ensure that you get coverage at the best possible price.
On the other hand, if you test positive for medical conditions and/or drug usage, you may have to pay a higher price for your policy. Or you could be denied coverage altogether.
Do You Need To Undergo Urinalysis?
Not all insurance policies require urinalysis. There are “no exam life insurance policies” that do not require you to undergo urinalysis or medical examination, as well as “guaranteed issue”, or graded death benefit insurance policies — but rates for these types of policies are typically higher. Issuance of the policy may depend upon answers to health questions set forth in the application. These plans may have a graded death benefit for an initial period of time.
Also, if you get a life insurance policy through your employer, you most likely won't be subject to a medical examination or a urine test.
Still Have Questions About Urinalysis And Pre-Approval?
To find out more about life insurance coverage pre-approval, and how to get the best price on your policy, speak with a licensed insurance agent today at1-855-303-4640.
*Applications for insurance may be subject to acceptance by insurer. Rates and coverage amounts will depend upon the carrier selected.
