Entering a Life Insurance Policy contract is similar to getting an annual physical–the state of your health decides how much you pay for the coverage.
A routine medical check is a necessary component of the life insurance application and underwriting procedure. The health classification you receive, as well as how much you pay for life insurance, is determined by your medical. The examination takes around 30 minutes to complete and can be done yo If the medical examination determines that you are in excellent health. We’ll go through how it works so that you’re as ready as possible.
What is a medical exam for life insurance?
The health examination required for life insurance is usually a simple physical. Your insurance company often makes this part of the underwriting process to determine your risks and characteristics. This information helps carriers decide if they will approve your application and how much you will pay for the policy. So, most likely, you will need to take a life insurance exam before getting a policy.
A life insurance company’s medical underwriting process usually consists of two parts:
1. An assessment that can be scheduled at a time convenient for you, whether it is in the comfort of your own home or office, or at a laboratory facility.
2. The examination itself takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes to complete.
1. Health questionnaire
The life insurance company will ask you a series of questions about your health during a medical history interview, either over the phone or in person. These questions are meant to give the company an idea of how healthy you are and usually cover information. About any medications you take, including dosages and frequency.
Other questions may ask you about the doctors you’ve seen recently, their advice, and whether you’ve been in the hospital lately. These inquiries are often the same as those on your application. It’s critical to verify that your responses to these inquiries and the data.
2. Physical examination
The technician will start by asking to see your driver’s license or another form of government-issued identification. They will then begin the physical exam, which is likely to include checking your height, weight, pulse and blood pressure. They may also take samples of your blood and urine.
If you’re wondering if other tests might be required, such as an electrocardiogram (EKG) or X-ray, it depends on the insurance company’s underwriting guidelines. Carriers usually make their decision based on age and coverage amount.
When the exam is complete, the lab will screen the blood and urine samples for a variety of possible health conditions. These conditions can include:
- Having high cholesterol can lead to heart disease as it makes it difficult for your heart to pump blood. If your cholesterol ratio is 5.0 or higher, this functions as an indicator of possible future heart disease which could then affect how much you pay for life insurance coverage.
- Diabetes Depending on what type of diabetes you have, as well as how well you manage it, this disease can either positively or negatively affect your life insurance rates.
- If you have HIV/AIDS, it does not mean that you cannot get life insurance; however, your premiums may be higher than someone who does not test positive for the virus. Your case is well-controlled and managed with a doctor’s care, then you can still qualify for a new policy.
- If you use any form of tobacco, it can reduce your lifespan and cause various health problems. Smokers have their own rating class with higher premiums than non-smokers, and other risk factors can impact how much you pay.
- Recreational drugs, your blood and urine are tested to see whether you’re using any sort of drugs, whether legal or not. If you use other substances besides cigarettes or alcohol, such as marijuana, cocaine, or methamphetamine, your insurance may be cancelled.
- Prescription drugs, depending on why you need prescription drugs and what type they are, taking medications your doctor prescribes can affect eligibility and pricing. Also, when insurers review your application, they want to see that you listed all medications – no omissions.
- Blood test to detect STDs: The blood test will determine whether you have any sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Although STIs usually will not cause you to be rejected, they can have an impact on your premiums in rare cases.
- The blood test for liver disease will look at enzymes to determine if anything is hindering your liver function, including hepatitis or other diseases. Even though this alone may not result in a decline of coverage, it could affect the amount you pay for premiums.
- To test for kidney disease, the lab will analyze your blood’s hemoglobin and leukocytes levels, as well as your creatinine and BUN scores.
- The A1C test measures your average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. It’s combined with other exam factors, like your family history, lifestyle and weight, to determine if you are at risk for diabetes.
In general, the Life Insurance health check should be a quick and painless procedure for you. It allows your insurer to examine for a wide range of illnesses. As a result, it helps them determine your life expectancy and premiums.
Is a medical exam necessary for life insurance?
Some life insurance policies don’t require a medical exam, and they use your previous medical records instead. If you’re not healthy enough to be eligible for one of those policy types, then you’ll need to take a medical exam in order to get coverage.
Why is it necessary for you to take the medical exam?
The health examination provides the insurer with an understanding of how much of a risk you are to their business. If you’re in bad shape, they see you as more likely to make a claim, and therefore charge higher premiums.
How Do I Prepare for a Life Insurance Exam?
It’s worth mentioning that a life insurance medical exam is not a “pass” or “fail” situation. This test assesses your overall health risks, which influence your insurance premiums. It also confirms whether you answered the initial health questions on your application truthfully. Nonetheless, there are certain things you can do to get the greatest rate and ensure that you meet the criteria for the sort of policy you want. For example, starting several weeks before your examination:
- Watch your diet. If you want to lose or maintain weight, limit foods with added sugar. If you reduce sodium intake by avoiding high-sodium foods, your blood pressure will lower. And if you eat less red meat, your cholesterol levels may improve.
- Exercise moderately. Avoid having a strenuous workout the day of your exam, as it might increase your blood pressure. However, adding physical activity to your routine in general can improve your overall wellness.
- Stop smoking, vape, and use other tobacco products. Smoking is dangerous for your health in a variety of ways, so stopping sooner rather than later will give you a better rate. Some insurance companies may consider your smoking habits up to 10 years in the past when determining rates, even if you’ve recently quit.
- Reduce alcohol and caffeine, which can raise blood pressure.
- Stay hydrated. Not only is it a healthy habit to drink water but doing so also dilates your veins and makes blood draws easier.
- Fast 6 to 8 hours before the exam. A quick is required to ensure that your blood sugar and cholesterol levels are correct. Pro tip: Plan to have your appointment in the morning so you aren’t hungry all day.
What happens next after you take your life insurance medical exam?
Your life insurance carrier will most likely take a few weeks to evaluate your medical examination findings. They’re not searching for every little detail that might indicate a shorter lifespan. Instead, they’re focusing on the major indicators of an early death.
If any of your tests come back with abnormal results, your life insurance policy company might ask for a follow-up exam. Remember, both you and the insurer want the same thing–for you to get coverages. With repeat exams, underwriting usually takes no more than two months.
In the event you are denied health insurance coverage for any reason. There is always the option to explore no-exam medical insurance as an alternative.
FAQ
Do life insurance firms check your medical records?
Yes, life insurance firms do check your medical records. They’re looking for any major health risks that could lead to an early death. If you have any abnormal test results. Your life insurance company might ask for a follow-up exam.
What are some things you should avoid doing before a medical exam?
There are some things you should not do before going for a medical exam to achieve the greatest outcomes. Avoiding salty and fatty foods, engaging in rigorous exercise, drinking caffeinated beverages. Not getting enough sleep the night before the exam are just a few examples.
