When you apply for life insurance, you will likely be asked to take a medical exam. The insurer will use the results of this routine checkup to help determine whether to sell you a policy and what your premium will be. Here, we explain what to expect and how to prepare for the exam.
Why Do Life Insurance Companies Require Medical Exams?
Essentially, a life insurance policy is a contract between the policyholder and the insurance company. In exchange for your premiums, the insurer agrees to provide financial support to your beneficiaries in the event of your death. To protect themselves financially, life insurance companies use a process known as underwriting to evaluate the risk of applicants, including life expectancy. This process involves gathering information about the health of the applicant. The medical exam provides a snapshot of your current health status and helps predict future risks.
What Happens During a Life Insurance Exam?
You cannot go to your doctor for a life insurance exam, but you can choose the place and time. The insurance company will hire a medical professional, such as a paramedical examiner or nurse, to perform the examination. The insurer pays for the exam, and the results are sent directly to the underwriting team, although you may request a copy.
The process takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes. It generally begins with a series of questions about your personal health and family history. The physical part of the exam may include the following:
- Height and weight
- Blood pressure
- Saliva sample
- Urine sample
- Blood work
- Electrocardiogram or treadmill EKG (depending on your age and the requested policy limits)
- Cognitive and mobility testing for older applicants
What Are Insurers Looking For?
Life insurance companies look for various health indicators in medical exams. These include body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, liver and kidney function, diabetes, hepatitis, HIV, prostate cancer indicators, illegal drug use, marijuana use, and nicotine use. In older applicants, they may also look for Alzheimer’s or other memory impairment.
How Can You Prepare for a Life Insurance Exam?
You cannot change your health overnight, but you can take certain steps to present your health status in the best light and help ensure accurate results:
- Get good sleep the night before: Rest can help stabilize your heart rate and blood pressure.
- Hydrate well: Drink plenty of water the day before and morning of your exam to facilitate blood draws and urine tests.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine: Consuming any of these substances before your exam could temporarily affect your blood pressure and test results.
- Eat healthy and light: Avoid high-fat or salty foods before your medical exam. They can affect cholesterol and blood pressure readings.
- Gather your medical information: Bring a list of your current medications, doctor contact information, and a medical history to the exam.
Do not worry if your health profile is not perfect. Even if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or other health issues, you may still qualify for life insurance coverage, although your premiums may be higher. Our friendly agents at Hank Ellis Insurance Agency are available to help. Call us today at (304) 472-8103.