Life Insurance: Can They Access Private Lab Results?

Life insurance applications involve a medical exam to determine eligibility and pricing. This typically includes a blood test, urine test, and a physical examination. The results of these tests can be accessed online or by requesting a copy from the testing company. However, there have been reports of delays and difficulties in obtaining lab results, which may be due to technical issues or the presence of sensitive information such as drug use. It is important to note that insurance companies have the right to investigate and deny claims if they find inaccuracies in the policy application.

How to access lab results

Life insurance applications are dependent on the results of medical exams, which include blood and urine tests. These tests are conducted by licensed examiners at the convenience of the applicant, either at their home or office. The tests are used to determine eligibility and pricing for the insurance policy. The results of these tests are sent to the insurance company for evaluation.

In the case of British Columbia, patients can access their lab results through the Ministry's Health Gateway website. This allows patients to access lab results from inpatient and outpatient settings, including results from BC health authorities and some private labs across the province. Similarly, patients in Ontario can access their LifeLabs tests online.

To access lab results, patients typically require some form of identification, such as a government-issued ID. Additionally, in the case of online access, patients may need to provide a password and valid email address.

• Schedule the exam at a convenient time, preferably in the morning, to ensure you feel energised and relaxed.
• Stay hydrated and eat well-balanced meals in the days leading up to the exam.
• Get adequate sleep the night before the exam to ensure you feel well-rested.
• Avoid strenuous physical activities for 24 hours before the examination.
• Provide a list of medications, including non-prescription medications, that you are currently taking.
• If you have a prepaid medical plan, have your medical record number ready.
• Fast according to provider instructions if a blood specimen is required.
• Wear lightweight and comfortable clothing to make the process of drawing blood easier.

It is important to note that each life insurance company may have its own specific requirements and procedures for medical exams and blood tests. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with the insurance company or a licensed examiner to understand the exact process and requirements for accessing lab results.

What the tests involve

The insurance medical exam is the most crucial part of the entire life insurance application process. It is a "mini physical" exam that is completed by a licensed examiner, and consists of the following:

• Blood and urine samples
• Height and weight check
• Blood pressure measurement
• A detailed review of your medical history
• An electrocardiogram (EKG) may also be required

The blood that is drawn during the physical exam will be checked for the following substances and levels:

• Albumin
• Alkaline Phosphatase
• Bilirubin Total
• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
• Cholesterol/HDL
• Creatinine
• Fructosamine
• Gamma Glutamyl Transpeptidase (GGT, GGTP)
• Globulin
• Glucose
• Glycohemoglobin or Hemoglobin A1C
• High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL)
• Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL)
• Aspartate Aminotransferase (SGOT /AST)
• Alanine Aminotransferase (SGPT/ ALT)
• Total Cholesterol
• Total Protein
• Triglycerides

The urine collected will be screened for the following:

• Cotinine
• Creatinine
• Glucose
• Granular Casts
• Hyaline Casts
• Protein
• Protein/Creatinine Ratio
• Red Blood Cells
• Specific Gravity
• White Blood Cells

In addition to these tests, the insurance company may also check databases for any prescription medications that you take.

For term insurance, the following tests are also commonly required:

• Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• Blood Sugar
• Kidney Function Test
• Liver Function Test
• Lipid Profile
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Test
• Echocardiography
• Chest X-Ray
• HIV Test
• Ultrasonography
• Comprehensive Trail-Making Test
• Treadmill Test

How to prepare for a test

Preparing for a test can be a stressful experience, but there are several strategies you can use to help you feel more confident and perform better. Here are some tips on how to prepare for a test on the topic of "Can life insurance applications find independent lab results?"

Understand the Material and Develop Good Study Habits:

• Start preparing for your test well in advance by cultivating good study habits. Review your notes regularly, create your own study guides, and take advantage of any practice tests available. Understanding and retaining information takes time, so avoid cramming the night before the test.
• Familiarize yourself with the format of the test. Will it be a multiple-choice test, short answers, or an essay? Understanding the test format will help you tailor your preparation accordingly.
• Make your own study aids, such as flashcards, or use flashcard apps for memorization. Outline essays ahead of time and practice math problems similar to the ones you expect on the test.

Gather Information and Materials:

• Before the test, gather all the necessary information and materials. Review your notes, textbooks, and any other relevant resources. Make sure you understand the topics and chapters that the test will cover.
• Identify keywords and key concepts. Understanding these can help you better comprehend and answer the test questions.
• If possible, obtain practice tests or sample questions from previous exams. This will help you become familiar with the type of questions asked and the format of the test.

Optimize Your Physical and Mental Health:

• Get a good night's sleep before the test. Adequate sleep will help you think more clearly, cope with test-taking stress, and improve your memory retention.
• Eat a healthy and nutritious meal before the test. Avoid sugary foods that can give you a quick energy rush followed by a slump. Opt for complex carbohydrates and healthy proteins.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Avoid caffeine and alcoholic beverages before the test, as they can affect your concentration and energy levels.
• Avoid engaging in strenuous physical activities 24 hours before the test. Instead, opt for a light workout or a short walk to help you feel calm and relaxed.
• Develop positive rituals to combat negative thinking and test anxiety. Engage in simple breathing exercises, listen to your favorite music, or visualize yourself succeeding on the test.

Test-Taking Strategies:

• Arrive early at the test center to help you relax and adapt to the test environment. Choose your seat, organize your materials, and get physically comfortable.
• Read the instructions and the entire test carefully before starting. Identify the structure of the test, the types of questions, and the time limitations.
• Answer the easy or familiar questions first to boost your confidence and relax your mind. Then, go back and tackle the more challenging questions.
• Read each question carefully and identify keywords. Keywords can give you insights into how to answer the question effectively.
• Manage your time effectively. Allocate your time according to the number and complexity of the questions. Don't spend too much time on a single question; move on and come back to it later if you have time.
• Review your answers before submitting the test. Double-check to ensure you have answered all the questions and that your responses are complete and accurate.

What to do if you can't access your results

If you can't access your lab results, there are a few steps you can take to try and resolve the issue:

• Check that you are using the correct login credentials for your account. Ensure that you are entering your username and password correctly, as incorrect credentials may prevent you from accessing your results.
• Verify that your profile information is up to date and accurate. Outdated or inaccurate personal information, such as your name, date of birth, or contact details, may cause issues with accessing your results.
• Confirm that the personal information in your profile matches the information held by your healthcare providers. Discrepancies between the information in your profile and that held by your doctors or the lab can result in delays in receiving your results.
• Contact the lab or testing facility directly. They may have specific instructions or requirements for accessing results, or they can help troubleshoot any issues you are experiencing.
• Reach out to your doctor's office for assistance. They can help clarify any questions or concerns you may have about accessing your lab results.
• Check if there are any state-specific laws or regulations that may impact the release of your results. In certain states, such as California or Pennsylvania, lab results may be held for a period of time before they are released to comply with state laws.

If you have tried these steps and still cannot access your lab results, it is advisable to seek further assistance from the relevant organizations, such as the lab, testing facility, or your healthcare provider. They may have additional guidance or alternative methods for accessing your results.

What to do if you're denied coverage

What to do if you're denied life insurance coverage

Being denied life insurance coverage can be stressful, especially when it concerns your financial needs. However, it's important to remember that rejection doesn't mean you're uninsurable. Here are some steps you can take if your life insurance application is declined:

Understand the reasons for denial

Before denying an application, insurance companies collect and evaluate data from various sources to assess your risk. You have the right to request detailed information on why your application was declined. This could include your medical history, exam results, driving record, or other factors. Understanding the specific reasons for the denial will help you take the next steps.

Confirm the results

Errors can occur during the data collection and evaluation process. Double-check the information provided to the underwriter, and if poor exam results were cited, confirm them with your doctor. Insurance companies may sometimes deny coverage based on new, undiagnosed lab results that may not be a justified reason for denial.

Work with an agent or broker

Consider partnering with an independent life insurance agent or broker who can help you navigate the process. They can work with you to understand why your application was rejected and create a plan to increase your chances of approval. Agents can suggest alternative insurers that may be a better fit or recommend lifestyle changes to improve your risk profile.

Explore alternative insurance products

If you are deemed high-risk by standard insurance companies, you may still have options through alternative insurance products. These include:

• Final expense life insurance — This type of policy is designed to cover end-of-life expenses and offers lower death benefit payouts at a higher price point.
• Guaranteed issue life insurance — This option is suitable for individuals with serious health issues or high-risk candidates. It does not require a medical exam and guarantees approval for applicants between ages 50 and 85.
• AD&D insurance — This insurance only pays out if you die or are injured in a qualifying accident. While it may not provide comprehensive coverage, it can be an option if you have difficulty qualifying for traditional life insurance.
• Group life insurance — Many employers offer group life insurance policies to their employees, even with pre-existing medical conditions. However, the coverage amount tends to be small, and you will lose the policy if you leave your job.

Make lifestyle changes

In some cases, insurance companies may postpone your application and provide specific requirements for approval. During this time, you can work on improving your risk profile by making healthy lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, improving your credit score, or addressing medical issues.

Remember, denial doesn't have to be the end of your journey towards obtaining life insurance coverage. By taking proactive steps, you can increase your chances of securing the protection you need.

Frequently asked questions