Retesting For Life Insurance: When And Why You Should

Life insurance medical exams are a standard part of the application process for most term and permanent life insurance policies. These exams are provided for free by the insurance company and typically take place at your home, workplace, or a local exam center. The exam usually includes a basic physical exam and a series of health questions to confirm the information in your application. The physical exam covers measurements of your height, weight, pulse, and blood pressure, and may also include an EKG, blood and urine tests, and an electrocardiogram. While you can retake your medical exam under certain circumstances, it is important to be honest and provide accurate information during the exam as insurance companies can deny coverage or cancel your policy if they find false or misleading info.

What is tested for in a life insurance medical exam?

A life insurance medical exam is a simple physical and part of the underwriting process. It helps the insurance company determine your health and mortality risk, and the results can affect your coverage eligibility and premium. The exam usually consists of two parts: a medical questionnaire and a physical examination.

Medical Questionnaire

The medical exam for life insurance may include a medical history interview, which is typically conducted over the phone before your medical exam. You will be asked a series of health-related questions, including:

• Any medications you take, their dosages, and how often you take them.
• Your family medical history.
• The doctors you've seen recently, their recommendations, and whether you've been hospitalized recently.

Physical Examination

The physical exam will usually involve:

• Checking your driver's license or other government-issued ID to verify your identity.
• Checking your height, weight, pulse, and blood pressure.
• Taking blood and urine samples.
• Depending on the insurance company's guidelines and your age and desired coverage amount, other tests may include an electrocardiogram (EKG), stress test and/or a chest X-ray.

The blood and urine samples are then screened for a variety of possible health conditions, including:

• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• HIV/AIDS
• Nicotine usage
• Recreational drug use
• Prescription drug use
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Hemoglobin A1C levels

How to prepare for a life insurance medical exam

Preparing for a life insurance medical exam is a simple part of the application process. The exam will be completed by a certified paramedical professional and will include a basic physical, as well as questions about your health, lifestyle, and medical history. The medical exam will help the life insurance company determine your eligibility for a policy and the rate they can offer. Here are some steps you can take to prepare for the exam:

In the weeks leading up to the exam:

• Drink plenty of water to help dilute concentrations of sugar and protein and clear toxins from your system.
• Limit your salt and alcohol intake. Too much salt can make your urine too concentrated and lead to dehydration, while alcohol can increase your blood pressure.
• Eat a healthy diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products. Avoid red meat and processed food with added sodium.
• Limit caffeine and nicotine.
• If you are a smoker, try to quit.

The day before the exam:

• Avoid strenuous activity and get a good night's sleep.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine.
• Drink a glass of water.

On the day of the exam:

• Avoid caffeine and strenuous exercise.
• Drink plenty of water and be well hydrated.
• Have a photo ID, your medical information, and any application paperwork ready.
• Wear short sleeves or sleeves that can be rolled up for the blood sample.
• Avoid eating for at least 12 hours before the exam.

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 a disheartening experience, but it's important to remember that a denial isn't the end of the road. Here are some steps you can take if your life insurance application is rejected:

Review the reasons for denial

Find out why your application was denied. Common reasons for denial include medical conditions, high-risk occupations or hobbies, lifestyle factors, financial considerations, and age or life expectancy. Understanding the specific reasons for your denial will help you address them effectively.

Consider an appeal

If you believe the denial was based on inaccurate or insufficient information, such as an error in your medical records or a false positive drug test, you have the right to appeal the decision. Contact the insurance company to request details of the denial and ask how to file an appeal. Provide any additional supporting documentation, such as medical records or autopsy reports, to strengthen your case.

Try a different insurance provider

Each insurance company has its own underwriting standards, so being denied by one insurer doesn't mean others will reject your application too. Apply to several insurance carriers, being honest about any previous denials. Working with an independent insurance broker or agent can be helpful, as they work with multiple insurance companies and know which carriers are more likely to approve your application.

Look for alternative life insurance coverage

Consider alternative life insurance options that don't require a medical exam, such as simplified issue life insurance, instant life insurance, guaranteed issue life insurance, group term life insurance, whole life insurance, final expense insurance, or veterans' life insurance. These options may have lower coverage amounts or higher costs, but they can still provide a degree of financial protection.

Make lifestyle changes

If your denial was due to health or financial issues, consider making positive lifestyle changes to improve your chances of approval in the future. This could include giving up risky hobbies or dangerous jobs, improving your health metrics by managing chronic conditions or losing weight, quitting smoking, or taking steps to improve your financial health, such as tackling debt and paying bills on time.

What to do if you fail a drug test

Failing a drug test for your life insurance application can have serious consequences, including increased premiums or denial of coverage. Here are some steps you can take if you fail a drug test:

Understand the Policy Details

Before proceeding, it is crucial to thoroughly understand the details of the life insurance policy. Some policies may have specific restrictions or guidelines regarding drug testing and the consequences of failing a drug test. Review the policy documents or contact the policy provider to clarify any uncertainties.

Communicate with the Insurer

If you fail the drug test, it is important to maintain open communication with the insurance company. Discuss the situation with a representative and ask about possible options. In some cases, the insurer might offer coverage at higher rates or with additional restrictions, especially if the failed test was due to prescribed medications. They may also allow you to retake the drug test at a later date.

Seek Retesting or a New Policy

Depending on the insurer's policies, you may be able to request retesting, especially if there are valid concerns about false positives or discrepancies in the test results. Retesting can help clarify the situation and potentially lead to a different outcome. Alternatively, consider acquiring a new insurance policy from another insurer. This option may provide more favorable terms, but be mindful of waiting periods and the potential impact on your premiums.

Make Lifestyle Changes

If your drug test results were due to illegal drug use, it is advisable to discontinue such habits immediately. Making positive lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, improving your diet, and increasing exercise, can positively impact your overall health and, consequently, your insurance rating. These changes may take time to reflect on your health, but they can increase your chances of obtaining better rates or approval in the future.

Consult a Professional

Consider seeking guidance from a licensed insurance agent or broker. They can help you navigate the complex world of insurance, especially if you're facing challenges with your application. These professionals can advise you on alternative insurance options, help you compare rates, and guide you through the process of retesting or acquiring a new policy.

How to avoid having a life insurance exam

There are several ways to avoid having a life insurance exam. Here are some options to consider:

Simplified Issue Life Insurance

Simplified issue life insurance requires a health questionnaire but not a physical exam. While these policies generally have coverage limits and more expensive premiums, they can be a good option if you want to avoid a medical exam. The application process is similar to accelerated underwriting insurance, but with fewer questions and less personal information checked. The turnaround time for acceptance is usually quicker, sometimes as soon as the same day you apply. However, there may be a greater chance of being turned down for this type of policy.

Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance

Guaranteed issue life insurance does not require a medical exam or any health-related questions, and you cannot be turned down for medical reasons. This type of insurance is typically more expensive than other options and offers lower maximum coverage amounts. Many policies have a "graded death benefit," meaning that if the insured person dies within a specified window of time after the start of the policy, the insurance company may refund the premium paid but not pay the death benefit.

Group Life Insurance

Many employers offer group life insurance plans to their employees at little to no cost, and these policies often do not require a medical exam. However, the coverage offered is usually basic and may not be sufficient for long-term needs. Additionally, the coverage may be tied to your employment, so if you leave the company, you may lose the insurance.

Workplace Life Insurance

If your employer offers a workplace life insurance plan, this could be an excellent choice, especially if you have health issues that limit your ability to purchase other coverage. These plans feature affordable group rates and may not require a health exam unless you apply for coverage over a certain limit.

Accelerated Underwriting Life Insurance

Accelerated underwriting life insurance uses technology to allow you to skip the medical exam portion of the application process. You answer questions about your age and physical health, and software analyzes your information along with other data available online, such as your pharmacy and driving records. Algorithms determine your risk of death and set your premiums, which are typically similar to traditional life insurance policies. The coverage levels are also comparable to traditional life insurance.

Choose a Policy that Doesn't Require an Exam

Some life insurance companies, like Aflac, offer policies that do not require a medical exam, depending on your state, age, and chosen plan. These are known as "no medical exam life insurance" policies and can speed up the process of obtaining life insurance. However, your provider may still ask medical questions or use past medical records to make an assessment.

Frequently asked questions