Life Insurance Exams: Alcohol Detection And Implications

Life insurance medical exams are typically simple physical examinations that are often part of the underwriting process. The exam helps the insurance company determine your health and mortality risk, and the results can affect your coverage eligibility and premium. The exam usually involves a medical questionnaire and a physical examination. The physical examination includes checking your height, weight, pulse, blood pressure, and also taking blood and urine samples. While the blood test does not directly test for alcohol, it is recommended that you skip alcohol for a few days before the exam as it can affect your liver enzymes and cause an increase in blood pressure, which can impact the test results.

Avoiding alcohol before a life insurance exam

If you're preparing for a life insurance medical exam, it's a good idea to avoid alcohol in the days leading up to it. This is because life insurance providers use the information gathered during the exam to determine your overall health, which then factors into the premium they'll charge for your policy. Better health usually means a lower premium.

Consuming alcohol, even 12 hours before your appointment, may cause your blood pressure to rise and skew your blood test results. To get the best results, it's recommended that you avoid alcohol for 48 hours prior to the exam.

The medical exam will cover your medical history and current health. It will be carried out by a certified paramedical professional and will include:

• Asking about your health.
• Taking your height and weight measurements.
• Measuring your blood pressure.
• Collecting blood and urine samples.

• Get a good night's sleep the day before your exam.
• Drink a glass of water about an hour before your appointment.
• Make sure you bring a photo ID.
• Be prepared to discuss any health issues.
• Wear short sleeves and lightweight clothing.
• Schedule your exam for the morning.
• Stay well-hydrated.
• Avoid caffeine and nicotine products for at least an hour before your exam.
• Avoid salty foods and foods high in cholesterol, like eggs and cheese, in the day before your exam.
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 12 hours before your exam.

What to eat and drink before the exam

It's important to take your life insurance medical exam seriously, as the results can affect your rate classification and premiums. Here are some recommendations for what to eat and drink before the exam:

What to Drink

• Increase your water intake – Start drinking eight glasses of water a day in the week leading up to the exam. This will help to flush out toxins that could show up in your blood or urine sample, and it will also make it easier for the examiner to draw your blood.
• Avoid alcohol – Alcohol has a dehydrating effect and can affect your liver enzymes, which will show up on the blood test. Avoid drinking alcohol for at least 12 hours, and preferably 48 hours, before your exam.
• Avoid caffeine – The caffeine in coffee or tea can affect your blood pressure, so it's best to avoid these drinks before your exam.

What to Eat

• Eat more vegetables – Consume more leafy greens and less red meat in the days leading up to the exam. Avoid processed foods with a lot of sugar, salt, and fat, as these can raise your blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Fast for six to eight hours – Eating before the exam can affect your cholesterol and glucose levels, so it's best to fast beforehand. Schedule your exam for the morning so you're not hungry all day.
• Avoid certain medications – Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, cold remedies, nasal sprays, and allergy medicines can trigger false positives for things like amphetamines or opiates.

What not to do before the exam

It's important to take your life insurance medical exam seriously because the results can affect your rate classification, which helps determine your premiums. While you can't overhaul your lifestyle in the few days before your exam, there are some things you should avoid doing to ensure your body is in its best possible form.

What not to do before a life insurance medical exam:

• Consume alcohol: Even 12 hours before your appointment, alcohol can cause your blood pressure to rise and skew your blood test results. It's best to avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours prior to the exam.
• Eat salty and fatty foods: In the days leading up to your test, avoid high-sodium and sugary foods, which can raise your blood pressure or cholesterol.
• Engage in strenuous physical activity: Having an elevated heart rate could negatively impact your results. Avoid intense exercise for at least 12 hours before your exam.
• Drink caffeine or use nicotine: Caffeine and nicotine can affect your blood pressure and heart rate. Avoid these substances for at least an hour before your exam.
• Take certain medications: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and cold and allergy remedies can affect your blood pressure and cause false positives for amphetamines or opiates. Talk to your doctor before stopping any medication.
• Dehydrate yourself: It's important to stay well-hydrated before your exam. Drinking plenty of water can help flush out your system and make it easier for the technician to collect blood and urine samples.

How to prepare for a blood and urine test

• Diet adjustments: In the weeks leading up to the exam, make some healthy tweaks to your diet. Drink plenty of water to dilute concentrations of sugar and protein and clear toxins from your system. Limit your salt, alcohol, and red meat intake, and reduce your consumption of processed foods with added sodium. Focus on eating more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products to help lower your blood pressure.
• Avoid certain substances: In the 24 hours before the exam, refrain from consuming alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco. These substances can impact your blood pressure, liver enzymes, and the accuracy of your test results.
• Get adequate rest: Avoid strenuous activity and exercise the day before the exam. Aim to get a good night's sleep to lower your heart rate and improve your overall health.
• Schedule the exam for the morning: If possible, schedule the exam early in the morning, especially if you are required to fast for a certain number of hours beforehand. This way, you won't have to wait too long before you can eat again.
• Prepare the necessary items: On the day of the exam, have a photo ID, such as a government-issued ID, ready. Also, make sure to bring a list of your medical information, including any medical conditions, treatments, prescription medications, and contact information for your physician(s).
• Wear appropriate clothing: Wear short sleeves or clothing that can be easily rolled up to facilitate the blood draw. If weight is a factor in the exam, consider wearing lightweight clothing to get an accurate weight measurement.
• Follow examiner instructions: Your examiner will likely go over the questions you answered during the application process, such as health conditions and medications. They may also ask for your physician's contact information. Be prepared to discuss any health issues and answer all questions honestly.

What to do if you're denied coverage

Life insurance medical exams typically involve a basic physical examination and health-related questions. These tests are designed to identify major health problems and assess your overall health, which is a significant factor in determining the cost of your insurance. While alcohol consumption itself may not be directly tested for, it can affect the results of your blood pressure measurement and blood and urine tests.

If you are denied life insurance coverage due to alcohol-related reasons, here are some steps you can take:

• Understand the reason for denial: Request a copy of your test results and review them to identify the specific reason for denial.
• Seek legal assistance: Consult a lawyer or law firm specialising in life insurance claim denials. They can help you appeal the decision and navigate the complex legal process.
• Challenge the insurer's decision: If you believe the results are inaccurate or unfair, you can challenge the insurer's decision. For example, if your blood pressure reading was higher than usual, you may have grounds to request a second exam.
• Explore alternative insurance options: Depending on the reason for denial, you may be able to apply for alternative insurance products. These could include term life insurance, simplified issue life insurance, or guaranteed acceptance life insurance. Each of these options has different requirements and limitations, so be sure to review them carefully.
• Be honest about your alcohol consumption: If your initial application did not accurately disclose your alcohol usage, consider being more transparent in your next application. Misrepresentation or omission regarding alcohol use may result in claim denials or policy rescission.
• Seek support for alcohol abuse: If alcohol abuse is a concern, consider reaching out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) hotline or similar support services. They can provide confidential help and guidance.

Frequently asked questions