Life insurance medical exams are a common requirement for life insurance applications. The exam is conducted by a certified paramedical professional and includes a basic physical with measurements of height, weight, blood pressure, and pulse. The exam may also include blood and urine tests, an EKG, and/or an X-ray. These tests help identify major health problems that could impact an individual's health, longevity, and eligibility for life insurance coverage. While the specific tests performed may vary depending on the insurer and the amount of coverage applied for, it is important to note that life insurance medical exams do not typically include a full confession of medical history. Therefore, it is unclear whether a paramedical exam for life insurance specifically checks for MS.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
What is checked? | Height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, blood, urine, oral fluid, EKG, X-ray |
Who performs the exam? | A certified paramedical professional |
Where is the exam performed? | At home, workplace, or a paramedical center |
How long does it takes? | 15-45 minutes |
How much does it cost? | The exam is paid for by the insurer |
How to prepare? | Avoid salt, high-cholesterol, and fatty foods, strenuous exercise, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol before the exam |
What You'll Learn
Paramedical exams are a common requirement for life insurance applications
The results of the paramedical exam are sent to the underwriting team of the life insurance company, who use the data to determine whether to approve or deny coverage and assign a rating class, which influences the premium paid by the applicant. The exam helps the insurance company assess the risk of offering a policy to the applicant and ensures that healthier applicants are offered lower insurance rates.
While some life insurance policies do not require a paramedical exam, these "simplified issue" or "non-medical" policies are often more expensive as the insurer may be taking on more risk. Opting for a traditional product with a paramedical exam can potentially result in cost savings for the applicant.
Preparing for a paramedical exam involves following certain guidelines in the days and hours leading up to the exam. This includes dietary restrictions, such as limiting salt, cholesterol, alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine intake, as well as avoiding strenuous exercise. It is also important to get a good night's sleep and stay hydrated by drinking water. Applicants should also have their identification, application paperwork, and relevant medical information ready for the examiner.
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The exam covers medical history and current health
A paramedical examination is a screening process used by insurance companies to determine an individual's eligibility for their life insurance policy. The exam covers medical history and current health, including measurements of height, weight, blood pressure, and pulse. The exam may also include blood and urine tests, an EKG, and/or an X-ray, depending on the insurer's guidelines, the age of the applicant, and the insurance amount.
The medical history portion of the exam involves answering questions about past and current prescriptions, family medical history, and any relevant medical conditions, treatments, and surgeries. The current health assessment includes physical measurements and the collection of blood and urine samples to test for health issues such as elevated cholesterol or blood sugar levels, and to screen for nicotine and drug use.
The results of the paramedical exam help insurance companies determine the applicant's eligibility, the premium amount, and the types of life insurance available to them. The exam typically lasts between 20 and 40 minutes and can be conducted at the applicant's home, workplace, or a designated exam centre.
Preparing for a paramedical exam involves following certain guidelines before the exam, such as limiting salt and high-cholesterol foods, refraining from alcohol and strenuous exercise, and avoiding caffeine and nicotine. It is also important to bring relevant information to the exam, including a list of medications, medical conditions, and physician contact information.
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The examiner collects blood and urine samples
During a life insurance medical exam, a certified paramedical professional will be sent to your home or location of your choosing to conduct a basic physical and collect blood and urine samples. The examiner will collect a few small vials of blood and give you a cup to provide a urine sample. The examiner will not accompany you into the bathroom.
The blood and urine samples will be sent to a laboratory for testing, and the results will be forwarded to the insurance company for assessment. The examiner will not know the tests performed on the samples or receive the test results. The insurance company will contact you if additional information is required.
The life insurance medical exam should not take more than an hour. The blood draw and urine sample collection will take 10-20 minutes, and the entire paramedical exam, including the blood draw and urine sample collection, will take 20-40 minutes.
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The results determine the insurance rate or eligibility
A life insurance paramedical exam is a screening device that insurance companies use to determine if you are eligible for their life insurance policy. The results of the exam will determine whether the insurance rates are affordable, rated, or declined, and they may even determine what types of life insurance are available.
The exam is conducted by a certified paramedical professional and includes a basic physical. It covers your medical history and current health. The examiner will measure your height, weight, blood pressure, and pulse, and sometimes even administer a resting EKG. The exam may also include the collection of blood, urine, and oral fluid samples, as well as an X-ray.
The results of the paramedical exam are sent to an underwriting team, who use the data in conjunction with your life insurance application for coverage. The underwriting team determines whether to approve or deny coverage and assigns a "rating class," which determines the premium you pay for the product.
The results of the exam can also help identify major health problems that might affect your health, longevity, and coverage eligibility. Issues like high urine acidity and high cholesterol levels can be indicators of future health problems, so life insurers may factor any issues identified into their underwriting process.
Additionally, the blood sample will be tested for drug use, both prescription and recreational. Testing positive for illegal drugs will likely result in automatic disqualification from traditional life insurance. It is important to note that each insurer has its own requirements and rating factors, so shopping around for life insurance can help you find a policy that works for your circumstances.
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The insurance company pays for the medical exam
The insurance company will pay for the medical exam, which is also known as the paramedical exam. This exam is usually carried out by a paramedical professional, who will come to your home or another location of your choosing. The exam will take around 30 minutes and will include a medical questionnaire and a physical examination.
The medical questionnaire will cover your medical history and current health. You will be asked about any medications you take, their dosages, and how often you take them. You will also be asked about your family medical history, recent hospitalizations, and any doctors you have seen recently.
The physical examination will include taking your height, weight, pulse, and blood pressure measurements. You will also be required to provide a urine sample and a blood sample, which will be tested for drug use and health issues. The blood and urine tests can identify major health problems that might affect your health, longevity, and coverage eligibility. For example, high cholesterol levels can be indicators of future health problems, so life insurers may factor this into their underwriting process.
In some cases, the physical examination may also include an electrocardiogram (EKG), a treadmill EKG, a chest X-ray, or a cognitive test, depending on your age and the insurance policy amount.
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Frequently asked questions
A paramedical exam is a screening device insurance companies use to determine if you are eligible for their life insurance policy. It includes recording an individual's height, weight, blood pressure, and pulse. The exam may also include the collection of blood, urine, oral fluid, and an EKG and/or X-ray.
The results of a paramedical exam determine whether life insurance rates are affordable, rated, or declined. They may even determine what types of life insurance are available.
During a paramedical exam, a medical professional will gather data about your medical history and current medical status. They will take measurements, like height, weight, and blood pressure, and the exams usually include a blood draw and urine sample.