Life Insurance And Physicals: What's The Connection?

Life insurance companies may require you to undergo a medical exam before purchasing insurance with a large or guaranteed death benefit. The exam is similar to a routine physical exam and is requested and paid for by the insurance company. The specific tests included vary based on age and insurance company, but common tests include cognitive ability testing and treadmill stress tests. The exam helps insurance companies evaluate the risk of insuring you and determine your coverage amounts and premiums. While some companies require these exams, others, like TruStage, will provide a life insurance policy without a physical.

What does a life insurance medical exam include?

A life insurance medical exam is similar to an annual physical. The appointment takes less than an hour and can be done at a licensed testing facility, your home, or your workplace. The insurer will use the results to determine your eligibility for a policy and the rate they can offer you. Here is what to expect:

Health History Screening

The examiner will confirm the answers you provided on your insurance application and may ask additional questions about your lifestyle and health history, including:

• Tobacco, alcohol, and drug use
• Psychiatric or psychological issues
• Stomach, intestine, liver, or gallbladder diseases or disorders
• Chronic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, or heart disease
• Blood or immune system diseases or disorders
• Your family's medical history

Physical Exam and Tests

This includes basic measurements such as your height, weight, pulse, temperature, and blood pressure. It may also include:

• Blood, urine, or saliva samples
• Chest X-ray
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Treadmill stress test

These tests can reveal any undiagnosed health conditions or indicate an elevated risk for certain diseases.

How to prepare for a medical exam

Preparing for a medical exam for life insurance is important if you want to get the best results possible and, in turn, the best quote for your insurance coverage. Here are some steps you can take in the weeks and days leading up to your 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 intake as too much salt can make your urine too concentrated and lead to dehydration.
• Eat a healthy diet with whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products to help lower your blood pressure. Avoid processed food with added sodium.
• Limit your alcohol consumption. Stick to one drink per day for women and two per day for men. Drinking more can raise your blood pressure and reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure medications.

24 Hours Before the Exam:

• Avoid alcohol and nicotine as they can increase your blood pressure. Remember, a blood or urine test will reveal recent nicotine use.
• Avoid red meat, which is high in cholesterol.
• Avoid over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines and nasal decongestants as they can increase blood pressure.
• Get a good night's sleep. Sleeping less than six hours a night could increase your blood pressure.

12 Hours Before the Exam:

Refrain from strenuous exercise, which can also raise your blood pressure.

One Hour Before the Exam:

• Avoid caffeine and nicotine.
• Drink a glass of water to stay hydrated and make it easier to provide blood and urine samples.

At the Exam:

• Have a photo ID, such as a driver's license, state-issued photo ID, or passport, ready.
• Bring your application paperwork.
• Wear short sleeves or sleeves that can be easily rolled up to allow the examiner to draw blood and take your blood pressure.
• If you're providing a urine sample, make sure to drink plenty of water one to two hours before the exam.
• If you feel unwell on the day of the exam, consider rescheduling as even a mild illness could skew your test results.

How to get a life insurance medical exam

A life insurance medical exam is a routine part of applying for life insurance. The exam is similar to an annual physical and will be used to determine how much you'll pay for your policy. The process is quick and convenient, usually taking less than 30 minutes, and can be done at your home or workplace. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get a life insurance medical exam:

Step 1: Understand the Exam Process

The life insurance medical exam consists of two parts: a health history screening and a physical exam with tests. The health history screening will involve confirming the answers provided on your insurance application and asking additional questions about your lifestyle, health history, and family medical history. The physical exam will include basic measurements such as height, weight, pulse, temperature, and blood pressure. It may also involve giving blood, urine, or saliva samples, and in some cases, additional tests such as a chest X-ray, electrocardiogram (EKG), or treadmill stress test may be required.

Step 2: Prepare for the Exam

There are several things you can do in the days and hours leading up to the exam to ensure accurate results:

• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Cut back on red meat and foods that can elevate blood cholesterol levels.
• Get a good night's sleep the night before the exam.
• Avoid over-the-counter medications, alcohol, and smoking, as these can interfere with the results.
• Refrain from strenuous exercise, as it can elevate your pulse and blood pressure.
• Wear short sleeves to make it easier for blood samples and blood pressure checks.
• If required, follow any instructions on fasting provided by the examiner.

Step 3: Schedule the Exam

Once you have applied for life insurance, the insurer will typically assist in scheduling the medical exam. You will be contacted by the insurer's testing partner to choose a time and date for the exam, or you may receive an email with instructions to schedule it online or over the phone. You can choose to have the exam done at a licensed testing facility, your home, or your workplace, and the insurer will cover the cost of the exam.

Step 4: Provide Information and Samples

During the exam, be prepared to provide the following:

• Verbal confirmation of your health history, lifestyle, and social habits, including current prescriptions.
• Blood, urine, or saliva samples as requested by the examiner.
• Additional tests, such as an EKG or treadmill stress test, if required.
• Your signature for the release of your medical records.

Step 5: Receive the Results

The results of your medical exam will be shared with the insurance company, and they may request additional information or records from your physicians. This process can take up to 30 to 60 days. You can also request a copy of your medical exam results once the underwriting process is complete to share with your regular medical provider.

Cost of a life insurance medical exam

The cost of a life insurance medical exam is typically covered by the insurance company. The insurer will send a medical examiner to your home or workplace, or you can choose to go to a lab facility. The exam usually takes around 30 minutes and includes a medical questionnaire and a physical examination. The medical examiner will be a licensed phlebotomist, nurse, or, in rare cases, a medical doctor.

During the exam, the examiner will check your height, weight, pulse, and blood pressure. They will also take blood and urine samples for testing. Depending on your age and the amount of coverage you are applying for, you may also need to undergo an electrocardiogram (EKG), chest X-ray, or treadmill stress test.

It is important to prepare for the exam by getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and wearing comfortable clothing. The results of the exam will help determine your eligibility for coverage and the cost of your premiums.

How to avoid the medical exam

If you want to avoid the medical exam, you can opt for a no-medical-exam life insurance policy. This option is available in term or whole life insurance policies. No-medical-exam life insurance can speed up the process of getting coverage, and it may also help you find better rates and coverage options.

• You have a history of good health and would like to save time by avoiding a medical exam.
• You have known health issues and are looking to provide support for funeral and burial expenses quickly.
• You need coverage as soon as possible.

Keep in mind that even if you opt for life insurance with no medical exam, your provider may still ask medical questions or use past medical records to make an assessment. No-medical-exam life insurance is usually more expensive than policies that include a medical exam because insurers are assuming more risk.

There are three types of underwriting that don't involve a medical exam:

• Accelerated Underwriting: Many life insurance providers today offer no-exam policies and a faster application process. They use data and algorithms to quickly decide on a term life insurance quote. These options are generally available to younger and healthier applicants.
• Simplified Issue Life Insurance: The simplified issue life insurance underwriting process does not require a medical exam. Applicants answer a few questions about their medical history and lifestyle, and there might be a check of third-party data sources, such as prescription history. Because less information is gathered, simplified issue policies will have higher rates than fully underwritten policies.
• Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance: You don't need to take a medical exam or answer health questions to get a guaranteed issue policy. These policies are designed for people in poor health, usually older adults with limited financial resources, who are looking for a small policy to cover funeral and final expenses. Guaranteed issue policies are typically the most expensive type of policy for the amount of coverage provided.

Frequently asked questions