Jeffrey Wade
Life insurance medical exams are a routine part of the application process. They are used by insurers to assess your overall health and risk of diseases, as well as to verify your application answers. The tests can also be used to check for current drug use. The exam includes a blood test, which can show indicators of health issues such as high cholesterol, high blood sugar, and liver or kidney problems. While it is not common, some insurers may also test for cancer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To assess overall health, risk of diseases, and drug use |
| Required? | By the majority of life insurance companies |
| Who conducts it? | Third-party paramedical company |
| Where does it take place? | At home, workplace, or local exam centre |
| What does it test for? | High blood pressure, high cholesterol or glucose levels, indications of nicotine, tobacco or drug use, HIV/AIDS, STDs, diabetes, liver disease, enzyme levels, kidney disease |
| Preparation | Drink water, avoid alcohol and stimulants, eat healthily, continue taking prescriptions, get adequate sleep, wear lightweight clothing |
What You'll Learn
What does a life insurance blood test look for?
Life insurance medical exams are used to assess your health, confirm the information on your application, and screen for illegal drug use. They are standard for most term and permanent life insurance policies and are provided for free by the insurance company.
The blood test is not the only task of the examiner. Your height and weight will typically be recorded, as well as other medical information, such as what medications you take. You may have to give a urine sample, and in some cases, an EKG may be performed.
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Cholesterol, including LDL, HDL, and triglycerides (poor levels are associated with heart disease)
- Hemoglobin A1C, fructosamine, and glucose levels (indicators of diabetes)
- Creatinine, hemoglobin, and proteins (to find kidney disease)
- Urine acidity (for kidney issues or diabetes)
- Confirmation of application responses on drug and tobacco use
- HIV/AIDS
- Hepatitis
- High blood pressure or the use of beta-blockers, a medication to control high blood pressure
- Organ issues, including kidney infections, liver problems, and other organ-related issues
- Prostate cancer (for male applicants over 50)
- Enzyme levels, which can show if there is inflammation around your organs, including some cardiac or liver conditions
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How do you prepare for a life insurance blood test?
A life insurance blood test is usually part of a medical exam that assesses your overall health so that the insurance company can charge you the correct rate for your policy. The test can be done at your home, workplace, or a local exam centre. Here are some tips on how to prepare:
- Weeks leading up to the exam: Drink plenty of water to help dilute concentrations of sugar and protein and clear toxins from your system. Eat a healthy diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products. Limit your salt and alcohol intake.
- Day before the exam: Avoid alcohol and nicotine, red meat, and over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines and nasal decongestants. Get a good night's sleep.
- Day of the exam: Avoid caffeinated drinks, strenuous exercise, and wear short sleeves or sleeves that can be easily rolled up for the blood draw. Drink water, have a photo ID ready, and gather your medical information, including a list of medical conditions, treatments, prescription medications, and contact information for your physician(s).
- During the exam: Remain calm to keep your resting heart rate low, and stand as straight as possible for your height measurement. Answer all questions honestly, even if they make you uncomfortable.
- What not to do: Do not consume caffeine or use nicotine products within an hour before the exam. Avoid salty and cholesterol-rich foods, alcohol, and heavy exercise for at least 12 hours before the exam. Do not take any medications without consulting your doctor first.
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What happens if you fail a life insurance blood test?
Failing a life insurance blood test means that the results of your test indicate that you have a health condition or are at risk of developing one. This could include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high glucose levels, or indications of nicotine, tobacco, or drug use.
If you fail a life insurance blood test, the insurance company may charge you a higher premium for your policy. This is because the insurance company considers you to be a higher risk. In more severe cases, the insurance company may decline your application or cancel an existing policy.
If you are denied coverage or given a higher premium due to the results of a life insurance blood test, there are a few things you can do. First, you should request a copy of your test results from the exam company and the insurance company. If the results seem inaccurate, you can request a second exam. If the results are accurate, you may need to apply for a different type of life insurance policy, such as simplified issue life insurance or guaranteed acceptance life insurance, which have lower coverage amounts and higher premiums.
It is important to be honest when applying for life insurance and during the medical exam. If you are found to have provided false or misleading information, the insurance company can cancel your policy.
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What are the consequences of not taking a blood test?
The consequences of not taking a blood test when applying for life insurance can vary. Some companies offer no-exam life insurance policies, but these usually have drawbacks such as higher costs, limited death benefits, and fewer carrier options.
If you do take a blood test, the results could lead to a higher premium or even a denial of coverage. For example, if the test reveals that you are a smoker or have a serious illness, this could increase your premium. However, if you do not take the test, the insurance company may assume the worst and offer you a higher rate anyway.
Additionally, if you do not take the test and are offered coverage, the insurance company can still cancel your policy if they find out later that you withheld information or provided false or misleading info. For instance, if you are a smoker and this is discovered after your coverage has started, the company can cancel your policy.
Therefore, while taking a blood test is not always required, it may be in your best interest to do so in order to get the most accurate and favourable rates.
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What are the benefits of taking a blood test?
Blood tests are a quick and straightforward way to gain a wealth of information about your health. They are one of the most common types of medical tests and can be used to diagnose a range of conditions. Here are some of the key benefits of taking a blood test:
Diagnosing Disease
Early detection is critical to treating many diseases, including cancer, and blood tests are an effective way to detect diseases early. They can be used to diagnose conditions such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, anaemia, and coronary heart disease.
Checking Organ Function
Blood tests can assess the function of vital organs such as the liver and kidneys. For example, liver enzymes in the blood can indicate inflammation or liver damage, while kidney function tests can check for issues with blood pressure, pH levels, and mineral concentration.
Screening for Health Risks
Blood tests can identify risk factors for certain diseases, such as high cholesterol or glucose levels, which are associated with an increased risk of heart disease. They can also screen for nicotine, tobacco, or drug use, which are important factors in assessing overall health.
Tracking Hormone and Nutrient Levels
Blood tests can measure hormone levels, such as testosterone, oestrogen, and thyroid hormones. This can be important for detecting fertility issues or imbalances that may lead to disease if left untreated. Blood tests can also check levels of essential vitamins and minerals, helping individuals adjust their diet to meet their nutritional needs.
Providing a Snapshot of Overall Health
Blood tests provide a comprehensive overview of an individual's health, including organ function, heart health, metabolic status, nutrition, and immune function. This information is valuable for monitoring changes in health over time and making informed decisions about lifestyle and treatment options.
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Frequently asked questions
Life insurance blood tests do not specifically look for cancer. However, they do assess your overall health and risk factors, which can include potential indicators of cancer or other serious illnesses.
Life insurance blood tests generally look for health indicators such as cholesterol, blood sugar, and liver and kidney function. They also screen for illegal drug use and verify information provided on your application, such as smoking status.
It is recommended to schedule your exam for the morning, stay hydrated, eat healthy and balanced meals, get adequate sleep, and avoid strenuous activities prior to the test.
In some cases, you may be able to obtain life insurance without a medical exam or blood test. Guaranteed life insurance policies, for example, do not require medical exams but typically have lower coverage levels and higher premiums.
If the blood test results indicate any health issues or discrepancies with your application, it could lead to higher premiums or, in severe cases, a declined application. It is important to be honest and upfront about any health conditions when applying for life insurance.
