Haris Ashley
Life insurance blood tests are a common part of the application process for life insurance. They are used to evaluate an applicant's overall health and risk of disease, as well as to check for drug use. The tests are typically carried out by a third-party paramedical company that takes a blood sample and performs a medical overview. The tests can reveal a lot about an applicant's health, including their cholesterol levels, liver function, kidney function, and HIV/AIDS status. They can also detect the presence of nicotine, tobacco, and illegal drugs. The results of these tests can determine an applicant's eligibility for coverage and the premiums they will pay.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To assess overall health, risk of diseases, and drug use |
| Required? | Yes, by the majority of life insurance companies |
| Who conducts it? | Third-party paramedical company |
| Where does it take place? | Your home, workplace, or a local exam centre |
| What does it involve? | Blood draw, urinalysis, measurements of height, weight, blood pressure, and EKG (in some cases) |
| What is tested for? | Cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, blood sugar, kidney function, liver function, HIV/AIDS, nicotine, tobacco, drugs |
| How long does nicotine stay in the system? | 1-10 days in blood, shorter in urine, longer in hair |
| How to prepare | Drink water, avoid alcohol, stimulants, salty/high-cholesterol foods, caffeine, nicotine, and strenuous activity |
What You'll Learn
What does a life insurance blood test look for?
A life insurance blood test is used to assess your overall health, risk of diseases, and drug use. The results give the insurance company very specific health information about you, which allows them to make exact estimates of your current physical health. The less of a risk you pose, the lower your premium will be.
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
- HIV or AIDS
- 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
- Tobacco, nicotine and prescription and recreational drugs
- Enzyme levels
- Liver disease
- Hepatitis B and C
- Blood glucose
- Organ issues: Kidney infections, liver problems, and other organ-related issues
- Prostate cancer (for male applicants over 50)
Life Insurance for Army Personnel: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
How to prepare for a life insurance blood test
Life insurance medical exams are a standard part of the application process for most term and permanent life insurance policies. They are used to assess your overall health and determine the level of risk you pose to the insurance company. Preparing for the exam can help you get the best results and lower your premiums. Here are some tips on how to prepare for a life insurance blood test:
- Schedule your exam carefully: Many people choose to schedule their exam first thing in the morning so they feel energised and relaxed. You may want to take a couple of hours off work to prepare for the exam without feeling rushed.
- Stay hydrated and eat well: In the days and hours leading up to your exam, focus on drinking plenty of water and eating balanced meals. Avoid salty and high-cholesterol foods, alcohol, and stimulants like energy drinks and coffee.
- Get adequate sleep: Getting enough sleep will ensure you feel well-rested for the exam and can help keep your blood pressure in check.
- Avoid strenuous activities: Avoid intense exercise on the day of the exam as it can change your blood pressure readings. However, a light workout a few hours before your exam may help you feel calm and relaxed.
- Wear lightweight clothing: Wearing comfortable, loose clothing can help you feel relaxed and make the blood-drawing process easier.
- Bring relevant information: Bring a copy of your medical history and a government-issued ID to prove your identity. You may also need to provide a list of medications you are taking.
It's important to note that the life insurance company or medical examiner may give you specific instructions on how to prepare for your exam and blood test, so be sure to follow their guidelines.
Gina and Life Insurance: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Why are blood tests required?
Blood tests are required for life insurance applications to assess the applicant's overall health, risk of diseases, and drug use. The tests are typically carried out by a third-party paramedical company that sends a nurse to the applicant's home or office to draw blood and collect a urine sample. The blood test aids in determining the applicant's risk group and insurance premium.
The blood test has several purposes and uses:
- Confirming the validity of the answers provided on the application form, including tobacco or marijuana use, and prescription medications.
- Revealing any undisclosed prescription medications.
- Detecting the use of illicit drugs.
- Assessing the applicant's overall risk to the insurance company.
- Providing specific information about the applicant's health.
The blood test results give the insurance carrier very specific health information about the applicant, allowing them to make accurate estimates of their current physical health and determine their risk group and insurance premium. The healthier an individual is, the lower their premium will be.
Life Insurance and Suicide: Willy's Story
You may want to see also
What happens if you don't want to take a blood test?
If you don't want to take a blood test as part of your life insurance application, there are alternatives. You can purchase no-exam life insurance policies, although these come with some limitations and drawbacks. For example, no-exam policies usually have a higher cost per thousand, limited death benefits, and lower carrier availability. However, they also have some benefits, such as faster coverage (which can be obtained in as little as 24 hours) and no needles or medical exams to worry about.
If you are young and healthy, you may be able to qualify for no-exam life insurance. Haven Life, for example, offers InstantTerm, a no-medical-exam process for individuals up to age 45 who are applying for up to $1 million in life insurance coverage. However, keep in mind that this option is dependent on the information in your application and that issuance of the policy may depend on the answers given and their truthfulness.
It's important to note that most life insurance companies do require a medical exam, including a blood test, to assess your overall health, risk of diseases, and drug use. This allows them to determine your eligibility for coverage and calculate your premium. If you choose to forgo the blood test, you may have limited options for coverage and may need to pay higher premiums.
Kansas Health Insurance: No Benefits for Life Partners
You may want to see also
What happens after the blood test?
After the blood test, the examiner will seal and label the vials and specimen containers, and you will sign the examination forms. If you are over 50 and applying for a large death benefit, or if your age or policy amount warrants it, you may also have to take an EKG, which will last around 10 to 20 minutes. The examiner will then send the blood profile to be analysed and sent to the insurance company for evaluation.
The insurance company will cover the cost of the exam, and the results are usually good for up to six months. Depending on the testing company, your results will be provided to you after the analysis, or you can request a copy. It is important to get your results, even if the exam goes well, in case the insurance company comes back with a much higher quote or denies you coverage. If this happens, you will want to know why.
Freedom Life Insurance: Prep Coverage and Benefits Explained
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The blood test is used to assess your overall health, including your risk of diseases and drug use. This helps the insurance company determine your eligibility for coverage and the premiums you will pay.
The blood test typically checks for cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, liver and kidney function, HIV/AIDS, nicotine or cotinine, illegal drug use, and protein levels.
Yes, there are no-exam life insurance policies available, but they usually have higher costs and lower death benefits. These policies can be obtained faster and are a good option if you want quick coverage or don't want to deal with the inconvenience of a medical exam.
