Life Insurance Test Results: How Long Do They Take?

Life insurance medical exams are a routine part of the application process. They are used to determine an applicant's risk class, which in turn helps insurance companies decide on the premium for their policy. The exam typically includes a verbal questionnaire and a physical exam, with the latter covering an applicant's height, weight, blood pressure, and blood and urine samples. Results from these tests usually take between 30 and 60 days, though this can vary depending on the insurance company and lab.

What is tested for

Life insurance medical exams are used to determine your insurability and premiums. They are a routine part of the application process and are conducted to detect health issues. The exam includes a verbal questionnaire and a physical examination.

The verbal questionnaire will ask about your health, lifestyle, and social habits, including questions about current prescriptions. Be prepared to answer questions about your medical history, including any medications you take, how often you take them, and their dosages. You may also be asked about your family medical history, what doctors you've seen recently, their recommendations, and whether you've been hospitalized recently.

The physical examination will include measurements of your height, weight, pulse, and blood pressure. Blood and urine samples will also be taken. Additional tests may include an electrocardiogram (EKG), a treadmill stress test, and a chest X-ray, especially if you are over 50 years old and applying for a large amount of insurance.

The blood and urine tests will screen for a variety of health markers and conditions, including:

• Elevated cholesterol: High cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.
• High blood pressure: This can be detected directly or through the usage of beta-blockers, a medication used to control high blood pressure.
• HIV/AIDS and hepatitis: These diseases increase the risk of insuring you.
• Hyperglycemia or elevated glucose: This could indicate diabetes or other health issues.
• Organ issues: Kidney infections, liver problems, and other organ-related issues can be detected.
• Prostate cancer: Male applicants over 50 may be asked to conduct a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test.
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs): Although STDs usually won't get you denied coverage, they can affect your rates in some circumstances.
• Hemoglobin A1C, fructosamine, and glucose levels: These are indicators of diabetes.
• Creatinine, hemoglobin, and proteins: These tests can indicate kidney disease.
• Urine acidity: This can be a marker for kidney issues or diabetes.
• Confirmation of application responses on drug and tobacco use: Your responses will be checked against data from the Medical Information Bureau, prescription databases, and DMV records.
• Nicotine and cotinine: These substances indicate tobacco use and can remain detectable in the body for several days after smoking or using tobacco.
• Prescription and recreational drugs: Insurers screen for drugs such as amphetamines/methamphetamines, cocaine, opiates, phencyclidine (PCP), barbiturates, benzodiazepines, methadone, and marijuana.

How to prepare

A life insurance medical exam is used to determine insurability and premiums. It's a good idea to ensure the exam represents your actual health condition. While you can't overhaul your lifestyle in the few days before the exam, there are some simple things you can do to ensure your body is in its best possible form. Here are some tips on how to prepare:

• Watch your diet: In the days leading up to the exam, try to avoid processed foods with lots of sugar, salt, or sodium. Red meat can raise your cholesterol levels, so focus on eating fresh fruits and vegetables and lean meats.
• Avoid rigorous exercise: Don't engage in intense workouts or rigorous exercise on the morning of the exam as it can raise your blood pressure.
• Drink plenty of fluids: Ensure you are well-hydrated for the exam. Drinking lots of water will help flush out your body and dilate your veins, making it easier for blood tests.
• Limit alcohol consumption: Avoid consuming alcohol for at least 24 hours before the exam to prevent high blood pressure readings.
• Fast: It is recommended to fast for six to eight hours before the exam. This is to ensure that your blood sugar and cholesterol numbers aren't skewed.
• Get a good night's sleep: Aim to get a full night's rest the day before the exam. Proper rest can lower your heart rate and improve your overall health.
• Schedule your exam for the morning: Most exams require you to fast for at least 12 hours beforehand, so scheduling it for the morning means you won't have to wait too long to eat.
• Wear lightweight clothing: Wear thin and lightweight clothing for the exam to ensure an accurate weight measurement.
• Be upfront: Be completely honest about any health conditions or habits, such as smoking, when applying for life insurance. This will help avoid delays or possible fraud accusations.
• Gather important information: Have a list of your recent doctors' names and phone numbers, as well as your family's medical history, ready to share with the examiner.
• Avoid certain medications: Do not take over-the-counter medications like cold remedies, nasal sprays, cough syrups, sinus treatments, or allergy medications like ibuprofen, as they can trigger false positives in the blood and urine tests.
• Avoid caffeine and nicotine: Refrain from consuming caffeine or using nicotine products for at least an hour before the exam.

How long does it take to get results

The time it takes to get the results of a life insurance medical exam can vary. On average, it takes between 30 and 60 days for a life insurance application to be reviewed and a policy to be issued. However, the exact time frame depends on the life insurance company and the lab that conducts the tests.

The medical exam itself is usually quick and convenient, lasting less than 30 minutes. It can be conducted at your home, workplace, or a local exam centre. The examiner will verify your information by asking questions to confirm the answers provided in your application form. They will also take your measurements, including height, weight, blood pressure, and pulse rate. Additionally, blood and urine samples will be collected for testing.

Older adults or those applying for a large amount of life insurance may be required to undergo additional tests, such as an electrocardiogram (EKG) and a treadmill stress test. The results of these tests, along with your medical history, help the insurer evaluate your overall health and determine the appropriate premium for your policy.

It is important to note that the approval process may take a few days to a few weeks, depending on your insurer. After your exam, the results are sent to the life insurance company, which will then complete the underwriting process and determine your eligibility and premium rate.

What happens if you fail

Failing a life insurance medical exam could mean your application is denied, or you may be offered a higher premium. The exam is used to determine insurability and premiums. It includes routine screenings that may detect health issues.

If you are deemed to be in poor health, you may be offered a higher premium, or your application may be denied. If you are applying for a large amount of insurance, you may be asked to undergo additional tests, such as an electrocardiogram (EKG) and a treadmill stress test.

If your application is denied, it may be due to a variety of factors, not just your current health. For example, a DUI on your driving record or a dangerous hobby like scuba diving could contribute to a denial. If you are denied, you can reapply with a different insurance company, but you will need to disclose that you have been denied coverage in the past.

If you are offered a higher premium, you can still purchase the policy and then work to change your health or lifestyle. For instance, if you are offered a higher premium because of nicotine use, you can typically apply for non-smoker rates a year later, provided you stop using nicotine products.

If you are deemed to be in very poor health, you may be limited to guaranteed acceptance life insurance. These policies offer whole life insurance, but typically with a lower death benefit.

What if you don't want to take the test

If you don't want to take a life insurance test, there are options available to you. However, it's important to note that these options may come with limitations and higher costs. Here are some alternatives to consider:

Simplified Issue Life Insurance

Simplified issue life insurance is the most common type of no-exam life insurance. It usually involves completing a short health questionnaire, and you can get covered immediately. However, the coverage amount may be limited, and the premiums tend to be higher compared to medically underwritten policies.

Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance

Guaranteed issue life insurance offers limited coverage amounts at predictable premiums. These policies may not provide enough coverage to secure your family's financial needs but can be useful for covering final expenses. They typically come with higher premiums due to the unknown health risks involved.

Accident Protection Insurance

Accident protection insurance provides a lump-sum payment to your beneficiaries in the event of your death in an accident, such as a car crash. However, it does not cover death by natural causes.

No-Medical-Exam Life Insurance Policies

Some companies offer no-medical-exam life insurance policies, where they use previous medical records instead of a new exam. These policies may still require a health interview and can have higher premiums due to the limited health information provided.

Group Life Insurance

Group life insurance is offered by employers as part of a benefits package and does not require a medical exam or health interview. However, the coverage amounts are usually one to two times your salary, and you cannot take the policy with you if you change employers.

While these options allow you to skip the life insurance test, they may come with trade-offs in terms of coverage amounts, premiums, and eligibility. It's important to carefully review the terms and conditions of each option before making a decision. Additionally, being honest about your health conditions and habits is crucial to ensure accurate coverage and avoid potential issues with your policy in the future.

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