Para Med Carriers: Life Insurance Agents' Superpower

Paramedical examinations are a crucial aspect of the life insurance application process, acting as a screening device for insurance companies to assess an individual's eligibility for their policies. The results of these exams, which include measurements of height, weight, blood pressure, and sometimes an EKG, play a significant role in determining the affordability and availability of life insurance options. Life insurance agents play a vital role in guiding applicants through this process, and it is essential for them to be well-versed in the requirements and procedures of paramedical exams to best serve their clients. Understanding the specific exams, such as blood and urine tests, and their impact on insurance rates, enables agents to provide valuable advice and ensure a smooth application journey for their clients.

Paramedical exams

What to Expect During the Exam

During the paramedical exam, a certified paramedical professional will conduct a basic physical, including:

• Height and weight measurements
• Blood pressure measurements
• Blood and urine samples
• Resting EKG (depending on age and amount of coverage applied for)

The examiner will also ask health-related questions and go over the exam with you before they begin.

Preparing for the Exam

• Stay well-hydrated by drinking approximately eight glasses of water per day, starting about a week before the exam.
• Opt for healthier meals and avoid fried, salty, and high-carb foods to reduce blood sugar levels.
• Avoid alcohol, as it can affect the health of your liver.
• Reduce or eliminate caffeine to help lower blood pressure.
• Stop or reduce smoking. While you will still be considered a smoker until you quit for at least a year, reducing the number of cigarettes can improve your results.
• Get plenty of rest the night before the exam, and avoid strenuous activity to keep your heart rate low.
• Schedule the exam for the morning, as your blood pressure is typically lower at this time.
• Fast for at least 8-12 hours before the exam, as required.
• Have your identification, proof of address, and a list of your current doctors/medical professionals and their contact information ready.

Exam Results

The paramedical examiner will send the blood and urine samples to a lab for testing on the same day or the next day. The lab will typically get the results back to the insurance company within a week. You can request a copy of your lab results at any time.

Health and lifestyle factors

Health Factors:

Insurance companies conduct a comprehensive health assessment to determine the applicant's risk level. This includes:

• Medical history: Any past or current health problems, treatments, and prescription medications are considered.
• Vital metrics: Height, weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and other vital signs are measured and evaluated.
• Specific health issues: The presence of high-risk conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, or sleep apnea, can significantly impact premiums.
• Mental health: History of anxiety, depression, or other mental health disorders may be considered.
• Family medical history: A family history of serious medical conditions, such as stroke, cancer, or heart disease, can result in higher rates.

Lifestyle Factors:

Insurers also evaluate lifestyle choices that can impact an individual's health and longevity:

• Smoking: Any form of nicotine use, including cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, vaping, and nicotine patches, will result in higher rates.
• Alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can negatively affect internal organs, particularly the liver, and may impact premiums.
• Diet and exercise: Unhealthy eating habits and limited physical activity can increase the risk of various health issues, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease, leading to higher premiums.
• Risky behaviours: Drug use, reckless driving, and participation in dangerous hobbies or occupations can be considered in determining rates.

It is important to note that making positive changes in these health and lifestyle factors can help improve an individual's eligibility for life insurance and secure more favourable premiums. Leading a healthy lifestyle, maintaining a stable weight, avoiding risky behaviours, and managing any existing medical conditions effectively can all contribute to more favourable outcomes during the insurance underwriting process.

Blood and urine samples

Blood Tests

Blood tests can provide important information for underwriting and help insurers determine the level of risk associated with insuring the applicant. They can detect conditions like:

• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• HIV
• Hepatitis
• High blood sugar
• Liver and kidney function

Urine Tests

Urine tests are a common part of the life insurance application process. They are used to evaluate your health profile during underwriting and help determine how much you'll pay in premiums. Urine tests can check for:

• Illegal drug use
• Nicotine use
• Liver and kidney problems
• Other chronic health conditions
• Kidney infection
• Diabetes

EKGs

An EKG, or electrocardiogram, is a type of heart scan that records the heart's electrical activity. It can help detect past heart attacks, heart attacks in progress, and potential problems that might lead to serious medical issues in the future. EKGs can also uncover other medical problems such as congenital defects, inflammation, and arrhythmia.

The process of getting an EKG is straightforward. A paramedical professional, often referred to as a "paramed", will come to your home or place of business to perform the test. The paramed will ask you some health-related questions and collect a blood and urine sample. Depending on your age, health, and the amount of coverage you're applying for, the paramed may also perform an EKG.

The EKG itself is a non-invasive procedure. You will be asked to lie down on a table or bed, and small, sticky patches called electrodes will be placed on your chest, arms, and legs. These electrodes will record the electrical signals in your heart and send them to a machine that will create a graph of your heart's activity. The whole process usually takes just a few minutes and is painless.

If you are applying for life insurance, an EKG may be a necessary part of the paramedical exam. The results of the EKG can help insurance companies determine your eligibility for their policies and the rates you will be offered. It is important to be well-prepared for the paramedical exam, including the EKG, as it can have a significant impact on your insurance coverage and costs.

Medical history

The paramedical examiner will ask you questions about your medical history and current health. They will ask about any surgeries, treatments, and tests you have had, as well as the names and contact information of any physicians you have visited in the past five years. They will also ask about your current medications and dosages, so it is important to have this information ready.

In addition to these questions, the examiner will also ask about your family medical history, including any medical problems with your parents and siblings. This information helps the insurance company assess your risk factors and determine your eligibility for coverage.

It is important to be honest and thorough in your answers to the medical history questions. Failing to disclose relevant information or providing inaccurate information can lead to suspicion and may result in a decline by the insurance company.

The paramedical examiner will also collect blood and urine samples, which will be tested for various health indicators and risk factors. These tests may include evaluations of kidney function, liver function, cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, and screenings for diseases such as diabetes, hepatitis, and HIV. The results of these tests, along with your medical history, will be used by the insurance company to determine your eligibility for coverage and the rates you will be offered.

• Know your dates: Have the dates of any surgeries, treatments, and tests readily available.
• Physician's contact information: Provide the names and contact information of any physicians you have visited in the past five years.
• Medications and dosages: Know the names and dosages of all medications you are currently taking, and bring them with you on the day of the exam.
• Be honest and thorough: It is important to be truthful and detailed in your answers to the medical history questions. Failing to disclose relevant information can lead to issues with your application.

Frequently asked questions