Life Insurance Physicals: What To Expect And Prepare For

A life insurance medical exam is a routine part of most insurance applications. It usually has two parts: first, you’ll fill out a medical questionnaire about your current health, medical history, prescriptions, lifestyle, and habits. Then you’ll have a physical exam performed by a healthcare professional. The medical exam is generally quick and painless, often lasting about 20-45 minutes. The technician will usually begin by checking your driver’s license or other government-issued ID to verify your identity. They will then start the physical exam, which typically includes checking your height, weight, pulse, blood pressure and also taking blood and urine samples.

Blood and urine analysis

The blood and urine tests can help insurers gauge whether the applicant has certain conditions that could impact their life expectancy. For example, urine tests can detect glucose, which is an indicator of diabetes, and protein, which might suggest kidney issues. They can also check for signs of illegal drug use or excessive alcohol consumption, which could affect the applicant's premium or eligibility.

Blood tests can also indicate potential health concerns, although they are not detailed enough to diagnose cancer. For example, certain markers in the blood could indicate potential health risks. Insurers are more interested in assessing the applicant's risk profile based on general health indicators rather than diagnosing specific illnesses.

In addition to the blood and urine tests, the life insurance medical exam also typically includes basic health measurements such as height, weight, blood pressure, and pulse rate. The examiner will also ask questions about the applicant's medical history, including past illnesses, surgeries, prescription history, and family health history.

Preparing for the blood and urine tests is important, as it can help applicants get the most accurate results and potentially qualify for better rates. Here are some steps that can be taken before the exam:

• Gather medical records, including doctor's visits, test results, and medication lists.
• List all medications currently being taken, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements.
• Fast, if required, for certain tests such as those measuring cholesterol and blood sugar.
• Stay well-hydrated to ensure accurate results and ease in providing blood and urine samples.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle in the weeks leading up to the exam, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption.
• Avoid smoking, as nicotine can impact the test results.
• Limit caffeine intake, as it can raise blood pressure.

Height, weight, pulse and blood pressure

Height, weight, pulse, and blood pressure

The life insurance medical exam is a routine part of most insurance applications. It usually has two parts: first, you'll fill out a medical questionnaire about your current health, medical history, prescriptions, lifestyle, and habits. Then you'll have a physical exam performed by a healthcare professional.

The physical examination will include taking measurements of your height, weight, pulse, and blood pressure. These measurements are taken to assess your current health status and identify any underlying medical conditions that may affect your life expectancy. The results of the medical exam will impact the cost of your life insurance policy. Applicants in good health typically qualify for lower premiums, while those with certain medical conditions may face higher rates or be ineligible for certain types of policies.

The height and weight measurements are used to calculate your body mass index (BMI), which is a factor in determining your health risk. Those who fall into the "average" height and weight classes can generally expect to get lower rates.

The pulse reading, or heart rate, is one of the vital health-related data collected during the medical exam. It is used to assess your current health status and identify any underlying medical conditions that may affect your life expectancy.

The blood pressure reading is also a vital health-related data point that helps assess your current health status and identify any underlying medical conditions. High blood pressure can be a risk factor for various illnesses, and it is one of the factors used to determine your insurance risk classification.

The medical exam is generally quick and painless, often lasting about 20-30 minutes. The examiner will usually begin by checking your driver's license or other government-issued ID to verify your identity.

Health questionnaire

A life insurance medical exam is usually made up of two parts: a health questionnaire and a physical exam.

The health questionnaire is an interview that can be conducted over the phone or during the physical exam. You will be asked a series of health-related questions, including:

• Current and past medications, including dosages
• Family medical history
• Recent doctor visits and recommendations
• Recent hospitalizations

It is important that your answers to these questions match the information you provided in your application.

Physical Examination

The physical exam typically includes:

• Checking your height, weight, pulse, and blood pressure
• Collecting blood and urine samples to determine cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and to test for infectious diseases like HIV

Depending on your age and the coverage amount, you may also be required to undergo additional tests, such as an electrocardiogram (EKG) or a treadmill stress test.

Accuracy testing for nicotine and drugs

Interview and Questionnaire

The examination process typically begins with an interview, where the examiner goes over the applicant's health history, including pre-existing conditions, family medical history, current prescriptions, and similar information. This is also when contact information and other personal details are collected. The examiner will also ask health questions to confirm the information provided in the application.

Physical Examination

The physical exam involves taking measurements of the applicant's height, weight, pulse, and blood pressure. Blood and urine samples may also be collected to determine levels of cholesterol, blood sugar, and other health markers. Older applicants or those seeking a higher level of coverage may be required to undergo additional tests, such as an electrocardiogram (EKG).

Substance Use Testing

Life insurance medical exams routinely screen for nicotine and drug use. This is done through blood, urine, or saliva tests. These tests can detect the presence of nicotine, cotinine (a nicotine metabolite), and various illegal or prescription drugs. The presence of these substances can impact the applicant's eligibility and premium rates. For example, applicants who test positive for illegal drug use will be declined for any kind of life insurance policy. On the other hand, marijuana use may be treated differently by insurers, with some companies classifying occasional marijuana consumption separately from tobacco use.

It is important to note that the tests do not always indicate how nicotine entered the body, so it is advisable to be honest about any tobacco or nicotine use in the application.

Preparation and Recommendations

To prepare for the life insurance medical exam, it is recommended to schedule the exam early in the day, maintain a healthy diet and hydration levels, get sufficient sleep, and avoid strenuous exercise and the consumption of caffeine and alcohol within a certain time frame before the exam.

Cognitive ability test

A life insurance medical exam is a routine assessment of an applicant's health and family health history. It helps insurance companies determine the premiums the applicant will pay. These exams generally involve providing a personal and family medical history, undergoing a physical examination, and providing blood and urine samples for lab testing.

The physical examination typically includes recording an applicant's weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and vitals, including pulse and blood pressure. Depending on the circumstances and the insurer's requirements, additional tests may be required, such as an electrocardiogram (EKG) and a treadmill stress test.

Applicants over 70 may be required to take a cognitive ability test as part of the life insurance medical exam. This test is designed to assess cognitive functions such as memory, attention, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities. It may include a series of questions, tasks, or activities that evaluate the applicant's cognitive capabilities.

The cognitive ability test is an important component of the life insurance medical exam for older applicants as it provides valuable information about their mental health and cognitive functioning. This information helps insurance companies make informed decisions regarding the applicant's eligibility, premiums, and policy terms.

In addition to the cognitive ability test, applicants over 70 may also undergo other assessments as part of the life insurance medical exam. These assessments could include a comprehensive review of their medical history, current medications, and any existing health conditions.

While the specific format and content of the cognitive ability test may vary, it generally aims to evaluate the applicant's cognitive functioning and mental acuity. By undergoing this test, older applicants can provide insurance companies with valuable information that contributes to a comprehensive understanding of their health and well-being.

Frequently asked questions