Medical exams for life insurance: What’s included?

When applying for life insurance, one key step is often the medical exam. This assessment helps insurers understand your overall health and determine the cost of your policy.

By evaluating your current health status and identifying potential risks, the medical exams for life insurance allow insurers to set your premiums fairly and ensure they’re providing coverage based on an accurate picture of your health.

In this guide, we’ll explore what’s included in a life insurance medical exam, why it matters, and what you can do to prepare for the process.

Why are medical exams important for life insurance?

Insurers conduct medical exams for life insurance to assess your overall health and calculate the risk of insuring you.

If you’re in good health, your premiums will generally be lower, while certain medical conditions or lifestyle factors can lead to higher premiums.

The information gathered from the exam helps the insurer determine whether you’re eligible for coverage, how much to charge in life insurance premiums, and what coverage options are most appropriate.

For example, if you’re applying for over 60s life insurance, your medical history plays a larger role in determining the cost of your premiums due to the increased risk of age-related health conditions. Similarly, if you have existing health concerns, the insurer may factor in how your life insurance helps pay off debts and other financial needs for your family in the event of your death.

What happens during a life insurance medical exam?

A life insurance medical exam is typically conducted by a healthcare professional arranged by the insurer. The exam can take place at a doctor’s office, a medical lab, or even at your home. The process usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour and involves several steps.

1. Medical questionnaire

The first part of the exam involves answering a detailed medical questionnaire. You’ll be asked about your medical history, any current or past illnesses, medications you take, lifestyle habits (such as smoking or alcohol consumption), and family health history. This helps the insurer understand your health profile and any potential genetic risks.

For instance, if heart disease or diabetes runs in your family, the insurer might adjust your premiums to account for these potential medical conditions.

2. Basic measurements

During the exam, the healthcare professional will take several basic measurements, including:

• Height and weight: To calculate your body mass index (BMI), which is used to assess whether you’re underweight, overweight, or within a healthy range.
• Blood pressure: High blood pressure can indicate a higher risk of heart disease or stroke, which could affect your premiums.
• Pulse rate: Your heart rate is another measure of cardiovascular health.

3. Blood tests

Blood tests are a standard part of the insurance medical exam. These tests provide important information about your overall health, including:

• Cholesterol levels: High cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease, which may lead to higher premiums.
• Blood sugar levels: Elevated blood sugar may indicate diabetes, a condition that can significantly affect life insurance costs.
• HIV or other diseases: Insurers may screen for HIV or other conditions that impact your long-term health outlook.

4. Urine sample

A urine sample is also collected to check for signs of underlying health issues. The test may detect:

• Kidney function: Problems with your kidneys can be a sign of more serious health conditions.
• Drug use: Some insurers screen for illegal substances or certain prescription medications that could raise health risks.

5. EKG or additional tests

In some cases, especially for older applicants or those applying for larger life insurance policies, the insurer may request additional tests like an electrocardiogram (EKG) to check for heart irregularities.

These additional tests are more common for over 60s life insurance or applicants with pre-existing heart conditions.

What do insurers look for in the results?

After your insurance medical exam, the results are sent to the life insurance company, where they are evaluated to assess your risk level. Insurers are primarily looking for factors that could impact your life expectancy, such as:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes or other chronic conditions
• Heart disease or signs of past heart attacks
• Liver or kidney issues
• Evidence of smoking, drug use, or excessive alcohol consumption

If any red flags arise during the exam, it could result in higher premiums or exclusions from certain types of coverage. However, if your health is in good shape, you may be rewarded with lower premiums and more affordable options.

For example, if you’re in excellent health, you could secure a better rate for policies such as term or whole life insurance.

On the other hand, if the exam reveals higher health risks, you may face higher premiums or be offered a policy with exclusions.

Can you still get life insurance without a medical exam?

Yes, it’s possible to get life insurance without undergoing a medical exam. Some insurers offer “no-exam” or “guaranteed issue” life insurance policies that do not require a health check-up. These policies are typically more expensive because the insurer is taking on more risk by offering coverage without detailed health information. They also tend to provide lower coverage amounts.

For individuals with significant health concerns or those looking for quick coverage, no-exam policies can be a useful option. However, if you’re in good health, completing the medical exam could result in better rates and more comprehensive coverage.

It’s important to weigh the benefit of life insurance with or without an exam based on your unique situation. If you’re young and healthy, a medical exam is likely worth the time for the potential savings.

How to prepare for your life insurance medical exam

Preparing for your insurance medical exam can help ensure accurate results and potentially lower premiums. Here are a few tips to get ready for the exam:

• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water before the exam helps with blood and urine tests.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine: Alcohol and caffeine can raise your blood pressure, so it’s best to avoid them for at least 24 hours before the exam.
• Fast if required: Some blood tests may require fasting. Be sure to follow any instructions from the exam provider.
• Rest well: A good night’s sleep can help normalise your blood pressure and heart rate.
• Bring relevant medical records: If you have any existing health conditions or are on medication, bring records or prescriptions to share with the healthcare professional.

Final thoughts

The medical exams for life insurance play a vital role in determining your eligibility and premiums. By assessing your overall health, insurers can offer coverage that reflects your specific health risks. While the process might seem daunting, it’s an important step in securing the right policy for your needs.

Whether you’re considering term or whole life insurance, it’s worth understanding the impact of the exam and how the results influence the coverage you receive. If you have ongoing health concerns or want to avoid the exam, consider no-exam policies—but remember that completing the exam may offer better options and lower premiums.

If you’re thinking long-term and want to ensure your family is financially protected, consider how life insurance helps pay off debts, covers future expenses, and supports your loved ones after you’re gone. Securing the right policy is one of the most valuable decisions you can make.