What’s a Life Insurance Medical Exam, and How Can You Prepare?

4 min read

It may sound a little intimidating, but a life insurance medical exam really isn’t a big deal. It’s simply a tool to provide a picture of your health through a questionnaire and basic physical exam. Life insurance companies use that information to determine eligibility and provide you with the best rate for your coverage. It does help to prepare in advance by gathering all required documents (i.e., driver’s license, prescription history, etc.), staying well-hydrated and getting enough sleep the night before. Overall, the process is straightforward and shouldn’t take too long, so don’t let it deter you from obtaining the peace of mind that comes with securing life insurance coverage.

Why Do Life Insurance Companies Require a Medical Exam?

A medical exam could be required for certain types of life insurance, applicant ages or coverage amounts. As part of the life insurance application process, the exam provides information to help assess eligibility for life insurance coverage, such as medical history, smoking habits and any serious medical conditions. The exam also ensures that you get the best life insurance rates and don’t overpay for coverage. In general, younger people in good health will pay less than older individuals (ages 51 and up) or those with health conditions.

What’s Included in a Medical Exam for Life Insurance?

A medical exam for life insurance generally consists of two parts: a questionnaire and a physical examination. If an exam is required, your life insurance company or a 3rd party will typically schedule the appointment for you to take place either at a medical facility or your own home. The entire process is fairly streamlined and should take less than an hour to complete. Once the exam is complete, your results will be analyzed by the company’s underwriter. This can take anywhere from two business days to a few weeks. So, don’t worry if you don’t hear back right away. If you’re approved, you’ll get a policy offer that includes coverage, premiums and other terms. Your coverage only becomes effective once you accept the policy terms and pay the first premium.

Part One: The Medical Questionnaire

The first step is the medical questionnaire, where the examiner will record details like your date of birth, medical history, prescription information, and any current and past health diagnoses. Be sure to have the information below on hand when you fill out your life insurance questionnaire:

Driver's license number
Names and dosages of all prescription medication
Current and previous doctors' names, addresses and phone numbers
Past and current medical conditions along with dates of treatment

Part Two: The Physical Exam

Next up is the physical exam, which is really no different from a basic health screening. To make it as convenient as possible, a paramedical professional may even come to your home for the examination. The physical exam in some cases is required to test for conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. Depending on the type of insurance and requirements from the insurer, additional tests could be required such as an electrocardiogram (EKG), X-Ray, treadmill stress test or cognitive testing. However, the basic exam may consist of a combination of the following:

Record your vitals, including height, weight, pulse and blood pressure.
Review the health details and medical history from your questionnaire.
Take a blood draw (may require 8–12 hours of fasting).
Collect a urine sample.

How Can You Prepare for a Life Insurance Medical Exam?

If you’re a little concerned about the medical exam, there are some steps you can take to better prepare yourself. The first is to have all the necessary health and personal information readily available, including your driver’s license, prescription list, doctors’ contact information and list of medical conditions. Beyond that, a few key lifestyle changes can also help you put your best foot forward. Obviously, you can’t completely change your health history overnight, but these tips can certainly help:

Cut back or eliminate unhealthy habits.
Avoid strenuous exercise a day prior to and the day of the exam as it can affect blood pressure.
Get plenty of rest, especially the night before your exam.
Drink enough water to make sure you’re well hydrated.
Schedule the exam in the morning because it may require 12 hours of fasting.

Can I Get Life Insurance Without a Medical Exam?

Short answer: yes. If you’re worried about how certain health factors could affect your eligibility for coverage, or you’ve been denied or postponed for coverage that’s fully underwritten, it’s still possible to get life insurance without a medical exam. There are two main types of life insurance that typically do not require a medical exam:

Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance: This type is usually available to anyone, especially those over the age of 50. There are no medical exams or health questions. However, the coverage amounts may be limited, and your premiums are often higher. Find out if a guaranteed plan is right for you.
Simplified Issue Life Insurance: While not entirely without underwriting, these types of policies have a simplified application process. They may still ask you a few health-related questions, but there’s typically no in-person medical exam. Approval is also generally faster compared to traditional life insurance.

If you’re young and healthy, you should consider getting the medical exam because the benefits outweigh the risks. For those with health concerns, it’s good to know that you have other options available to you for obtaining a life insurance policy. Most importantly, you should carefully compare different policies and understand the terms and conditions before you make your final decision.

If you still have questions or concerns about a life insurance medical exam, we’re happy to help. Gerber Life offers a variety of different options to fit your needs. Call us today at 1-866-503-4481 to speak with a dedicated representative, or you can get a free quote online.