How to Prepare for a Life Insurance Medical Exam

Unless you are purchasing a life insurance policy that requires no medical exam, you will be required to take a life insurance medical exam to qualify for coverage.

This exam is nothing to worry about and to be honest, is quick and simple. The reason you are required to take a medical exam for your life insurance coverage is for the life insurance carrier to determine your level of risk, which determines your premium for the coverage you are applying for.

Don’t be alarmed though you do not need a perfect history of health to qualify for coverage. The medical exam is a portion of the underwriting process that helps the underwriter determine what level of risk class you should fall in.

When you are ready to apply for your life insurance coverage your agent will order your life insurance medical exam generally referred to as a paramedical exam. The exam will be performed by an approved exam company.

Unfortunately, you cannot use an exam from your own doctor, even if you just had one done. Once the agent has ordered your paramedical exam, an examiner will contact you within 24-48 hours of receiving the request to schedule your exam.

Be sure to schedule your exam based on your availability. Examiners are very flexible and nights and weekends will work too. The examiner will ask you if you would like to complete the paramedical exam at your home, place of work or at one of their offices.  Majority of people prefer to take their medical exam in the comfort of their home.

The exam should take no longer than 15-45 minutes.  It will consist of a series of questions regarding your health history, parent’s health history, height and weight, blood pressure reading, urine sample, and blood sample.  In some cases with larger death benefit amounts an (EKG) may be needed.

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Have This Info Ready on the day of your Life Insurance Medical Exam:

1.  Names and dosages of any current medications
2.  Names, addresses and phone numbers to any doctors or clinics visited in the last five years
3.  List of medical conditions or diagnoses including the date diagnosed, treatment, the result of treatment, and treating physician information

For Best Results, Make Sure to do the Following Prior to your Exam

• Be prepared with a picture ID at the time of the examination
• Limit salt and high-cholesterol foods 24 hours prior to the examination
• Avoid strenuous exercise 12 hours prior to the examination
• Refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages for at least 12 hours prior to your appointment
• Limit caffeine and nicotine one hour prior to your appointment
• Provide any history of problems associated with providing a blood sample
• Drink a glass of water one hour prior to the appointment
• Get a good night of sleep prior to the examination

At the end of your exam, the examiner will provide you with instruction on how to obtain a free copy of your lab results.  All information provided to the examiner is strictly confidential.

We at Top Quote Life Insurance hope this blog post was helpful in preparing you in what to expect from a life insurance medical exam.

Have Questions?

Have an additional question about preparing for a life insurance medical exam?

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