If you are considering purchasing life insurance, there are some things to know. First, your provider may request that you undergo a medical examination to show your health status. Your results will determine if you are low risk or high risk and will affect your premium rate.
How Does a Life Insurance Medical Exam Work?
There are three stages of getting a medical exam for life insurance coverage they are:
The Interview
You will be asked a long list of health-related questions before you can take the exam. This is to gather your full medical history. This will include questions about any previous hospitalizations, the medicines you take, questions about your lifestyle and daily habits, etc. Try to answer all the questions truthfully and to the best of your knowledge.
The Physical Exam
After the interview, the next step is the examination to check for underlying health conditions. Here are some of the examinations to expect that you’ll be tested for:
- Height and weight.
- Blood pressure and pulse.
- Bloodwork to check your cholesterol, glucose, protein, HIV, etc.
- Urine sample to check your creatinine, nicotine use, and drug use.
After the Exam
The results of your medical exam will determine whether you are insurable or not. Note that what qualifies as ‘insurable’ varies from provider to provider. It can take up to a few months to get your results.
How Should You Prepare for Your Life Insurance Medical Exam?
A few days before taking your medical exam, you can take these steps to improve your results.
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat the right food
- Avoid caffeine
- Avoid alcohol
- Fast before the exam
- Do not workout
- Get a good night’s sleep
Ensure that you are drinking the doctor’s recommended eight glasses of water daily to flush out toxins. This can improve the results of your blood and urine tests.
Steer clear of processed foods high in sugar and salt, as they can worsen your results. Eat lots of vegetables for a healthier body.
Caffeine can spike your blood pressure, so it isn’t advisable to consume drinks that have caffeine at least a day before the exam.
Do not drink alcohol a few days before the exam because it is dehydrating and affects liver enzymes.
It might be a good idea to fast up to eight hours before your test if you want the best results for glucose and cholesterol levels.
Take a break from working out for twenty-four hours before the test. Although exercise has several benefits, it can spike your pulse, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Your urine test may also show signs of increased protein levels.
Ensure that you are well-rested before the day of the exam for the best results.
Life Insurance Policies That Don’t Require a Medical Exam
- Guaranteed Life Insurance: Although there are no medical tests required, this type of insurance has high rates and a low payout.
- Simplified Issue Life Insurance: This coverage involves fewer steps to purchase, but you will be interviewed about your health. It comes with limited coverage and costs more than traditional insurance.
- Final Expense Life Insurance: This policy is designed for seniors with health issues who are considered uninsurable under traditional coverage.
- Group Term Life Insurance: This policy is often offered as an employment benefit. There is no medical examination or interview required, but the limit is low, and termination of employment means the end of the policy. At Action Insurance Group, we offer reliable and affordable life insurance coverage that can be personalized to suit your specific needs. Contact us today to get started!
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