When you apply for a life insurance policy, you will most likely be required to complete various medical tests. These tests are can usually be completed in the comfort of your home at your convenience. Nobody likes the word “exam”, with the exception of my stats professor in university L, but it’s really quite simple and an RN will call you to set the appointment and it usually only requires a painless questionnaire, a small blood test, and a urinalysis. Sometimes an ECG is required, but not often.
The medical exam is paid for by the life insurance company and they are usually very accommodating when it comes to scheduling an appointment that works for you. I usually recommend early on a Saturday morning. In this way if you are required to fast, then you can fast while you sleep and get the tests done before breakfast. The whole thing should only take 30 minutes or so.
The Exam
In a basic medical exam, you will be asked a bunch of questions… your family’s medical background, recent medical history, the last time you were at the doctor, and any current symptoms, etc… Then you’ll have your physical measurements checked, your blood pressure and pulse will also be documented. Depending on your age and the amount of insurance you’re applying for, a blood test is taken along with urinalysis.
Tips to Remember
- Avoid tobacco products in the hours/days leading up to your exam (unless you are applying as a “smoker”).
- Do not consume caffeinated drinks before you take your exam.
- Make sure you get a good night of sleep before you take the test.
- Drink some water. Being dehydrated can affect your blood pressure.
- Avoid excessive physical activity in the 24 hours leading up to your exam.
- Don’t drink alcohol for at least 25 hours before your test.
- Make sure to limit your intake of salts and saturated fats and cholesterol.
- Be honest and concise when answering the nurse’s questions…they are nice people, but they’re not your friend or personal medical advisor.
After the nurse leaves the date that was collected is sent to a lab to be processed. This is a 3rd party organization that specializes in the collection and protection of private medical information. The results are sent to the underwriter on your file and your advisor is not privy to this information. If there are any issues, you can request that the results be sent to your doctor directly.
After your appointment, you can expect to have a decision from the underwriter within 2 weeks…if there are no other requirements.
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