A life insurance medical exam is a routine part of the application process for many policies. It’s usually quick, simple, and often completed at your home or workplace. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare and avoid unnecessary stress.
What Is a Life Insurance Medical Exam?
A life insurance medical exam is a simple health assessment used by insurance companies to help determine your eligibility and pricing. It’s not designed to diagnose medical conditions or replace your regular doctor — it simply provides a general snapshot of your current health and helps insurers evaluate risk.
In most cases, the exam is completed by a third-party medical professional and is free to you. The results are used to place applicants into risk classes, which can directly impact premium rates. For many people, the process is quick, routine, and much less intimidating than expected.
When Is a Medical Exam Required?
A life insurance medical exam is most commonly required for traditional, fully underwritten policies, especially when applying for higher coverage amounts. Whether a life insurance exam is required depends on the insurer’s guidelines and your overall risk profile.
You may be required to complete an exam if you’re:
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Applying for a larger face amount (higher coverage)
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Choosing a fully underwritten term or permanent policy
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Older or have a health profile that requires additional review
Many applicants still qualify for no-exam or accelerated underwriting options, depending on the insurer and the details of the application.
What Happens During a Medical Exam?
The life insurance exam process is usually quick and straightforward, often taking 20 to 30 minutes. In many cases, the exam can be completed at your home or workplace, making it easy to schedule around your day.
A typical life insurance medical exam may include:
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Height and weight measurements
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Blood pressure and pulse
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Basic health and lifestyle questions
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Blood and urine samples (when required)
Most exams are scheduled at a time and location that’s convenient for you, and the results are sent directly to the insurance company for underwriting review.
Protect Against the Unexpected
What Do Blood and Urine Tests Check?
If blood or urine samples are collected during a life insurance exam, they’re used as life insurance lab tests to screen for common health indicators that may affect eligibility and pricing. These tests don’t diagnose new conditions, but they can help confirm overall health patterns and identify risk factors insurers commonly evaluate.
Lab results may include information related to cholesterol levels, blood sugar (including A1C for diabetes risk), liver and kidney function, and nicotine or tobacco use. Abnormal results don’t automatically lead to a decline, but they can influence your risk class and premium rate depending on the insurer’s underwriting guidelines.
How to Prepare for a Life Insurance Medical Exam
A little preparation can help ensure your exam results reflect your normal health and avoid misleading readings caused by short-term factors. While preparation won’t “game the system,” it can help prevent avoidable issues like dehydration or elevated blood pressure.
To prepare for a life insurance medical exam:
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Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment
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Don’t smoke or use nicotine beforehand (if possible)
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Follow any fasting instructions if the examiner provides them (some insurers require it)
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Get a good night’s sleep the night before
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Stay hydrated and drink water the day of the exam
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Avoid intense exercise right before the exam, which can temporarily affect readings
Taking these steps can help the process go smoothly and ensure the most accurate results for underwriting.
How Exam Results Affect Your Rates
Your life insurance exam results help insurers determine your rate class, such as Preferred Plus, Preferred, or Standard. Applicants with stronger overall health profiles typically qualify for lower premiums, while certain findings — such as elevated blood pressure, high cholesterol, or nicotine use — may lead to higher pricing or a different underwriting class.
Importantly, a less-than-ideal result doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be declined. Different insurers evaluate lab results and health history differently, and many people still qualify for affordable coverage even if they don’t receive the top rate class. If traditional underwriting isn’t a fit, no-exam or simplified-issue options may still be available depending on your situation.
Can You Get Life Insurance Without a Medical Exam?
Yes — many people qualify for no medical exam life insurance, especially if they’re relatively healthy or applying for a moderate coverage amount. These policies use alternative underwriting methods — such as health questions, prescription history checks, and database reviews — to make decisions faster without a traditional exam.
Common no-exam options include:
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Accelerated underwriting, which uses automated data sources to approve coverage quickly
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Simplified issue life insurance, which skips the exam but includes health questions
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Guaranteed issue policies, which typically require no health questions but may have higher premiums and lower coverage limits
These options can be a great fit for people who want speed and convenience, but they may come with tradeoffs in pricing, coverage limits, or policy features depending on the insurer.
When to Talk to an Advisor
If you’re not sure whether a medical exam will be required — or you want to avoid delays and unexpected pricing — speaking with a licensed advisor can make the process easier and more cost-effective. An experienced professional can help you choose the right policy type upfront, understand what insurers are looking for, and identify whether a no-exam option may be available for your situation.
You can get a quote online to compare coverage options or call us at (800) 442-9899 to speak with a licensed advisor who can help you determine whether a medical exam is required and how to prepare.
Life Insurance Medical Exam: FAQs
What is a life insurance medical exam?
A life insurance medical exam (also called a paramedical exam) is a short health screening used by insurers to evaluate your health and determine your rate class. It typically includes basic measurements, a health questionnaire, and lab tests like blood and urine.
Why do life insurance companies require a medical exam?
Insurers require exams to assess risk and accurately price coverage. Medical exams help verify your health, detect underlying conditions, and allow insurers to offer the lowest possible premiums to healthy applicants.
What happens during a life insurance medical exam?
Most exams include:
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Height and weight
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Blood pressure and pulse
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Blood sample
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Urine sample
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Health history questions
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Basic lifestyle questions (smoking, alcohol, occupation)
Some policies also require an EKG, saliva test, or more labs depending on age and coverage amount.
How long does the life insurance exam take?
Most exams take 20–30 minutes, although more detailed exams may take up to 45 minutes. The appointment is usually scheduled at your home or workplace for convenience.
Do I have to pay for the life insurance medical exam?
No. Most insurers cover the cost of the exam, including the nurse visit and lab testing. It is typically included in the underwriting process.
What do they test for in the blood and urine samples?
Blood and urine tests commonly measure:
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Cholesterol levels
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Blood glucose (diabetes indicators)
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Liver and kidney function
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Nicotine use
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Protein levels
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Certain prescription drug markers
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Signs of chronic illness or disease
The goal is to confirm health and identify risk factors.
Can you fail a life insurance medical exam?
You can’t “fail” like a school test, but abnormal results may:
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Increase your premiums
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Move you into a lower rate class
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Require additional medical records
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Lead to a decline in rare cases
Many people still qualify even with mild health issues.
How can I prepare for a life insurance medical exam?
To improve your results, consider:
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Avoid alcohol for 24–48 hours
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Avoid intense exercise 24 hours before
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Drink water and stay hydrated
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Fast 8–12 hours if instructed
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Avoid salty foods the day before
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Get a good night’s sleep
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Avoid nicotine and caffeine before the exam
Small changes can help improve blood pressure and labs.
Should I fast before a life insurance medical exam?
Some insurers recommend fasting, especially for accurate cholesterol and glucose readings. If you are unsure, ask your examiner or agent. Water is generally allowed during fasting.
What if I have high blood pressure at the exam?
Temporary stress, caffeine, or lack of sleep can raise blood pressure. If your reading is unusually high, the examiner may take multiple readings. In some cases, insurers may request updated readings from your doctor.
Will medications affect my exam results?
Yes, certain medications can influence results. However, insurers also review prescription history, and many controlled conditions (like treated hypertension) still qualify for favorable rate classes.
Can smokers still qualify for life insurance after an exam?
Yes, but smokers are typically placed into tobacco rate classes, which cost significantly more. Some insurers offer improved pricing for occasional cigar use, depending on frequency and nicotine test results.
What happens after the exam is completed?
The examiner sends results to the insurer, and underwriting continues. The insurer may:
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Approve coverage
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Request medical records from your doctor
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Ask follow-up questions
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Offer a different rate class or coverage amount
Your agent can track the process and keep you updated.
Can I get life insurance without a medical exam?
Yes. Options include:
No-exam policies are faster but may cost more, depending on health and coverage amount.
Can I see my exam results?
Yes. You can request your lab results from the insurer or paramedical provider. Many people find this helpful for spotting early health indicators such as cholesterol or glucose concerns.
