The vast majority of life insurance carriers will require a paramedical exam as part of the application process. While this certainly isn’t something you should be scared of, understanding the life insurance medical exam in advance and preparing with a few simple tips might relieve your anxiety and help make the exam fly by more smoothly.
The exam is done at your home (although if there’s a more convenient location, the examiner can schedule it there, too). It’s conducted by a licensed paramedical professional and will take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.
What to Expect from the Exam?
You’ll have a height and weight measurement taken, a blood pressure reading, and the collection of a blood and urine specimen. You might also be asked some questions about your medical history. The exam does not cost anything– since the insurance carrier is the one requesting and using the exam, there is no cost to you to complete it (that means free lab results for you- I know, I know, hold your excitement!).
The examiner might want to know the names of any doctors that you have seen, too. This is in case the insurance company determines that they want to request medical records. Although it seems like a lot of information is covered in such a brief period, these examiners are trained to be as efficient as possible so that they get the exam over with quickly. It will fly by and not really be an inconvenience for you.
Depending on your situation, the life insurance carrier or the examiner might need additional information. For example, a special questionnaire may need to be completed or a ECG may be required for certain amounts of coverage. Your examiner and/or your life insurance agent can provide you with more details about these additional tests. If you do complete any of these extra tests, it’s recommended to write down the date and who you saw just so that you have a file and copy for yourself of all the requirements you completed to get the life insurance.
9 Tips to Prepare For The Life Insurance Medical Exam
It may be hard to believe but there are certain insider tips that you can follow to improve your exam results and get yourself a way better health rating which equates to money savings. So let’s review them:
1. Try Fasting
Try to start fasting about 8-12 hours before the exam, although you can continue water intake during this period. This is why many people prefer to get the exam completed in the morning, since it’s easier to fast while you are sleeping as opposed to trying to go to work all day and then feeling sluggish. Your examiner will try to set up a time with you that works for your schedule.
2. Eat Clean
72 hours before the exam it is best to stay away from unhealthy foods that are full of sugar, grease and salt. (all the things that make life better). This will make sure that your cholesterol, blood pressure and sugar levels stay at optimum levels. It is very common for someone to eat half a box of Krispy Kreme donuts the night before and have sugar levels of a diabetic the next day. (I do this on my cheat days)
3. Avoid Strenuous Exercise
You never thought you’d ever hear anyone tell you not to work out huh. Well, in this case, you don’t want to be running marathons or doing crossfit competitions since exercise can put significant stress on your body and can give you labs similar to a person who is fighting a terminal illness. So take it easy and if you must exercise just go for a brisk walk.
4. Avoid Alcohol, Nicotine and Caffeine
You don’t want to consume anything that will be stimulating you because it can affect your lab markers. This also goes for any other drugs or stimulants you can think of. For instance, consuming caffeine or nicotine can have an adverse effect on your blood pressure reading. Alcohol in your system is not a good first impression with the insurer but besides that, it can mess with your liver enzymes. This also goes for any other drugs or stimulants you can think of.
5. Prepare Important Information
The night before the exam gather any important legal documents like your social security, driver license or any other picture id. Also, you want to have your doctors contact details as well. You should also create a list of all prescriptions that you’re currently taken. The examiner will ask for this and the last thing you want to do is running around stressed out before your examination.
6. Catch some ZZZ’s
A good night sleeps goes a long way so make sure you hit the hay a little early and get a solid 8 to 9 hours of sleep. Quality rest will balance all your hormones and keep your vitals in check.
7. Relax your mind
First of all, dress comfortably. It’s easiest to complete your exam when your sleeves are rolled up or if you are wearing a short-sleeved shirt since a blood pressure reading will be obtained. Stay calm and relaxed. It’s much easier to nail the exam when you’re calm as opposed to trying to argue with an examiner or life insurance carrier after the fact.Try to schedule your appointment during your least stressful period of the day- feeling rushed and pressured is one way to make the exam more arduous and possibly throw off your blood pressure reading, too.
8. Water is your friend
Remember to drink a glass or two of water about an hour before the exam so that you are ready for the urine specimen. Drinking water also dilates your blood vessels to help you lower your blood pressure.
9. Take deep breaths
Don’t let this test get to you- it should be simple and quick. Take a few deep breaths or practice some meditation techniques before your exam occurs. This will help slow your heart down which will ensure a good blood pressure reading and EKG if it is necessary. Stay in a positive frame of mind. When you’re prepared, the test is just one small hurdle towards getting your life insurance policy. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it flies by.
Terrified of Needles? Try No Exam Life Insurance
No matter what preparation tips we offer, if you’re scared of needles or simply don’t have enough time, the tips are worthless. But here at InsureChance, we love solving problems when others give up. The good news is that if you don’t want to go through an exam for life insurance purposes you can secure a policy up to $500,000 without leaving your computer or tablet screen. Best part is that if you’re in good health the premium payments are very competitive.
Learn more here>>>>>No Exam Life
Preparing a Few Months in Advance
Of course, your lab results are going to be best when they indicate a healthy individual. If you have a chronic condition that you’re trying to get under control, the best time to apply for life insurance is not while you are testing out a new medication or when you have just discovered that your cholesterol, blood pressure, or other issue has spiked.
If you’ve recently decided to quit smoking but you think nicotine may still show up in your exam, it’s time to think about putting off your life insurance decision by a few months (but set a calendar reminder to jolt your memory about this crucial purchase). Also, if you’re overweight try to get your weight in order as it can have a huge impact on your premium payment. Besides a little can go along way because I have seen people pay $100’s of dollars less per year over few lost pounds.
If you were to take the exam and have some negative results in there, it can be a major hassle to try to haggle about them or to get permission for another test. You’re much better off with the “one and done” approach.
If you’re not sure about your current medical situation, schedule a physical with your primary physician. You might get an idea of where you’re at and what you can expect on your exam results. If you think your numbers are off, get some tips on bringing your numbers down to normal levels and then invest the time in improving that. This is like killing two birds with one stone, since you’ll feel better when you’re healthier, too. Ultimately, you’ll feel much more confident about completing the life insurance exam when you feel good.
You Mentioned Free Lab Results – How Do I Get Them?
The life insurance company can provide you with a copy if you request it, and you can also send a letter along with your application requesting the results. If you have any long-term issues you’ve been monitoring, or you simply want a backup copy of what your results said on the day of your exam, there’s no harm in asking and keeping this on file.
By now you should be able to take any medical exam like a pro! And if you are interested in life insurance let us help you secure a plan with the most benefits and the least amount of dollars out of pocket. Here at InsureChance, we work with over 60 top rated life insurers to get you the best rate. If you have any questions please call us at 888-492-1967 or get life insurance rates online. If you prefer to skip the medical exam you can compare no medical exam life insurance quotes here.
