Facts about Life Insurance Medical Exams
When you apply for a life insurance policy, you will have to submit to a medical exam. Here are the things every applicant should know about the life insurance medical exam.What the Exam Entails
Most life insurance medical exams are conducted by a physician in the employ of the insurance company or, more commonly, a paramedical professional. The exam usually takes place in your home or office, as most paramedicals have portable equipment. A basic life insurance exam will measure your height, weight, pulse, blood pressure, and will take blood and urine samples. Depending on your age and the amount of coverage you're applying for, your exam may involve additional tests. For instance, some companies require applicants over the age of 50 who are applying for more than one million dollars of coverage to submit to a treadmill test and/or an EKG. You might find after you look into online term life insurance rates that you do not have to take a paramedical exam for your policy. This is possible if you are only applying for a policy with a very low face value.
The Purpose of the Exam
The purpose of the life insurance medical exam is to identify any conditions that could abbreviate your lifespan, thus increasing the insurance company's risk in issuing you coverage. Your blood and urine will be tested for cholesterol levels, the HIV virus, diabetes, liver or kidney disorders, hepatitis, and immune disorders. Your urine sample is also usually tested for certain medications and illicit drugs. The results of the exam will determine your insurability and the online term life insurance rates that you will pay for your coverage.
How to Get the Best Results
You want your medical exam to portray your health in the best light possible in order to get the lowest online term life insurance rates. Here are some tips to help you have the best exam you can:
- Schedule the exam for the morning when your heart rate and other levels will be at their lowest
- Get a good night's sleep before the exam
- Don't consume alcohol for at least eight hours prior to the exam
- Avoid tea, coffee, and caffeinated pop on the day of the exam
- Watch your sodium intake and avoid high-cholesterol foods at least 24 hours before the exam
- Don't perform any vigorous physical activity at least 24 hours before the exam
