The Medical Exam

Most permanent life insurance companies require applicants to pass a medical exam taken by someone who works for the insurance company. This is called "medical underwriting." The company needs to make sure you do not have any life-threatening illnesses that will cut your life short. It is better for the life insurance company to insure people that are healthy and will live a long life. Therefore, a life insurance company needs to compare the overall health of a potential client against their requirements in order to help determine exact amounts as far as death benefit and taxes. The medical exam could be very simple and basic - blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, smoking and drinking habits. On the other hand, the exam could be very thorough. It depends on the company.

Medical Exam Qualifiers

A detailed exam is more common for people who want to purchase large never ending life insurance death benefits. Policies that pay out a million dollars, for example, would probably require the applicant to undergo extensive testing. A person's age and medical history also determine whether they will need to have a basic exam or an extensive one. Older people in their senior years and those who have been sick in the past may have to submit to more thorough testing.

Insurance Medical Forms

Each insurance company will set their own charts to determine whether to insure someone. They base their quotes and rates for policies around this chart. Some lifetime insurance companies are more relaxed about certain illnesses, while others require their applicants to be in great shape. When you get your medical exam, you will also have to fill out many medical forms. There may be a large packet to fill out, containing both medical and non-medical legal forms. It is in your best interest to be truthful about any medical conditions you have.

Basic Medical Insurance Exams

Some basic medical tests that you would have to take include an HIV test, a urine test for drugs, and a test for nicotine levels in your system. Urine exams can reveal drug use as well as diseases, and the nicotine test helps the insurance company determine if you are a heavy smoker, and therefore in a high-risk category that may cost the insurance company.

Advanced Medical Insurance Exams

For applicants seeking larger life insurance policies, taking a medical exam for the company involves some preparation. One of the tests you will probably have to take is the Fasting Blood Sugar exam, which tests for diabetes. To prepare for this, you can only drink water for several hours before the exam to get an accurate reading. Other tests you may undergo include cholesterol testing, electrocardiograms, and liver tests.

Medical Exam Preparation

You can prepare for your life insurance medical exam in a few ways. First, start a diet and exercise program several months before you apply for life insurance. Lose excess weight, stop smoking, and eat healthy to improve your overall health. It is never too late to start taking care of your health. If you are still nervous about passing your tests, however, you can speak with an agent about applying for a policy that does not require an extensive medical exam. You can always start with a lower level policy, improve your health, and then apply for more coverage.

The life insurance medical exam is nothing to be afraid of, but it could help you start taking better care of yourself. Speak to your life insurance agent before the exam to make sure you are preparing correctly. Manage your weight appropriately, eliminate drugs and alcohol from your system, and you will do the best you can when the test day rolls around.