Medical Exams

Preparing for the Medical Examination

Topics:

  • Will I need to take a medical examination as a part of my life insurance application?
  • How extensive is the medical examination?
  • What can I do to get the best results?
  • How are the examination results used?
  • Who performs the medical examination?
  • Where is the examination performed?
  • Who pays for the exam?
  • Can I get a copy of the examination results?

1. Will I need to take a medical examination as a part of my life insurance application?

Depending on the type and amount of insurance coverage, most life insurance carriers require prospective clients to undergo a simple medical examination. The results are used to determine whether you qualify for coverage.

2. How extensive is the medical examination?

The exam typically lasts 15 to 30 minutes, and consists of the examiner taking blood and urine samples for analysis and what is called a paramedical exam. During the paramedical exam, you will be asked health-related questions, and then have your height, weight, and blood pressure measured. Depending upon your age and the type of policy you are seeking, you may be asked to take an EKG test, or to complete these tests with a physician instead of an examiner. In some cases, a life insurance company representative may call you with follow-up questions.

3. What can I do to get the best results?

To obtain the best results from your medical examination, we make the following suggestions. Please be aware that better medical exam results may very well help you to qualify for better rates at a cheaper cost to you.

  • Fast 12 hours before the exam
  • Get a good night’s sleep the night before the examination.
  • Abstain from alcoholic beverages for at least eight hours prior to the exam.
  • Do not smoke or chew tobacco for at least one hour prior to your examination.
  • Avoid drinking coffee, tea or caffeinated soft drinks for at least one hour prior to your examination.
  • Limit salt intake and high cholesterol foods 24 hours before your examination.
  • You should not engage in strenuous physical activities 24 hours before the examination.
  • Drink a glass of water an hour or so before your appointment – this will help in obtaining a urine specimen.

Please also plan to have available for the examiner:

  • Your driver’s license for identification
  • Your physician’s names, addresses, and dates of past visits
  • Names of any prescribed medications and any information regarding injury and major illness
  • If you belong to Kaiser or any other prepaid medical plan, have your medical record number available

4. How are the examination results used?

The results are used only to evaluate your application for term life insurance. They are kept confidential and used for no other purposes.

5. Who performs the medical examination?

Licensed health-care providers perform the medical exams.

6. Where is the examination performed?

In most cases, the exam will be performed in your home or place of business, at a time that is convenient for you.

7. Who pays for the exam?

The life insurance carrier will pay for all costs associated with the medical exam.

8. Can I get a copy of the examination results?

In most cases, a copy of the results will be made available to you or your physician after your policy is issued. Some life insurance companies require a separate written request from customers before they will release examination results.

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