Life Insurance Medical - What You Need To Know
The reason a life insurance company asks you to take a life insurance medical is simple. The insurance company wants to know if you have any health condition that could shorten your life — and increase the company's risk.
The insurance company pays for the life insurance medical. It most likely will be done by a licensed paramedic or medical doctor, usually someone other than your own physician.
Expect it to take approximately 30 minutes (more if EKG or other tests are required).
At the least you should expect they will do a blood test, collect a urine sample, check your blood pressure, and measure your height and weight.
You will probably be asked about your medical history and your family's medical history. They will likely ask about your lifestyle practices such as whether and how much you smoke, drink alcohol, use recreational drugs and exercise. The medical exam will be the basis the company uses to establish your insurance rate and that is what will determine your premiums. Following these suggestions will help you present at your best. >> If you can, schedule the exam appointment for the morning and try to pick a low stress time for you. The examiners are quite flexible and will try their best to accommodate your needs, even if that means doing the medical exam on the weekend or in the evening. >> Expect health questions about such things as your current medical conditions, surgery (if you have had any), medications you take, or other medical treatments you have had. It is best to get this information together and bring it with you. In fact, it's a good idea to have the details written down if you think you won't be able to remember it all in your head. This saves time and avoids you getting flustered because you can't remember everything. >> Although undressing is not required, plan to wear something with short sleeves or loose sleeves that easily roll. >> Bring photo identification with you. >> If you have any special needs, let the examiner know when you set up the appointment. >> Eat a healthy diet the week before your medical exam paying particular attention to avoiding excess salt, sugar and fat (especially high cholesterol foods). >> Completely avoid drinking any alcohol for three days before the medical. Alcohol in your system can affect your blood test results. Try to follow these suggestions during the 24 hours before the exam. >> Don't have any caffeine at all - it can affect your blood pressure. >> Fast for 10-12 hours before the medical exam. This is easiest if your exam is in the morning since you sleep through most of it! Don't eat (this even includes chewing gum) or drink anything except water until after the exam. >> Don't smoke or chew tobacco for at least an hour before the exam. (If you use a nicotine patch, you are still considered a smoker but many companies will reduce your rates after you have completely quit smoking for one year.) >> Drink a glass of water about an hour before the exam to make it easier to give a urine specimen. >> Finally, try to sleep well the night before your exam. Once it's over, relax and forget about it. You have done the best you can. After your life insurance medical exam the insurance company will review the results to determine if you are insurable and for what premium. This process can take up to several months.
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