How do life insurance companies check medical background for insurance?

Asked by: Leonora Borer  |  Last update: November 12, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (2 votes)

If you agree to let them go through your medical history, they'll contact your doctor and will look at your records over the last five to ten years. If you don't give your permission, they can't investigate your background and could either refuse to insure you or offer you insurance with higher premiums.

How do life insurance companies check your medical records?

Many life insurance companies will contact your doctor's office and obtain medical records after you have given permission for them to do so. The doctor's office will complete a medical questionnaire as well.

What will disqualify me from life insurance?

A few common examples of pre-existing conditions include high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and asthma. Previous injuries might be considered pre-existing conditions, depending on their severity and any lasting effects.

What do they test for in a life insurance medical exam?

The health history typically includes information about preexisting conditions, family health history, current prescriptions, and similar information. They may also gather your contact information. The physical exam: The examiner takes your height, weight, pulse, and blood pressure.

Do life insurance companies do background checks?

Do life insurance companies check criminal records? Yes, during a life insurance application, you will be asked questions about your criminal history, lifestyle, and background so the insurer can evaluate your potential risk.

How Do Life Insurance Companies Check Medical Backgrounds? - InsuranceGuide360.com

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What disqualifies me for life insurance?

They can include engaging in risky hobbies and behaviors like skydiving; having a history of DUIs or speeding tickets; having a dangerous job like roofing; having a criminal record or a less than ideal financial history; being a smoker; and failing a drug test.

Can an insurance company see your medical records?

The answer varies depending on the state. In California, the retention period can be anywhere from two to ten years, depending on the type of procedure or healthcare provider. However, an insurance claim medical report should only look as far back as the injury in question.

How to avoid medical exam for life insurance?

Four basic kinds of life insurance that may allow you to avoid a medical exam
  1. accelerated underwriting life insurance.
  2. simplified issue life insurance.
  3. guaranteed issue life insurance.
  4. and group life insurance.

What not to say when applying for life insurance?

Tobacco use: Lying about smoking on a life insurance application likely constitutes a misrepresentation, even if you only smoke occasionally. Drug and alcohol use: Someone who engages in drug or alcohol misuse may omit this information.

What do life insurance companies look for in a blood and urine test?

Blood and urine tests during a life insurance medical test screen for dozens of health markers and conditions, such as: HIV and AIDS. Sexually transmitted diseases. Cholesterol, including LDL, HDL and triglycerides (poor levels are associated with heart disease)

How do I get life insurance if I have medical problems?

Many people, including those with health problems, can get basic group life insurance through their employers. Basic coverage is typically limited to one or two times your annual salary, but you won't have to take a health exam to qualify. Note that you will most likely lose the coverage if you leave the job.

Which case is likely to be declined by a life insurer?

9 Reasons Why You Were Declined For Life Insurance
  • Medical issues.
  • Hazardous occupation.
  • Financial reasons.
  • Lifestyle choices.
  • Lab results.
  • Driving record.
  • Criminal record.
  • Foreign travel.

What disqualifies you from whole life insurance?

Pre-existing conditions – meaning any health issue or condition that existed before applying for coverage – are often considered high-risk by insurance companies and can lead to disqualification. Chronic conditions that require long-term medication or treatment can also impact eligibility.

How far back can a life insurance company request medical records?

If you agree to let them go through your medical history, they'll contact your doctor and will look at your records over the last five to ten years. If you don't give your permission, they can't investigate your background and could either refuse to insure you or offer you insurance with higher premiums.

How to pass a blood test for life insurance?

How to prepare for a life insurance medical exam
  1. Eat healthy. During the life insurance physical, the examiner will take a blood sample for testing and he or she will check your blood pressure and pulse. ...
  2. Drink water. ...
  3. Consider fasting. ...
  4. Skip the gym. ...
  5. Get a good night's sleep. ...
  6. Wear lightweight clothing.

What is the 80% rule 1 point?

The 80% rule means that an insurer will only fully cover the cost of damage to a house if the owner has purchased insurance coverage equal to at least 80% of the house's total replacement value.

What disqualifies a person from life insurance?

Specific Conditions that May Disqualify You

Certain health conditions and lifestyle choices can significantly impact your eligibility for full coverage life insurance. Chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure are among the top concerns for insurers.

What happens if you lie on your health insurance application?

Your insurance company can still cancel your coverage if you put false or incomplete information on your insurance application on purpose. They can also cancel your coverage if you don't pay your premiums on time.

Do life insurance companies always check medical records?

Will my insurer check my medical records? Usually, yes. Most often, you'll need to sign a HIPAA life insurance waiver so the insurer can check your medical background for issues and accuracy. The insurance company can use the information only to help it set your rates.

Can you really get life insurance without a medical exam?

Yes, some insurers offer life insurance policies without a medical exam, usually called guaranteed issue or simplified issue policies. Typically, life insurance coverage requires a medical examination, including a physical and blood test, while life insurance with no medical exam allows you to buy coverage without one.

How many people fail life insurance exam?

The pass rates for the various exams are: Life Insurance: 62.9% Health Insurance: 60.4% Life & Health Insurance: 64.8%

Does State Farm do medical exams?

Most State Farm life insurance policies require a medical exam, but the following policies don't require a physical exam or lab tests.

How far back do medical records go?

Usually, the medical record-keeping period ranges from five to ten years after the patient's death, discharge, or last treatment. The laws are different for every state, and the time needed for record-keeping isn't consistent across the board.

Do insurance companies call doctors?

Indeed, the insurance company doctor may even call your doctor for a “peer to peer” phone call to make sure it provides a “full and fair” review as required by ERISA (the Employee Income Retirement Income Security Act) and also to give you every opportunity to get your claim approved.

How far back can insurance companies audit?

Typically, they might seek medical records from the last 5-7 years. That's the general timeline for medical record checks, but insurance companies can go back even further when exploring other facets of your past, such as driving history or previous insurance claims.