What are the medical test required for term insurance?

Asked by: Hortense Schuppe DVM  |  Last update: January 12, 2026
Score: 5/5 (12 votes)

A medical professional will record your height, weight and blood pressure. If you're an older applicant or applying for a large amount of coverage, you may have to take an EKG to check your heart. They'll also take blood and urine samples to check for: Blood protein levels.

Do I need a medical exam for term life insurance?

Traditional term and permanent life insurance policies typically require a medical exam. However, there are plenty of non-traditional term life insurance policies that don't require a medical exam, including: Simplified issue life insurance.

How to pass a life insurance medical exam?

Here are some life insurance exam tips to help you prepare:
  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 kind of blood test is required for life insurance?

Cholesterol: Your insurer is usually interested in your total cholesterol level and the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol. Ultimately, your cholesterol level can have an impact on your risk group and policy premium. Hemoglobin A1C, glucose levels: Hemoglobin measures your long-term blood sugar levels.

Do you get drug tested for term life insurance?

One common thing the company will look for is whether your tests show nicotine, marijuana, or any recreational drug use. Companies will also look at things like your blood sugar, how your organs are functioning, and whether any health conditions pop up based on your blood work or urine sample.

The Need of Medical Tests & Medical Check Up for Insurance | Insurance Decoded

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What will disqualify you from term life insurance?

Due to the added risk health problems create for insurers, some pre-existing conditions can raise your premium or even disqualify you entirely from certain types of life insurance. A few common examples of pre-existing conditions include high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and asthma.

Can I get term life insurance if I smoke?

Even if you smoke, you can still get approved for a life insurance policy and help financially protect loved ones in the event of your passing. Aflac offers life insurance for smokers without medical exams. It's easy to find information about our policy options, and our rates are reasonable.

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 are they looking for in a life insurance urine test?

Blood and urine samples: These tests check for various health indicators, including cholesterol levels, blood sugar, nicotine use, and potential diseases. Medical history review: The examiner will ask basic health questions about your personal and family history, lifestyle habits, and current prescriptions.

What is blood testing for longevity?

Is there a longevity test? No single longevity or healthspan test can predict your life expectancy or reduce your mortality risk. However, screening and blood tests can help to identify health problems before symptoms show, so you can act early.

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 is the hardest insurance exam to pass?

Each insurance licensing exam presents its own challenge. Between Life and Health, students say that the Health insurance exam is the more difficult. Health insurance policies are simply more complicated than life insurance policies. The Property insurance exam is easier than the Casualty insurance exam.

What is the catch with no medical exam life insurance?

What is the catch for no-exam life insurance? Because insurers don't have health data on you, your premiums will probably be higher and the amount of your death benefit will likely be smaller — especially in the first few years. In addition, there are usually age caps on who can take out a no-exam policy.

Can you be denied term life insurance?

Insurers may reject your life insurance application if there's reason to believe you can't afford the premiums. This might happen if you have a history of bankruptcy, lots of outstanding debt or a low income.

How to pass a blood test for life insurance?

Avoid strenuous exercise 12 hours prior to the examination. Limit caffeine and nicotine one hour prior to your appointment. Drink a glass of water one hour prior to the appointment. Provide any history of problems associated with providing a blood sample.

Can life insurance see your medical records?

Yes, life insurers will review your medical records if you are applying for a medically underwritten policy. They can do so only with the consent of the applicant, however. The consent agreement between the applicant and insurance company will specify the number of years of medical records that will be examined.

What kind of medical exam is needed for life insurance?

Part 2: The life insurance physical exam

electrocardiogram (EKG) x-rays. treadmill stress test, cognitive ability test.

What can doctor tell from urine test?

The results of a urine test may indicate the presence of:
  • Diabetes or prediabetes.
  • Chronic kidney disease.
  • Kidney or bladder stones.
  • Kidney or bladder cancer.
  • Bacterial or yeast infections.
  • A urinary tract disorder.
  • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • Liver or bile duct damage.

What happens if you fail life insurance drug test?

Life insurance may pay if drugs are in the system, but it depends on the type of drug and whether it affects the policy terms or claim approval. Coverage might be denied or premiums increased based on the drug use.

What will disqualify me from life insurance?

This is often due to health challenges like diabetes and obesity, as well as non-health related life insurance disqualifiers like a dangerous job or hobby, a history of speeding tickets or using tobacco products. Here's how to understand what might make you uninsurable for life insurance and what your options are.

How far back do insurance companies check 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.

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.

How to get cotinine out of your system fast?

The following methods may help clear nicotine from the body:
  1. drinking plenty of water to flush waste products from the kidneys and liver.
  2. exercising to get the blood moving, boost circulation, and release waste products through sweat.
  3. eating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants to help the body repair itself.

How does term life insurance work?

A term life insurance policy is the simplest, purest form of life insurance : You pay a premium for a period of time – typically between 10 and 30 years – and if you die during that time a death benefit is paid to your family (or anyone else you name as your beneficiary).

Why do people who drink alcoholic beverages often pay higher life insurance premiums?

Insurers are also wary of the behavioral risks associated with heavy drinking, such as accidents or injuries, which can increase the likelihood of a claim. Therefore, people with a history of alcohol abuse, frequent binge drinking, or alcohol-related health conditions will almost certainly face higher premiums.