What kind of blood work is done for life insurance?

Asked by: Eliseo Ziemann  |  Last update: November 25, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (27 votes)

Blood tests check for a range of factors like cholesterol levels, blood sugar, liver and kidney function and the presence of drugs or nicotine.

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 bloodwork considered for insurance?

Preventive vs. Diagnostic: If the blood work is part of preventive care (such as routine screening tests), many insurance plans cover it fully. However, if the blood work is for diagnostic purposes (e.g., to investigate a symptom or monitor a known health condition), it might come with out-of-pocket costs.

What do life insurance blood and urine tests look for?

They'll also take blood and urine samples to check for: Blood protein levels. Blood sugar levels. Fluid and electrolyte balances.

Why do life insurance companies draw blood?

Blood tests allow insurers to get a clear picture of your health and assess any potential risks. While many applicants go through this exam, it's possible to skip it under certain circumstances. For example, some insurers offer accelerated underwriting, where healthy applicants may qualify without a medical exam.

Why Do Insurance Companies Test Blood & Urine?

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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.

Can life insurance companies see your medical history?

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.

How long does blood work take for life insurance?

The time it takes to get results from your medical exam will vary by insurance company, but the process can range anywhere from several days to a few months, depending on your health history and whether the insurer needs additional information.

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.

How to pass a blood test?

Recommendations for how to prepare for blood test:

Eat less fatty and fried food, and avoid alcohol 1-2 days prior to the test. Don't smoke 1 hour prior to the test. Enzyme and hormone levels vary depending on the time of day, so these tests should be performed before 10 a.m. unless your doctor indicates otherwise.

How much does a full panel blood test cost?

Key takeaways: The cost of blood work depends on factors such as the type of test, where you live, and the facility you go to. Without insurance, you can typically expect to pay between $29 and $99 per test or panel for common types of blood work.

Do life insurance companies test for STDs?

Insurers also want to make sure you have listed all medications on your application and did not omit anything. STDs: The blood test will determine if you have any sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Although STDs usually will not get you denied, they can affect your rates in some circumstances.

What lab tests are not covered by insurance?

Not all lab tests are deemed medically necessary, and this is where having health insurance will not help you. Genetic tests for allergies, at-home DNA tests for establishing your heritage, and even at-home drug tests are all lab tests in their way. However, your health insurance plan will not cover these costs.

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.

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.

Is it normal to give blood for life insurance?

Its goal is to get a better picture of the applicant's overall health to determine the premiums they'll pay. These exams generally involve providing a personal and family medical history, undergoing a physical examination, and providing blood and urine samples for lab testing.

What will deny life insurance?

People are typically denied life insurance because they fall into a high-risk category. This is often due to health challenges like diabetes, obesity or a previous diagnosis of serious disease.

How far back do life insurance companies look?

When initially underwriting a life insurance policy, life insurance companies sometimes check up to 10 years of an applicant's medical records.

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 prepare for a life insurance blood test?

Certain foods directly affect blood test results, so avoid sugary, fatty, salty and fried foods at least a few days before your appointment. You can also eat foods that raise your good cholesterol, including salmon, whole grains and nuts like walnuts and almonds.

Can you get life insurance without a blood test?

Many companies today offer life insurance with no medical exam as a fast and non-invasive way to get the protection you need. Like most things in life, though, there can be benefits and limits that you need to consider before choosing a product.

How do I know if my blood work is covered by insurance?

Contact your insurance company for information.

What do life insurance blood and urine tests test for?

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)

What medical history affects 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.

Do life insurance companies call your doctor?

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.