Insurers use your medical history and results from a professional medical exam to determine what your policy options and premiums costs will be when it comes to life insurance. Learn more about how to prepare, as well as what to expect during and after the exam.  

Preparing for the Exam 

If you have an exam coming up soon, you may be worried about how you can do your best. Some things to consider before having a life insurance medical exam: 

• Limit your intake of salt and high cholesterol foods for at least 24 hours prior to the exam. 

• Do not engage in strenuous exercise for 24 hours prior to the exam. 

• Try to limit your caffeine intake the day of the exam.  

• Get a good night’s sleep the day before. 

• Do not drink alcohol for at least eight hours prior to the exam. 

• Avoid smoking prior to the exam, especially if you’re not a regular smoker.  

• Have a list of any medications you may be taking prepared for the physician.  

Don’t stress out too much about your exam. And, if you have any questions about the results, be sure to contact your insurer.  

The Exam 

These exams are completed by paramedical health care professionals who are hired by the insurance company. In addition to the exams, you will also have to provide information about your medical and family history. 

The insurance company hires a paramedical professional to complete a medical exam before issuing life insurance in order to identify any health conditions that may shorten your life. The cost of this process is covered by the insurance company. 

During the exam, a paramedical professional will gather your medical history, height, weight, blood pressure, pulse and (potentially) blood and/or urine samples. 

• Blood tests are used to detect the presence of antibodies or antigens to various viruses and diseases. Urine tests are used to detect the presence of medications and illegal drugs. 

• Exams do not include sensitive tissues, such as breast or prostate exams. 

After the Exam 

If the insurance company has any further questions after the exam, you may be asked to submit more information. Additional tests may be ordered based on your age and the policy amount desired. 

After the results are received by the insurance company, you will be given a risk rating: either “flat” or “table” for your medical history and conditions. In general, table ratings increase premiums because they are permanent or somewhat permanent conditions.