The Life Insurance Health Exam

Before an insurance company gives you a final quote for a policy, a medical examination is usually required.

The purpose of this health exam is to verify that the health information you entered on your application is correct and to make sure that you don't have an ailment of which you are unaware.


This page:

  • Describes the medical exam testing process.

  • Lists some of the topics covered by exam questions

  • Gives advice on what to do if you are denied coverage.

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How it works

Upon receiving your application, an insurance agent will review it and decide whether or not the company wants to offer you a policy. If they do, the insurance company contacts the paramedical service center in your area.

The paramedical service is sent your health information in preparation for your life insurance medical exam. A paramedic, not your general practitioner, will then call you to schedule an appointment. Typically all of this will happen within a few days of the application.

You don't need to worry about the cost, as it is the responsibility of the company to pay for any life insurance exam they request, unless otherwise stated.

There are times when no medical exam is required - generally with small amounts of insurance or at a young age. However, these times are rare, so you should expect to be called by a paramedic once you submit your application.

The life insurance medical exam

Depending, once again, on the type and amount of insurance you want to purchase your exam will include most or all of the following: physical exam, urine specimen, blood work, EKG and x-ray. The life insurance exam is designed to identify conditions and personal habits that will effect your mortality. HIV, high cholesterol, liver or kidney disorders, diabetes, hepatitis and immune disorders are all tested for as well as drug use, and smoking.

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After the medical exam

After your life insurance exam, the results are sent to the insurance company for review. If something does not coincide between the two accounts (your application and the paramedical exam), the insurance company will either deny you a policy or will carry on further evaluation. You might be required to undergo a second health exam to settle the discrepancies. The insurance company may contact the MIB (medical insurance bureau), which is a database of people's medical and insurance histories shared by insurance companies, to settle any questions they may have.

What do I do if I am turned down?

If you are turned down because of health, call the insurance company and request the results of your life insurance medical exam to be sent to you. If you suspect some test results are wrong, contact the insurance company and ask for a second medical exam.

If a medical condition is the reason for the denial in coverage, start looking for life insurance companies specializing in treating their clients on an individual basis. Often these insurance companies will take into account the severity of your condition when deciding whether or not to offer you coverage and for what price.

If the insurance company decides to offer you a policy, you will receive the final quoted price based on your health risk.

For more help . . .

Getting the lowest possible premium on your life insurance is almost like an art form. There are many variables to consider, and to get the right balance of term length, benefit amounts, and policy riders and illustrations, you need to take a careful step-by-step approach to the buying process.

Our free life insurance course is designed to help you do just that.

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