Life Insurance Exam, What is involved?
There's a good chance you will need to undergo a medical exam if you are buying life 
insurance and are trying to get the lowest possible rates (whether it's termor whole life).Typically, insurance medical exams are done by paramedical exam companies, and have to be licensed health professionals. Paramedicals are often independent contractors hired and paid (no cost to you) by the insurance company and will gladly come to your home, business or other locations that are convenient to you.
There are medical questions on Part I (some insurers call it Part A) of a life insurance application that are usually completed at application. Part II (or Part B) is the medical form that is completed by a paramedical or a physician (if no exam is needed then part two will also be completed at application time).
After receiving your application for life insurance, your agent or life insurer will contact one of several paramedical services that specialize in mobile exams. They'll give the paramedical service information on you, the amount of insurance you're applying for, and the name of the insurance company (this needs to be authorized by you beforehand).
What happens when they you meet with the examiner or nurse?
Nearly all exams can take place at your home or office, since many paramedicals carry their own supplies and have centrifuges for blood sampling. Although the insurer might order what is called an attending physician's statement (APS) from your doctor, you cannot have the life insurance medical exam done by your own physician as insurer have very different requirements than your regular doctor.
A paramedical professional will call you to schedule your appointment. If you can't schedule an appointment, you'll usually have the option of going to a clinic specified by the insurer. The exam is not optional -- you must have it or your application won't be processed. If the taking an exam is an issue, please contact us as soon as possible so that we may search for options more fitting top your needs (such a no exam plan). The insurance company pays the paramedical service or examining physician directly, so you're not financially responsible for the exam or any required lab work.
Preparation Tips For Your Life Insurance Medical Exam
When your insurer requires a life insurance medical exam, don’t panic. Just follow these simple tips to make sure your exam yields the best possible results.
Schedule a morning exam – When arranging for your appointment, try to secure one as early in the day as possible – even if that day falls on the weekend. Why? The early morning is when your body is least stressed.
Avoid food – At least 8, and preferably 12 hours before your life insurance medical exam, avoid eating anything. Another recommendation is to avoid salty, cholesterol-loaded or high-fat foods for a day or two prior to your exam.
Drink water – It’s okay to drink water, and recommended an hour before you’ll be asked to provide a urine sample. The only caution against this is if your insurer later requires specific additional tests that require fasting and no water for a specified amount of time. You will be advised if there are any restrictions on water consumption.
Sleep well – The night before your life insurance medical exam, it’s important that you get the proper amount of sleep. Your body needs to be well-rested in order to achieve the best possible results during your exam. Do not take any medication to help you to sleep, however, as this will negatively affect your tests
Avoid strenuous exercise – The day before your exam, stay away from any strenuous physical exercise. This means no working out at the gym or playing touch football or anything that normally causes you to physically exert yourself to a greater degree.
No alcohol – Do not drink any alcoholic beverages for a full 24 hours before your exam.
Steer clear of caffeine – Drinks like coffee, lattes and espressos, soda and tea should not be consumed for several hours in advance of your exam.
No tobacco – Do not chew or smoke tobacco for 24 hours before your testing.
No decongestants – Similarly, do not take any decongestants for a full day (24 hours) prior to your health insurance exam.
On the Day of your Exam
You’re well-rested, taken all the precautions, and now it’s the day of your exam. Follow these additional five helpful tips to ensure you’re doing all you can.
Dress appropriately – Wear a short sleeve shirt, blouse, sweater, etc., or a garment with long sleeves that can be rolled up. This is so your blood can be taken for the blood tests. By the way, to ease your mind, ask to see the seal on the needle so that you’re assured the blood test is sterile.
Bring medical records with you – You’ll need to have all your medical records, and information about doctors and health insurance available.
Carry photo ID – This ensures the insurer that the person who shows up for the life insurance medical exam is you.
List of medications – Have with you a list of all the medications you take, or have taken. Be sure to include any non-prescription or over-the-counter drugs as well. This is important, since taking something you haven’t mentioned may skew the test results – and not in your favor.
Relax and remain calm – This advice pertains to the entire life insurance medical exam, but is particularly important if an EKG is required. During an EKG, you’ll be asked to lie on a table and leads will be placed on your chest to monitor electrical impulses in your heart. Relaxing and remaining calm will help prevent false readings due to muscle action.
