Applicants for life insurance quotes generally require medical information in some form or another, whether through medical examination or provision of medical records. The applicant is required under the law relating to life insurance policies must divulge certain medical conditions to potential providers of term life or whole of life cover. If a policy is purchased online it may sometimes be issued without any upfront medical examination. Full disclosure is still required and the policy will be cancelled and premium lost if fraud is uncovered.
Depending on the age of the applicant may factor the needs to have a medical examination or not. A blood test for diabetes, cholesterol and general body functions may be taken along with the checking of height, weight and blood pressure. Family and general medical history will be factored into the assessment. If the applicant is applying for a substantial life cover and/or over 55
a full in depth medical examination will be required prior to acceptance of the risk by the underwriter.
Preparation for Medical Examination
The insurance company may have a list of medical centres or doctors acceptable to them to enable the applicant to undertake the medical examination required by the underwriter. The applicant’s own doctor may be allowed to undertake the examination. Certain actions beforehand can influence the results such as cutting out caffeine and tobacco at least 24 hours before testing.
Other effective tips are as follows:
Fasting is required for 12 hours prior to a blood test and the reduction of sugar, fats and salt in meals prior to this may assist.
Your liver may show elevated enzymes unless abstention from alcohol is undertaken for at least 3 days prior to the test.
Over the counter medication, such as aspirin and the like should be avoided, unless prescribed by the doctor, as well as allergy medicines and ibuprofen.
The day before the examination should be relaxed without heavy work and exercise and vigorous play and stress as this will cause elevated levels of proteins in your urine. A good night’s sleep will provide a bright appearance too.
Some insurance policies, particularly large value ones, require more thorough testing other than just a blood and pressure test. HIV and EKG testing may be required and results from genetic testing from your past may be required.
Remember, the examination results may be better if all the information relating to your medical condition is notified to the medical examiner. The better prepared the better the result.