You have completed your life insurance application, and your physical exam is the next step in the underwriting process. A life insurance physical exam, also known as a paramedical exam, requires you to fast for at least 8 to 10 hours beforehand.
Fasting will aid in the reduction of any high blood sugar or blood pressure symptoms. It’s also a good idea to avoid foods with a lot of sodium, saturated fats, or cholesterol in the days before. All of these can cause an increase in your levels in the bloodwork used by underwriters to determine your final premium rate class.
The insurance company with which you are applying will arrange for a life insurance physical exam. As a result, it must be completed by a licensed medical technician who is not affiliated with you and is hired through the carrier.
The licensed technician will come to your home or place of business to perform the physical exam, which should take between 20 and 30 minutes. You can also go to the technician’s office, which should be close to where you live.
A licensed technician will measure your height and weight, and take your blood pressure, urine sample, and blood sample during a life insurance exam. The technician will then ask you a series of medical questions. You and the technician will then sign the exam forms, so make sure everything the examiner has written down about you is correct before you sign.
Here are a few pointers to help you take the best life insurance physical exam possible:
Several days before the exam:
- Maintain healthy blood pressure levels by eating well-balanced meals and staying hydrated.
- Limit your intake of salt and avoid new or strenuous exercise in the days leading up to the exam.
- Because alcohol tends to raise blood pressure, you should abstain from drinking for at least 24 hours.
- Get enough sleep and try to fast for at least 8 hours.
The day of the exam:
- Bring a photo ID, health insurance cards, and member identification numbers.
- Caffeine, soda, and sports drinks should be avoided.
- If you smoke, be honest, but don’t smoke 30 minutes before the exam because it will raise your blood pressure.
- Please provide your entire medical history.
- Provide a list of all medications you are taking, including their names and dosages.
Following the exam, you can request a letter-format copy of your lab tests from the insurance company. The exam is paid for by the life insurance company, and all information is kept strictly confidential.