Understanding Life Insurance Blood Tests – A blood test is a common aspect of the life insurance medical exam, which allows your insurer to receive a thorough picture of your health and determine your premiums. A medical exam is usually required when applying for life insurance. The life insurance medical exam is comparable to an annual physical. A technician records information such as your height, weight, and blood pressure while also collecting blood and urine samples.
The blood test, like the rest of the medical exam, is designed to identify any health issues you may have so that the insurance company can calculate your life insurance rates correctly. Insurers typically employ blood tests to detect high cholesterol, drug or tobacco use, and high-risk medical illnesses such as diabetes.
What is a Life Insurance Blood Test?
The medical exam and blood test are part of the underwriting process, which is how your life insurance company determines the risk of insuring you, or how likely you are to die while your policy is valid.
An underwriter can use the blood test results to check the medical information you provided during your initial phone interview and obtain the most recent information about any of your health conditions. Following underwriting, you are issued a life insurance classification based on your assessed risk level, which sets the ultimate premium.
What Does the Life Insurance Blood Tests Look For?
There are no “passing” or “failing” blood tests for your life insurance coverage. The testing just allows the insurance to have a more thorough picture of your health. The insurer will look for indicators of:
- Tobacco use includes cigars, chewing tobacco, and vaping.
- High cholesterol or other indicators of heart disease
- Pre-existing illnesses, such as liver and kidney disease
- Drug or other substance abuse
- HIV and other dangerous diseases
Results indicating any of the above may result in higher rates or, in severe situations, a refused application.
If you purposefully conceal information disclosed following the medical test, your application may be denied or your coverage revoked as a result of life insurance fraud.
How to prepare for the Life Insurance Blood Tests
Because the medical exam will have an impact on your life insurance rates for the duration of your policy, you should aim for the best possible findings. While you cannot change your medical history, there are some steps you may take to prepare.
- Fast prior. To get the most accurate blood sugar and cholesterol results, you may be requested to fast for up to 12 hours before testing.
- Eat nutritious foods. Avoid high-sodium and sugary foods in the days before your test, as they can elevate your blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated will help remove extra salt from your body and make it simpler to locate your veins for a blood draw.
- Wear short sleeves. Short sleeves make it easy to perform a blood test and keep the checkup brief.
Making big lifestyle changes before your exam, like quitting smoking, will not result in lower premiums. Underwriters require you to keep the improvements for a year or more before giving better rates. However, taking steps to achieve accurate results can assist you in obtaining the lowest premiums for your health profile.
Can you avoid the Life Insurance Blood Tests?
If you want to bypass the medical check and blood test, you have several possibilities. Whether poking and prodding makes you anxious, you’re not sure what might come up, or you simply value your privacy, no-exam life insurance policies may be a decent option.
No exam policies often have higher premiums and lesser coverage limits than medically underwritten policies, but they can be a viable option if you are concerned about qualifying for a standard plan.
No exam life insurance covers:
- Simplified-issue insurance is based on a health questionnaire to assess eligibility. The short application process and the lack of a medical exam requirement make it a quick method to receive coverage.
- Guaranteed Issue Insurance: Guaranteed issue life insurance cannot be denied due to medical concerns. It’s best for persons with major health conditions who may be unable to acquire other types of coverage.
There is no need to be concerned about the life insurance blood test as long as you are open about your medical history and background.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every life insurance company need blood tests?
Most life insurance firms conduct medical exams to establish eligibility and pricing for specific types of policies. However, the firm and policy type you are pursuing will likely determine whether the exam is required and includes a blood test.
What should you avoid before getting a blood test?
The way you prepare for a blood test may vary based on your lifestyle and health status. In general, you should eat well-balanced meals, stay hydrated, get plenty of sleep, and avoid unnecessary stress in the days leading up to your blood test. Speaking with your physician may provide information on how you can best prepare for your blood test.
Why does life insurance require blood tests?
Life insurance firms use blood tests to measure your health and deliver the most accurate coverage prices. The blood test can tell insurance companies if you smoke, use drugs, have high blood pressure, or have other characteristics that make you more difficult to insure.