Tips To Prepare For Your Next Medical Exam For Life Insurance

Tips For Medical Exam

When you apply for life insurance, you typically will be asked to have a medical examination performed by a licensed health professional.  The insurance company will order the exam on your behalf and you will receive a call to schedule the appointment.

When I got my term life insurance policy, I had a traveling nurse come to my home and do my blood work and the rest of the tests.  Since you’re not supposed to eat before the exam, I had scheduled for her to come early in the morning.  There was no way that I can go too long without eating.

Top 10 Tips Before the Exam

In order to obtain the most favorable results, you should prepare for this exam.  The following 10 tips can have a significant impact on the examination results, with the potential to lower your rating and thus lower the cost of your life insurance policy.

1. Limit salt and high cholesterol foods 24 hours prior to the exam
2. Refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours prior to the exam
3. Limit caffeine and nicotine 24 hours prior to the exam
4. Smokers:  Do not smoke 30 minutes prior to the exam
5. Fast for 4-8 hours prior to the exam and try to schedule the exam for first thing in the morning
6. Drink a glass of water one hour prior to the exam
7. Get at least 8 hours of sleep the night before the exam
8. Limit strenuous physical activities 24 hours prior to the exam
9. Be prepared to provide names and dosages of current medications and a photo ID
10. Have names, addresses and phone numbers of any doctors or clinics visited in the last 5 years

Additional Considerations

If you suffer from one of the following conditions, please follow these additional guidelines:

Hypertension

• Avoid stimulants (caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes)
• Have the examiner take your blood pressure after you have had a change to relax – preferably 3 attempts at 10 minute intervals
• Take your usual medications before the medical exam

Diabetes

• Schedule the exam for 2 ½ hours after a meal (no sweets/sugars after the meal)
• Empty bladder right after eating

By following these guidelines, you have a good chance of reducing your cost of insurance. I’ve always tried to be conscious of my health and doing so helped me get the highest rating by the insurance company. I’ve done several policies for clients and have seen significant increases in the premiums because of health related problems. A majority of the problems could have been avoided such as: being overweight, high cholesterol, or smoking. Being healthy is not just about getting cheaper insurance. It’s about being able to enjoy your life for years to come.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC

Tagged as: Life Insurance