You have applied for life insurance and your agent says you need an insurance medical exam. You may be apprehensive, there is no need to be. Life insurance companies send someone out to visit you at your home or office rather than requiring you to take the time to go into a medical facility. The exam usually takes 30 minutes for most people.
Life insurance exams are very basic, which involve a blood draw, urine sample, blood pressure reading and your height and weight measurements. There may be a few questions about your medical history. It’s really nothing to worry about, but we would like to share some steps you can take to help the process go smooth, so you get your best results.
- Fast for 8-12hrs prior to the exam, if possible. Food of any kind can distort the results of your blood work. Also, not eating on the day of the exam will help keep your weight down.
- Try to schedule the exam early in the morning, so you aren’t starving all day after fasting.
- Don’t drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages or smoke beforehand. Caffeine and nicotine my elevate your blood pressure readings.
- Drink lots of water. Staying hydrated will make it easier to give blood and to provide a urine sample.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages, nasal decongestants and pain medications, such as aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen for at least 12hrs prior to the exam. Alcohol is high in calories and sugar, which can elevate blood pressure and can also make the liver enzymes appear elevated. It also dehydrates you, making it hard to draw blood.
- Avoid working out on the day of your exam. Exercise may elevate your blood pressure and cause
elevated protein levels in your urine, so you should have a rest day on your exam day. - Avoid stressful situations for a few days before your exam. Stress can elevate your blood pressure and affect your digestive system. If need be, take a relaxing walk or listen to peaceful music.
- Get plenty of sleep the night before your exam. When you are well-rested, your blood pressure will be lower. A good night’s sleep also helps offset anxiety.
- Dress light for the weigh-in and stand up tall for the measuring. When you dress in thin and light clothing, you will minimize your weight for the weigh-in. you should also do your best to stand up straight and tall when your height is measured. The idea is to maximize your height, while minimizing your weight. It’s also suggested to wear short sleeves for your blood sample and blood pressure reading.
- Let the examiner know if you have a fear of blood or needles. If you feel nervous, ask the examiner to wait to take your blood pressure until the very end of the exam. At that point, most of it will be over and you’ll start to relax, helping your blood pressure to stabilize.
- Have this information available:
- Medical history (list of medical conditions or diagnosis including the date diagnosed, treatment, result of treatment, and treating physician)
- Names, addresses and phone numbers of consulting physicians
- Name and dose of prescription medications used
Taking your medical life insurance exam can make a difference in your monthly premium. You will want to do everything you can to make sure the exam comes out as good as possible. While you may not be able to do much about the chronic health conditions you have but following these tips can improve the likelihood of your application will be approved and your rates will be more affordable.
R.C. Keller & Company has been serving the Schaumburg area, since 1910, if you are looking for life, home, auto and business insurance, we can help with that.