It depends on the amount applied for and the applicant's age. The older the applicant, the smaller the amount applied for that triggers the requirement for a blood profile. Along with a blood draw, a urine specimen may be a part of the underwriting requirement. The insurance company usually pays for the test.
As Larry said it depends on face and age mostly. Each company has it's own rules. Off the top of my head I can think of one company that goes to $450,000 with only a cheek swab instead of blood no exam. I can think of another company that goes to $250,000 up to age 60 with no blood or physical exam.
However, just about all of the companies can request one during the underwriting process.
Business Development Officer, T.D. McNeil Insurance Services, Fresno, California
A life insurance company tries to determine which applicants qualify for “standard” or “preferred” rates. There are many tools available and a blood panel was used by many insurers for a long time. There are other screening tools that are effective and less expensive so the blood panel is not required as often as before. Today the list of medications that you provide the insurance company can tell them a great deal about your medical history. You would be amazed at what they can uncover. The main objection to the blood panel is the discomfort and the requirement for a paramedic. These techniques are still used when the amount of insurance and age of the proposed insured indicate that it is needed.
Insurance Adviser - Broker, SC Insurance Services, Oahu, Hawaii
Underwriting to obtain life insurance may require a small blood draw for testing, but that is only on the original application. Guaranteed acceptance and usually smaller benefit policies do not require blood or urine samples. The greater the risk to the insurance company, that is the more benefit amount applied for, the more underwriting requirements there are including blood and urine samples and possibly an EKG. Age also plays into it.
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However, just about all of the companies can request one during the underwriting process.