What tests are run for life insurance depends on the coverage applied for and vary somewhat by company. For smaller amounts there may just be a non-medical declaration and depending on whether or not anything is declared there may be no testing. If urine, and/or blood, is required, testing could include testing for bodily functions. The presence of raised levels of certain substances, such as sugar in urine, would trigger more tests. In addition, testing is done for nicotine and for traces of illegal drugs. X-rays, electrocardiograms or other tests could also be required.
It is very important to be truthful when completing an application for insurance. If you have a medical condition you are concerned about, then experience and independence are important. I suggest working with a local agent/broker.
If you have further questions, or feel that I could be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.
If you would like to work with a local life insurance broker, you could start with a Google search. For example, if you search for: life insurance broker Halifax or life insurance agent Halifax, my name, along with several others, will come up. You can use the same method to find a life insurance broker in your community.
Generally, expect no medical tests for under $100,000 coverage in most cases. Over that, expect a 15 minute interview with a paramed technician during which they will want both blood and urine samples. For $1 million or more, expect a sitting EKG as well or possible an exam by an M.D. The blood will be mailed to a lab and tested on a comprehensive basis, which will show results of about30 different blood readings. You have to ask for a copy of that report if you want to see it. We always recommend that our customers ask for a copy of that blood lab report to keep. That blood report is looked at very closely by life underwriters because it can often reveal problems or coming problems. And if you don't like the results of the insurance company's blood test report, you can always have it repeated easily at the doctor or hospital of your choice, at your cost of about $45.
Great question! The tests are dependent upon the company, and the amount of insurance that you are wanting, usually. For most smaller policies (think $50,000 and below) the usual process is answering the health questions on the application, maybe a short phone interview, and the company checking on your medical history ( the MIB authorization that you okay'd) and their checking your prescription records. Based upon what they find, they can issue the policy as is, modify or rate the policy ( add a period where your benefit is reduced to premiums paid plus interest, and charge a higher premium to cover for the increased health risk), ask for additional records or tests, or deny your coverage. There are policies out there that do not ask any health questions at all, but all are a graded product (reduced benefit for the grade period) and generally more expensive than a regular policy. If you would like more help, please feel free to contact me, I'm happy to help. Thanks for asking!
Business Development Officer, T.D. McNeil Insurance Services, Fresno, California
The testing done by a life insurance company is a function of cost. Companies conduct as little testing as possible. Companies are now screening the medications prescribed. Reporting facilities can take one or two prescriptions and find out every drug that is prescribed to you. That gives the underwriter a pretty clear idea of your medical condition. Some testing of blood and urine is done. Other companies are using oral swabs. These techniques are designed to reduce cost and still discriminate acceptable from unacceptable risks.
.JPG){kind=avatar}
It is very important to be truthful when completing an application for insurance. If you have a medical condition you are concerned about, then experience and independence are important. I suggest working with a local agent/broker.
If you have further questions, or feel that I could be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.
If you would like to work with a local life insurance broker, you could start with a Google search. For example, if you search for: life insurance broker Halifax or life insurance agent Halifax, my name, along with several others, will come up. You can use the same method to find a life insurance broker in your community.