Get Examined if You Want Life Insurance

You want life insurance, be prepared to provide some medical history.

If you're looking to purchase life insurance, be it term or who life, there is a good possibility you will have to undertake a medical exam.

In many cases, the medical exams for life insurance will be done by paramedicals, who are licensed health care professionals. These individuals are many times independent contractors who are hired by insurers to come to your residence.

When you get the life insurance application, you will notice that there are medical questions on the first part, typically completed by an insurance agent in your presence, or online by you. The second part is the medical form that is filled out by a paramedical or a doctor.

After getting the application, your agent or life insurer will get in touch with one of several paramedical services specializing in mobile exams. They'll give the paramedical service information on you, the amount of insurance you are seeking, and the name of the insurer. Most paramedical professionals stay current with insurers' underwriting requirements.

The majority of exams can be done in your residence or office. While the insurer may request what is known as an attending physician's statement (APS) from your doctor, you are not allowed to have the life insurance medical completed by your own doctor.

The basic exam involves the paramedical taking down your medical history, physical measurements including height and weight, blood pressure and pulse, along with blood and urine samples. Past that, tests vary based on your age and policy amount.

In the event you're applying for a low face value policy, you may not even be required to undergo a paramedical exam. Keep in mind that guidelines for tests will vary among life insurers.

The test is primarily used by insurers who are looking for any health condition that could shorten how long you live, while at the same time increasing the company's risk.

Once the samples for blood and urine are collected, the insurance company looks for the sight of antibodies or antigens to HIV, cholesterol and related liquids, kidney or liver disorder, prostate specific antigen (PSA), along with immune disorders.