How to Prepare for a Life Insurance Medical Exam

Use these tips to prepare for a life insurance medical exam to increase your chances of saving money on your policy.

All traditional life insurance policies, whether it be a term or a permanent policy such as Indexed Universal Life or Whole Life require that you take a medical exam.

If you prefer a life insurance policy without a medical exam, call us at 858-703-6178 and we can help you shop the no exam life insurance companies to find the most affordable policy for your situation.

Many people have some trepidation about these exams, but they are actually relatively non-invasive. The most invasive aspect would likely entail having to provide a blood sample.

The nurse will go to your home or office to complete the exam and the life insurance company pays for the exam.

What most people don’t know is that you can actually take steps to prepare for a life insurance medical exam which can affect how you are rated.

This is important to keep in mind because getting a higher or lower rating can mean the difference in saving hundreds of dollars on the premiums you pay for your life insurance policy.

We are going to provide you with some valuable tips to help you prepare for your life insurance medical examination so you can get the best possible rating.

Health Factors Can Affect a Life Insurance Exam Results

You might be a little skeptical about being able to prepare for a medical exam, but you might be surprised to learn that some of the liquids, foods and supplements that you consume before an exam can have a significant affect on your cholesterol levels, blood pressure, stress levels and urine results.

The effects of consuming these substances can be significant enough to alter how you are rated for a policy. Don’t worry though; preparing for an exam is relatively easy.

If you are generally healthy, you probably don’t need to do anything different to get ready for your exam. You will only have to make a few painless sacrifices of a short duration to ensure the best results from your examination.

How to Prepare Several Days or Weeks before a Life Insurance Medical Examination

Here are some things you can do to improve your results well in advance of taking the exam.

• Try to engage in some moderate cardio exercise such as taking a brisk walk for 30 minutes a day for at least a week or more before the examination. This will help you shed a pound or two, reduce your cholesterol levels and help to lower your heart rate and might even reduce your blood pressure.
• Try to avoid those foods which are high in salt and cholesterol. Especially try to avoid any processed foods because many of those products have high sodium content.
• Try to consume more healthy foods such as leafy greens, including kale, spinach, broccoli and salads. Foods which are high in soluble fiber can also reduce your bad cholesterol levels.
• Try to avoid eating red meats, processed meats and other meats which are high in cholesterol. Try to include more fish in your diet. Cholesterol levels can have a significant effect on how you are rated. Also, these types of foods can also impact your blood pressure which is another important factor taking into account by insurers.
• If you smoke tobacco, try to abstain from this as much as possible as tobacco use will restrict the blood flow and increases blood pressure.

The Day before the Medical Examination

Call us today to learn more about what is required for a life insurance medical exam.

You will most definitely be best advised to try and be as health conscious as possible. We would recommend that you avoid the following:

• Avoid consuming any alcohol (although you might be okay to consume a single small glass of red wine as this has been shown to lower HDL levels which is the bad cholesterol).
• Avoid consuming large meals especially those rich in salt and sodium.
• Avoid taking non-prescription medications such as cold remedies, pain relievers, and herbal remedies for at least 24 hours prior to the exam. If you have taken a non-prescription medication, tell the examiner what you took and why.
• Avoid consuming supplements such as creatine, casein protein, whey and others at least 24 hours before an exam as they can affect your results.
• Do not engage in any heavy exercise at least 24 hours before the date of the exam.
• You might also want to consume a few extra glasses of water to help clean out your system the day before you take the exam.
• Do not eat a heavy dinner and try to consume one that is low in calories.
• Get a good night’s sleep so you will feel rested and more relaxed.

The Day of the Examination

There are also some key steps that you can take to improve your medical exam results on the day of the examination such as the following:

• Fast at least 8 hours before the time of the examination.

• Avoid consuming any caffeinated beverages on the day of the exam.

• Wear very light underclothes as you will be weighed and every ounce counts. And, make sure you remove your shoes and socks when you are to be weighed.

• When they take your height measurement, make sure you stand up as straight as possible and elevate your neck to its maximum. Although this might sound unnecessary, insurers look at your height/ weight ratio so every inch in height allows additional weight in the same risk class.

• Drink a glass or two of water

• Keep yourself relaxed and perform some breathing exercises or engage in any meditative exercises you may have learned.

• Bring all your prescription medication with you.

• If you have consumed any over the counter medications, ensure that you advise the doctor of what you have taken and provide the dosage amounts and the reason you are taking these medications.

• If you are nervous about needles, let the doctor know as becoming anxious can elevate your heart pressure.

• If you are feeling ill or stressed for some reason, advise the doctor and try to reschedule the exam.

• It’s also best to try and schedule exams early in the morning so you can fast while you sleep and then eat after the exam.

• Do not smoke tobacco before an exam

Final Points to Keep in Mind

The main factors that insurers want to know about is your heart health, cholesterol and blood pressure levels, weight and medical history.

You will also have to bring some photo I.D. with you, all your medical prescriptions or over the counter medications you might be taking, and any available medical records.

Never lie about anything you are asked and always be absolutely honest. You do not have to volunteer any information you are not asked about unless it is relevant to the examination.

Most importantly, relax and let the process take care of itself.

Need Some Life Insurance Advice?

If you are exceptionally squeamish about needles or become very apprehensive about taking an examination, you should discuss your situation with an experienced independent agent such as the ones here at Abrams Insurance Solutions.

If you want to learn more about what is involved with a life insurance medical exam, have health issues which concern you, or prefer to learn more about life policies which don’t require a medical exam, then we can help. Call us today at 858-703-6178. We can get your application process started and help you get the best rate on your life insurance.