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Tips for Your Life Insurance Medical Exam |
Life Insurance Exam
Tips To
Look Your Best
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Typically, the more medical information you are asked to provide, the better the price.
In order to qualify for the best rate, life insurance companies will (in most cases) require that you have a brief medical exam (at no cost to you).
Good results can save you money.
The exam is normally performed by a licensed nurse or paramedic who comes to you. The exam may be done at your home or office, wherever is most convenient for you.
Very Important: Since you'll be watching what you eat prior to the exam, mornings are normally the best time to schedule your exam. (This is when your cholesterol levels and blood pressure are usually the lowest.)
The exam is brief, generally lasting approximately 15 - 20 minutes. There is no undressing required. The exam will consist of a series of questions pertaining to your medical history, some parental medical history, and taking your height, weight, pulse, and blood pressure. Other tests may also be required.
Sometimes a blood test is required (usually a finger stick). Almost certainly, a urine sample will be required. When the examiner calls to schedule the exam, you should be informed as to what specific tests will be necessary.
Here are some suggestions to help ensure the best possible results.
1. Because blood pressure and pulse rates can be artificially stimulated, relax for 15 minutes prior to the exam, minimize or avoid caffeine intake, and if you smoke, don’t for 1 hour prior to the appointment.
2. Avoid alcoholic beverages for 1 to 3 days before your appointment.
3. If a blood test is required, cut back or avoid fried fatty foods, dairy products, red meat, butter, margarine, ice cream, chicken skin and cream sauces for 1 to 3 days prior to the appointment and then be sure to fast 8 to 14 hours prior to the appointment. During the fast, water, black tea or coffee and/or diet sodas are acceptable forms of liquid. Then water only during the last 2 to 3 hours. (Another reason why mornings are best.)
4. No high cholesterol foods such as shrimp or lobster for 2 or more days prior.
5. Avoid vigorous, strenuous exercise for 24 hours prior.
6. If you take prescription drugs, be sure to take them, but inform the examiner of names and dosages.
7. Consume water plentifully up to the time of your appointment.
8. You will be asked about your medical history. To save time, you should have your doctor’s names, addresses, and approximate dates and reasons for visits, especially within the last 3 years.
9. You should have available a valid form of photo I.D., such as a driver’s license.
10. Generally, the examiner will call just prior to your appointment. If you know ahead of time that you cannot keep the appointment, you should call the examiner's office as soon as possible to reschedule.
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