Medical Exam Tips
Help for Life Insurance Medical Exams
Most insurance companies require a medical exam exam before they will provide coverage or give you a quote on possible rates and policies. While this may seem daunting to many people, there are a few simple tips to help make sure the exam goes smoothly and that you get the best possible rate for life insurance. Going in knowing to what to expect from the exam will help keep you calm and should prevent any unpleasant surprises.
Before the Exam
When you set up your exam, ask the company what kind of information you will need to bring with you. Getting all your documents in order and having them ready can save you time and energy, and some examiners will not perform the exam without copies of your records.
- Ask who will be performing the exam. While many exams are done by doctors, some will be conducted by nurses or other licensed medical professionals.
- Find out if there are any requirements you will have to meet. If blood work needs to be done, you will likely be asked to fast for 12 hours before the exam, or you may need to give a urine sample. Make sure you will not be wasting your time and go in prepared.
- Avoid caffeine, smoking or chewing tobacco, alcohol and as many medications as possible before the exam. Do not forgo taking prescribed medication, but try to hold off on that aspirin or decongestant if possible. These can sometimes skew your blood samples, and you could be asked to come back in and give another sample.
- Try to be as well rested as possible and avoid strenuous exercise the day before.
During the Exam
- Try to stay as calm as possible. Blood pressure and heart rate readings will be taken, and if you are anxious or stressed you may be listed as having high blood pressure that may in turn raise your rates. Try some breathing exercises to relax yourself and feel free to ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable.
- You will probably not be asked to undress, but make sure you wear clothes that allow the examiner access to your arms and chest so they can take samples and listen to your heart.
- Do not hesitate to ask the examiner what is next or why they are checking certain aspects of your health. It is important you feel comfortable and safe about what is happening.
- Answer any questions about your medical history honestly. It is not unheard of for insurance companies to look into your medical history, and you may be denied coverage if they find out you omitted an important piece of information or condition.
- Bring any medications with you. Examiners may need to see what you are taking on a regular basis to better analyze your blood samples and get a better idea of your overall health.
- Find out when you will get your test results and insurance quote. Try to get a contact number if you have any questions later or any concerns, and ask if they will contact you or if you will need to contact the company to move forward and get life insurance.
