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UPSC Medical Science Syllabus: Medical Science is a popularly chosen optional subject in the UPSC Mains exam. It mainly assesses the candidate’s knowledge of basic concepts and usage of knowledge to address the issues faced by the patient. Scoring High Score in this subject is crucial as it can boost the overall marks in the UPSC IAS exam. Candidates with science backgrounds can opt for Medical Science as their UPSC optional to excel in this subject. 

Going by the past five years' statistics, approximately 150-250 aspirants pick Medical Science optional subject, and the success rate hovers around 10%. It is recommended to adhere to the Medical Science Syllabus for UPSC to prepare comprehensively for the civil service exam. As per the past UPSC test analysis, it is found that the difficulty level of the UPSC Medical Science optional subjects was medium in nature.

In this article, we shared the UPSC Medical Science Syllabus PDF for Mains, question weightage, preparation tips, and best books.

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UPSC Medical Science Syllabus PDF

The UPSC Medical Science optional syllabus comprises two papers, i.e., Papers 1 and 2. The UPSC Medical Science subject is conducted for a total of 500 marks, with each paper carrying 250 marks. Candidates must carefully review the UPSC Medical Science Syllabus PDF for Papers 1 and 2 to get an idea of the important subjects and build a robust approach. obtain the topic-wise UPSC Medical Science Syllabus PDF for papers 1 and 2 tabulated below.

UPSC Medical Science Optional Syllabus For IAS Mains

There are two papers in the UPSC Medical Science Optional Syllabus i.e., Paper 1 and Paper 2. Before commencing the preparation, it is vital to check the topic-wise UPSC Medical Science syllabus for main optional papers 1 and 2 as it will allow them to differentiate between important and unimportant topics.

UPSC Medical Science Syllabus for Paper 1

The UPSC Medical Science Paper I syllabus covers subjects like Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Forensic Medicine and Toxicology. Check the topic-wise UPSC Medical Science Optional Syllabus for Paper I below.

1. Human Anatomy:

Applied anatomy including blood and nerve supply of upper and lower limbs and joints of shoulder, hip and knee.

Gross anatomy, blood supply and lymphatic drainage of tongue, thyroid, mammary gland, stomach, liver, prostate, gonads and uterus.

Applied anatomy of the diaphragm, perineum and inguinal region.

Clinical anatomy of kidney, urinary bladder, uterine tubes, vas deferens.

Embryology: Placenta and placental barrier. Development of heart, gut, and kidney, uterus, ovary, testis and their common congenital abnormalities.

Central and Peripheral Autonomic Nervous System: Gross and clinical anatomy of ventricles of the brain, circulation of cerebrospinal fluid; Neural pathways and lesions of cutaneous sensations, hearing and vision; Cranial nerves distribution and clinical significance; Components of the autonomic nervous system.

2. Human Physiology:

Conduction and transmission of impulse, mechanism of contraction, neuromuscular transmission, reflexes, control of equilibrium, posture and muscle tone, descending pathways, functions of the cerebellum, basal ganglia, Physiology of sleep and consciousness.

Endocrine System: Mechanism of action of hormones; formation, secretion, transport, metabolism, function and regulation of secretion of pancreas and pituitary gland.

Physiology of Reproductive System: Pregnancy menstrual cycle, lactation, pregnancy.

Blood: Development, regulation and fate of blood cells.

Cardio-vascular, cardiac output, blood pressure, regulation of cardiovascular functions.

3. Biochemistry:

Organ function tests—liver, kidney, thyroid Protein synthesis.

Vitamins and minerals.

Restriction fragment length.

polymorphism (RFLP).

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Radio-immunoassays (RIA).

4. Pathology:

Inflammation and repair, disturbances of growth and cancer, Pathogenesis and histopathology of rheumatic and ischaemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus. Differentiation between benign, malignant, primary and metastatic malignancies, Pathogenesis and histopathology of bronchogenic carcinoma, carcinoma breast, oral cancer, cancer cervix, leukaemia, Etiology, pathogenesis and histopathology of— cirrhosis liver, glomerulonephritis, tuberculosis, acute osteomyelitis.

5. Microbiology:

Humoral and cell mediated immunity.

Diseases caused by and laboratory diagnosis of —

Meningococcus, Saimonella

Shigella, Herpes, Dengue, Polio

HIV/AIDS, Malaria, E. Histolytica, Giardia

Candida, Cryptococcus, Aspergillus.

6. Pharmacology:

Mechanism of action and side effects of the following drugs :

Antipyretics and analgesics, Antibiotics,

Antimalaria, Antikala-azar, Antidiabetics,

Antihypertensive, Antidiuretics, General and cardiac vasodilators, Antiviral, Antiparasitic, Antifungal, Immunosuppressants,

Anticancer.

7. Forensic Medicine and Toxicology

Forensic examination of injuries and wounds; Examination of blood and seminal stains; Poisoning, sedative overdose, hanging, drowning, burns, DNA and fingerprint study.

UPSC Medical Science Syllabus for Paper 2

The UPSC Medical Science Paper II Syllabus focuses on subjects like General Medicine, Paediatrics, Dermatology, General Surgery,  Obstetrics and Gynaecology including Family Planning, and Community Medicine (Preventive and Social Medicine). Check the topic-wise UPSC Medical Science Optional Syllabus PDF for Paper II below.

1. General Medicine

• Aetiology, clinical features, diagnosis and principles of management (including prevention) of—Typhoid, Rabies, AIDS, Dengue, Kala-azar, and Japanese Encephalitis.
• Aetiology, clinical features, diagnosis and principles of management of :
• Ischaemic heart disease, pulmonary embolism.
• Bronchial asthma.
• Pleural effusion, tuberculosis, Malabsorption syndromes; acid peptic diseases, Viral hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver.
• Glomerulonephritis and pyelonephritis, renal failure, nephrotic syndrome, renovascular hypertension, complications of diabetes mellitus, coagulation disorders, leukaemia, Hypo and hyper thyroid, meningitis and encephalitis.
• Imaging in medical problems, ultrasound, echocardiogram, CT scan, MRI.
• Anxiety and Depressive Psychosis and schizophrenia and ECT. 

2. Paediatrics

Immunization, Baby friendly hospital, congenital cyanotic heart disease, respiratory distress syndrome, broncho— pneumonia, kernicterus. IMNCI classification and management, PEM grading and management. ARI and Diarrhea of under five and their management.

3. Dermatology

Psoriasis, Allergic dermatitis, scabies, eczema, vitiligo, Stevan Johnson’s syndrome, Lichen Planus.

4. General Surgery

• Clinical features, causes, diagnosis and principles of management of cleft palate, harelip.
• Laryngeal tumour, oral and esophageal tumours.
• Peripheral arterial diseases, varicose veins, coarctation of aorta.
• Tumours of Thyroid, Adrenal, Glands.
• Abscess cancer, fibroadenoma and adenosis of the breast.
• Bleeding peptic ulcer, tuberculosis of the bowel, ulcerative colitis, cancer stomach.
• Renal mass, cancer prostate.
• Haemothorax, stones of the Gall bladder, Kidney, Ureter and Urinary Bladder.
• Management of surgical conditions of Rectum, Anus and Anal canal, Gall bladder and Bile ducts.
• Splenomegaly, cholecystitis, portal hypertension, liver abscess, peritonitis, carcinoma head of pancreas.
• Fractures of the spine, Colles’ fracture and bone tumours.
• Endoscopy.
• Laparoscopic Surgery.

5. Obstetrics and Gynaecology including Family Planning

• Diagnosis of pregnancy.
• Labour management, complications of 3rd stage, Antepartum and postpartum haemorrhage, resuscitation of the newborn, Management of abnormal life and difficult labour. Management of small for date or premature newborns.
• Diagnosis and management of anaemia. Preeclampsia and Toxaemias of pregnancy, Management of Postmenopausal Syndrome.
• Intra-uterine devices, pills, tubectomy and vasectomy. Medical termination of pregnancy including legal aspects.
• Cancer cervix.
• Leucorrhoea, pelvic pain; infertility, dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB), amenorrhoea, Fibroid and prolapse of uterus.

6. Community Medicine (Preventive and Social Medicine)

• Principles, methods approach and measurements of Epidemiology.
• Nutrition, nutritional diseases/disorders and Nutrition Programmes.
• Health information Collection, Analysis and Presentation.
• Objectives, components and critical analysis of National programmes for control/eradication of :
• Malaria, Kala-azar, Filaria and Tuberculosis,
• HIV/AIDS, STDs and Dengue.
• Critical appraisal of Health care delivery system.
• Health management and administration; Techniques, Tools, Programme Implementation and Evaluation.
• Objectives, Components, Goals and Status of Reproductive and Child Health, National Rural Health Mission and Millennium Development Goals.
• Management of hospital and industrial waste.

How to Prepare the UPSC Medical Science Syllabus 2023?

Candidates must follow the UPSC Medical Science syllabus and reshape the preparation strategy. This will help them to get a strong grip on the concepts and advanced chapters important from the test perspective. As the UPSC Medical Science optional syllabus is lengthy, aspirants should consider specific points during the IAS test preparation.

• Review the UPSC Medical Science optional syllabus thoroughly and segregate the subjects based on marks weightage. This will enable them to finish the syllabus in a stipulated time period.
• Pick the highly recommended books and study resources to understand the concepts easily and comprehensively.
• Solve UPSC Medical Science's previous year's question paper to get an idea of the questions repeatedly asked over the years and question weightage.
• Revise all the important subjects and chapters covered so far to retain concepts for a definite period.

Booklist for UPSC Medical Science Optional Syllabus

Numerous UPSC Medical Science optional books are available to strengthen the basics. Once they learn fundamentals, they should start covering core subjects for the advanced preparation. The right books will help them to cover all the important subjects specified in the UPSC Medical Science Optional Syllabus. Some of the best UPSC Medical Science Optional books are as follows.

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A life insurance medical test is part of the life insurance company’s underwriting process to determine your eligibility and premium. The life insurance test can occur in your home, office, or the paramedical company’s lab. It’s done by a trained medical professional who will ask basic health and lifestyle questions. There are also tests that typically require a urine sample, blood sample, height and weight measurements, and blood pressure readings.

Why life insurance companies require a medical exam

Insurance companies use personal information to determine your risk of filing a claim. In the case of a life insurance policy, the closer you are to your life expectancy, the riskier you are to insure since your beneficiary is more likely to file a death benefit claim while the policy is active. Besides a physical test and medical records, life insurers also use other factors to determine your mortality risk, like your:

• Hobbies.
• Occupation.
• Driving record.
• Family medical history.
• Tobacco and drug use.

The less risk you pose to the insurance company – like being in good health with a low-risk lifestyle – the better rates you’ll receive. But if you’re not in the best of health, for example if you have a medical condition like high blood pressure or a family history of cancer, you’ll likely get approved at higher rates.

Can I get life insurance without a medical exam?

You can get life insurance without a medical examination, though it’s usually more expensive, especially if you’re in good health. Three types of policies offer coverage without a paramedical exam: simplified issue, final expense, and guaranteed issue life insurance. You may also be eligible for employer-sponsored life insurance through your job.

Simplified issue life insurance

Simplified issue life insurance is popular for applicants who want a policy fast and may not qualify through the traditional underwriting process. Rather than use test results from the medical exam, life insurers use the applicant’s answers to health questions and third-party data to determine ratings.

You can get term or whole life insurance through the simplified issue application process. After completing the entire application, you could receive an instant approval or denial, depending on your responses. If you don’t get an immediate decision, the life insurance company may need more information to complete their assessment.

Final expense life insurance

Final expense insurance is a type of whole life insurance geared towards older adults with medical conditions. The application process is similar to the simplified issue process, but there is no option for term life coverage. Available coverage amounts are usually smaller, topping at $25,000 or $50,000.

This type of policy is best for seniors with good overall health but may not be the ideal life insurance candidate. Maybe you’re overweight and have high blood pressure readings or cholesterol levels. If you don’t need a lot of coverage, you could get better rates through the final expense application process and not have to worry about the added step of a life insurance physical.

Guaranteed issue life insurance

A guaranteed issue policy is the easiest to qualify for but is also the most expensive. Approval is guaranteed with a simple application process that doesn’t have medical questions or a health exam. Since you’re guaranteed to be approved, you also get instant coverage. However, the death benefit isn’t fully available for two or three years. 

Guaranteed issue is only available as a whole life insurance policy and is mainly for older adults. If you or a loved one needs a small amount of coverage but has severe health issues, guaranteed issue is the best way to get it.

Employer-sponsored life insurance

Also called group life insurance, employer-sponsored life insurance is available through some employers as part of your employee benefits package. This policy has a fixed rate based on your age and coverage amount. There is no medical exam, though you may have to answer health questions on the application. 

This option is usually the most affordable but typically comes in smaller death benefit amounts and may not be portable, meaning you can’t take it with you if you leave your current employer. 

What a life insurance medical test entails

A life insurance medical test usually includes asking questions about your medical history and health conditions, if you have any, plus the exam. The process can take up to an hour but usually lasts around 30 minutes. 

The amount and type of tests can vary by your age, life insurance company, type of policy you’re applying for, and the requested coverage amount. The paramedical company examiner may:

• Take samples to complete a urine and blood test.
• Measure your height and weight to check your body mass index (BMI).
• Check your pulse and blood pressure readings.
• Administer an electrocardiogram (EKG) or treadmill stress test.

After collecting the necessary samples and health information, your part of the application process is complete. The life insurance company underwriters will evaluate your application answers, medical history and test results to determine your policy cost and eligibility.

What do life insurance companies test for?

Life insurance companies test blood and urine samples to confirm the information you provided in the application process and get a good idea of your general health. Any health conditions or drug use that could shorten your life expectancy can also increase your premium.

Generally, life insurance companies test for:

• Blood sugar levels.
• Cholesterol levels.
• Prescription and recreational drug use.
• AIDS or HIV.
• Sexually transmitted diseases.
• Tobacco usage.
• Enzyme levels.
• Red and white blood cell counts.
• Health issues such as diabetes, infections, liver problems, or kidney disease.

How to prepare for a medical exam

Here are some ways you can prepare for your medical test appointment to get the best results:

• Focus on lean meats, fresh fruits, and vegetables a few days leading up to your appointment.
• Avoid high cholesterol and salty foods for at least 24 hours prior to your test time.
• Use a clear liquid diet for six to 12 hours before your exam.
• Avoid strenuous activity and alcoholic beverages for at least 12 hours before your appointment.
• Limit caffeine or nicotine for at least an hour before your exam.
• Drink one or two glasses of water an hour before.
• Get a full night’s rest the night before your examination.
• Wear something light and loose on test day for comfort and to ensure an accurate weight reading.
• Bring a government-issued picture ID and any other paperwork with you as instructed by the insurance company.

How to get a life insurance medical exam

Getting a life insurance medical test is simple. After completing the application, you’ll be contacted by phone or email to schedule your test with the insurer’s paramedical test partner. The examiner can complete the test at your home or office or the paramedical laboratory. If you must complete an EKG or treadmill stress test, you may be required to visit the facility. 

How to get life insurance without a medical exam

The good news is getting a life insurance policy without a medical test is easy. Many life insurers offer this option, though some still require fully underwritten applications. There are also brokers offering this option, like Ladder Life and Ethos. Both companies offer term no medical test life insurance. Ethos also offers simplified issue whole life insurance for adults 66 and older. 

There is usually a cap on the insurance coverage you can get without a paramedical exam. Ladder, for example, only offers term life insurance without a medical test if you apply for $3 million or less in coverage. Ethos's maximum term life option is $2 million and for seniors needing whole life coverage, $30,000.

Whether searching for fully underwritten life insurance to get the best rate as a healthy individual or prefer to skip the medical exam, shopping for quotes can help you find the most coverage at the lowest price. Evaluating your coverage needs and assessing your health risk and budget can help you determine which policy type and underwriting process is best for you.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the catch with no medical test life insurance?

The catch with no medical test life insurance is higher rates. Since there is no medical test to assess your current health and predict your future health, life insurance companies rely instead on third-party data and your health question responses. While accelerated underwriting can get you approved faster, you might pay more if you’re in good health with a low-key lifestyle and low-risk occupation.

Does life insurance medical test include drug test?

The life insurance medical test typically includes a drug test. You can test positive for prescribed, recreational and illegal drugs, plus non-prescribed and over-the-counter medications. Depending on your results, answers to application questions and the insurer’s underwriting guidelines, you could be denied, approved, or approved with a higher risk class and premium.

Will no-exam life insurance cost more?

No-exam life insurance will usually cost more than completing the medical exam. Insurance companies take on more risk by insuring applicants without a medical exam. The higher the risk they take on, the higher the premium you pay to offset the insurer’s risk. Even if you have a medical condition, getting a traditional life insurance policy may be cheaper than no-exam life insurance if your condition is well managed.

Can I “fail” a life insurance medical exam?

You can’t “pass” or “fail” a life insurance medical exam. The insurer collects the information you provide during the paramedical test to determine your risk class. The lower your risk class, the better your premiums will be. The higher your risk class, the more you’ll pay for the same coverage. If you have serious health issues, the insurance company may not be willing to take on the risk, in which case the insurer can decline to offer you coverage.

What if I don’t feel well on the day of my exam?

If you don’t feel well on the day of your exam, you should call the paramedical company to reschedule. An illness could affect your blood pressure readings and other results, which can also impact the rate the insurance company offers you.

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences has released the tentative schedule for the next Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE). The test is tentatively scheduled for January 2024. 

In an official notification released on the website of the National Board of Examination, the board said, "The applicants who  are desirous to appear in next Foreign Medical  Graduate Examination (FMGE) are hereby informed that National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) shall conduct the next FMGE tentatively in January 2024 on a Computer Based Platform at various  test centres across the country."

The board has also noted that the students must keep referring to the official website of the NBEMS to check the final schedule of the examination. 

The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination is conducted to screen foreign medical students and supply them the license to practice in India. 

As per the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences, "An Indian citizen/overseas citizen of India possessing a primary medical qualification awarded by any medical institution outside India who is desirous of getting provisional or permanent registration with National Medical Commission or any State Medical Council will have to qualify a screening test called the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination."

Our experts answer readers' insurance questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess insurance products). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own.

Medical exams are among the top reasons people hesitate to buy life insurance. You imagine sitting in a doctor's waiting room, doing blood draws, standing on a scale, and many other things that make us uncomfortable. But it's easy to understand why life insurance medical exams remain an industry stap — an insurer must gauge its risk before it grants you a policy. Ironically, medical exams lower insurance premiums for the average life insurance customer.

Of course, medical exams may sound overwhelming, especially if you've abandoned a life insurance application or been denied. This is where no medical test life insurance comes in. The stereotypical no medical test policy includes no medical data of any kind. Many buyers also expect coverage in days, or at least that's the idea. Despite what you might hear, it isn't quite that simple.

Who should buy a no medical test life insurance policy?

Many shoppers are misinformed about the target audience for no medical test life insurance. "Who should buy a no medical test life insurance" should be rephrased as "who will qualify for no medical test life insurance coverage?" These policies eliminate the inconvenience of a medical test for healthy buyers who don't use tobacco in most cases. However, it comes with higher premiums, and underwriting can be extended as insurers gather medical data from other sources.

Some small funeral cost policies are more flexible, especially if you invest in workplace life insurance. However, more sizable policies not connected to your workplace can only accept limited risk. Seniors, buyers with preexisting health conditions, tobacco users, and other high-risk buyers may not qualify.

How do insurance companies know who presents a more considerable risk? First, no medical test doesn't mean medical records-free. Applications still include basic medical questions, and companies can rescind life insurance policies if you get caught lying on your application. More importantly, life insurance companies may still order a copy of your medical records. So, companies would go off your last blood tests or appointment notes if you have a history of high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, etc.

College students and young working adults with no significant medical issues may be ideal candidates for a no medical test life insurance policy. Another thing to note is companies will only issue small life insurance policies without an exam, and premiums are higher. So if you're looking for a $1 million policy or retirement planning options, you should make time for a short medical exam.

What if I don't qualify for a no medical test life insurance policy?

Some companies only offer small life insurance policies with no medical test required. However, most insurers offer a range of permanent and term life insurance policies. If you don't qualify for a no medical test policy, licensed insurance agents can help you apply for a medical test life insurance policy.

While many companies are going online, we recommend working with a licensed insurance agent, especially for no medical test policies. Any time your application is denied, it creates an alert for other life insurance companies you might try to buy from, reducing your chance of getting a policy elsewhere. An agent can help you avoid this by stopping short of denial if you need to switch to a medical test plan.

Types of no medical test life insurance

Life insurance companies sell four life insurance policies without a medical exam. Coverage, pricing, and the application process are a few of the things that vary widely. So what are your no medical test life insurance options?

Simplified issue life insurance

Simplified issue life insurance looks to streamline the approval process. No blood tests or medical exams are required, but applicants answer basic health questions. If the answers given meet underwriting guidelines (the company uses electronic medical records to verify), you may qualify for a policy. Generally, these policies cover non-smokers with minimal known risk factors. However, premiums are higher, and benefits tend to be lower to account for the elevated risk.

Guaranteed issue life insurance

Guaranteed issue is also commonly referred to as guaranteed acceptance. These whole life insurance plans require no medical test or health surveys. Age limits are imposed, with most policies issued to seniors. But if you're within the stated age range, you are guaranteed a life insurance policy. Guaranteed issue life insurance offers death benefit policies topping out around $20,000 to $30,000, depending on the company. The company does not guarantee the death benefit or premiums, only the policy. So the same policy may or may not be budget-friendly.

The company may also utilize a waiting period, during which beneficiaries would get a refund of premiums. However, the full benefit would only apply once the waiting period passes.

Accelerated underwriting life insurance

Accelerated underwriting uses everything except the medical exam. Underwriters access applicants' public medical records and credit data. Typically, companies take applicants between the ages of 18 and 60. Regular life insurance underwriting could take weeks or even months. Simplified underwriting life insurance policies can be issued the same day with some online insurance providers. It is not guaranteed issuance, and licensed agents may refer some customers for a medical test life insurance policy. However, death benefits could be higher than other no-medical test policies.

Group life insurance

Group life insurance is part of many employer benefit packages. No medical test is required, and death benefits are typically small. More importantly, it's tied to your employment. So if you separate from your employer, the policy will lapse. You can invest in higher death benefits by increasing your monthly deductions, but this is not required.

Pros and cons of no medical test life insurance

Pros:

• No blood tests or other medical exams required
• Quick approval, sometimes even the same day
• Guaranteed issue available within set age limits

Cons:

• More expensive than a medical exam-based life insurance policy
• Death benefits are lower, and waiting periods may apply
• Insurance companies may base your approval on health questionnaires and medical records
• Underwriting may be less tolerant of prior health issues, including things that would otherwise be non-problematic

No medical test life insurance is sometimes mistaken for a fast and easy solution for older adults or those with preexisting health conditions. In reality, it's just the opposite in many cases. Guaranteed issue policies may only be sold through life insurance companies for seniors. You also pay more to get less coverage across the board.

Life insurance companies can still access medical records. So applicants aren't hiding a history of heart disease, diabetes, or other chronic conditions. The only difference is you don't have to meet with a medical professional for a formal exam. If in doubt, non-guaranteed policies may be harder to get.

How to shop for a no medical test life insurance policy

A workplace policy will be issued based on your employment and yearly benefit elections. If you want the best life insurance companies for no medical life insurance that's all yours, remember a few key things:

• Work with a qualified life insurance agent
• Choose a company or brokerage with medical test options
• Compare quotes and coverage to ensure you understand what you're getting
• Be prepared for higher prices with limited death benefits
• Be honest on any health questionnaires

A no medical test life insurance policy's simplicity may be deceiving. It takes one element out of the application process, but underwriters may pull medical records and be stricter about smoking, preexisting conditions, age, and other common risk factors. Unfortunately, being denied by a life insurance company could make it harder to get life insurance coverage in the future.

Your agent can get a soft underwrite if you're working with a broker or company offering medical test policies. If it looks like your application can be denied, your agent could run a medical test life insurance application instead. A great thing about no medical test policies is that many companies offer online estimates. So you can compare pricing based on age, smoking status, desired coverage amount, etc., before you start the application process.

The most important thing to remember is underwriters still consider medical history. So if answering medical questions, answer honestly. If discrepancies come up later, leaving out details about your health may cause significant problems.

FAQs

If you work with PDF files regularly then a PDF editor is an indispensable tool. Whether it’s part of your job, you manage PDF files for your own personal use, or you just need to complete a one-off editing task, a top editor program is an essential piece of software. Full-featured editors such as Adobe’s Acrobat Pro DC might provide all of the bells and whistles, but a free PDF editor can still offer most of the important tools of a paid service for no additional charge.

Plus, many free PDF editors are browser based, which means that you don’t need to worry about about platform- or device-compatibility issues.

Of course, free products won’t come with every feature of their premium counterparts. So, if you find that you need more advanced tools such as password protection, Bates numbering, or e-signatures, then you’re probably better served by a premium PDF editor.

Updated 11/02/2023: To include PDFgear as our new pick for most sophisticated free PDF editor. Read more about why we love this great new pick with a pro-level feature set in our summary below.

What to look for in a free PDF editor

• Content editing: As its name indicates, a PDF editor’s primary function is to enable you to edit a document. That includes the ability to add and modify text; insert, resize, and move images; and reorganize pages in the PDF. Most free PDF editors will let you perform these tasks, though they may impose daily limits on how many you can perform or how many documents you can edit.
• Create, convert, and export PDFs: A common need for a PDF editor is to create PDF files from scanned hard copies or by converting digital documents. A good free PDF editor will be able to convert common file formats such as Word, JPG, and HTML to a PDF and preserve the original formatting. It should also be able to export PDFs into other editable formats such as Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, HTML, or plain text, maintaining the original files hyperlinks, images, and other elements.
• Review and annotate: Most free PDF editors allow you to add comments and other annotations to PDF files during review. Typical annotation tools include sticky notes, shapes, and drawing markup options.
• Signatures: Often all you need a PDF editor for is to sign a document. This used to be a premium feature only available on paid desktop editors, but more free PDF editors are allowing users to create and add electronic signatures to documents.

In basic terms, life insurance is an agreement between you, the policyholder, and an insurer. In exchange for premiums, the insurer agrees to pay your designated beneficiaries a sum of money if you die while your policy is in effect. However, many types of life insurance policies cater to various life situations. It’s important to understand the differences between each policy type to select the right one for your needs.

Term Life Insurance

Term life insurance offers affordable and simple coverage that expires after a set period of time. This period, or term, often lasts 10 to 30 years, and some policies are renewable annually after the term ends. It’s designed to cover the prime years of your life when you have the greatest financial obligations, such as a mortgage or your kids’ college education.

This type of policy features fixed premiums or monthly payments and a death benefit, which is the amount paid out when a policyholder dies. Some insurance providers offer riders to customize the policy to your needs, such as accelerating the death benefit for chronic illness. Unlike permanent life insurance, term life insurance does not offer an investment or savings component accessible to the policyholder while they are alive.

Some types of term life insurance include:

• Level term life
• Renewable term life
• Convertible term life
• Decreasing term life

Permanent Life Insurance

Permanent life insurance provides lifelong coverage, as the name suggests, so long as you pay the policy’s premiums. In addition to the death benefit, permanent policies include an investment component called cash value that typically accumulates based on a minimum interest rate. In most cases, policyholders can withdraw, borrow against or pay premiums with their accumulated cash value before death.

There are five main types of permanent life insurance with varying levels of flexibility and risk:

• Whole life
• Universal life
• Variable life
• Variable universal life
• Indexed universal life

No-Exam Life Insurance

A no-exam life insurance policy doesn’t require applicants to complete a medical test to be considered for approval and uses accelerated underwriting to approve applicants quickly. Common no-exam options include term life, whole life and final expense, among other policies.

There are two main types of no-exam life insurance. Simplified issue life insurance policies don’t require a medical test but do ask questions about your health and base approval on your answers. Guaranteed issue life insurance policies allow you to skip the test and any health questions entirely, meaning eligible applicants are guaranteed coverage. 

If you’re thinking about the effect that chronic illness or other health issues might have on your policy premiums, or you’ve been denied regular coverage in the past, no-exam coverage might be your best option. However, it is costlier than a regular policy due to the increased risk the insurer takes on by not knowing your medical records and history.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has announced the registration dates for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE).

The entrance examination may be scheduled tentatively in the month of December, 2023. The online submission of the application forms will begin from October 16, 9 am onwards and will conclude on October 25, 2023 till 6 pm. 

In the official notification released on the website of the National Medical Commission, the authority has mentioned that the board will not accept incomplete application form. These forms will not be processed and shall be rejected.

The notification also added that the candidates who are required to have the eligibility certificate are not permitted to apply for screening test without the eligibility certificate issued by the National Medical Commission. All candidates requiring Eligibility Certificate are requested to apply through National Medical Commission's website.

The test is conducted to screen foreign medical students and supply them the license to practice in India. 

As per the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences, "An Indian citizen/overseas citizen of India possessing a primary medical qualification awarded by any medical institution outside India who is desirous of getting provisional or permanent registration with National Medical Commission or any State Medical Council will have to qualify a screening test called the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination."

Calculate How Much Life Insurance You Need

A no-exam life insurance policy may not be able to provide the full coverage amount you need, especially if you’re looking to cover many working years or the years of raising a family.

Before you start getting life insurance quotes, calculate how much life insurance you need. A no-exam policy alone may not be able to provide sufficient coverage.

Assess Your Chances Before You Apply

Getting life insurance without a long application process is appealing, but don’t jump into a no-exam life insurance application without understanding your chances of getting approved. Many no-exam policies require very good or excellent health for approval. A denial goes on your insurance record and could hinder future applications.

Don’t be surprised if you end up doing a more traditional application process, including a life insurance medical exam if you’ve had some health issues.

Look Beyond the Cost

Of course you don’t want to overpay for life insurance, but research more than cost. There are coverage options that can be very valuable long after you buy the policy, such as the option to convert term life to permanent life insurance. Also, look at whether there’s an accelerated death benefit, which gives you access to money from your own death benefit if you become terminally ill.

Be Truthful On the Application

No matter what type of life insurance you’re applying for, be thorough and truthful on the application.

“Pay attention to each question carefully and be ready to respond with information around specific medical conditions you have. Giving more detailed information will help streamline the process as well as get a more accurate underwriting decision,” says Tavan of Legal & General America.

Intentional misrepresentations can lead to application denials or, worse, denial of a claim after you pass away. Life insurance companies have many ways to verify application information. Technology on the backend allows them to verify data from additional sources.

Have a Plan in Case of a Rejection

If the company rejects you for no-exam life insurance because of your health, don’t supply up your life insurance search. If you need life insurance, you likely have other routes.

• Be prepared to go through a more traditional underwriting process that involves a life insurance medical exam.
• Work with an experienced life insurance agent who can identify insurers known to be more friendly to your specific health conditions.
• An experienced life insurance agent can shop around your application anonymously so that you don’t risk another rejection.

Looking for traditional term life insurance? See Forbes Advisor’s ratings of the best term life insurance.