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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.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) is asking the community for additional information and looking for more potential victims in a sex assault case.

CSPD says that in Sept of 2022, the Domestic Violence/Adult Sexual Assault Unit (DV/ASA) initiated an investigation into a report of a sexual assault that occurred at the UC Health Urgent Care Facility located on Janitell Road.

According to CSPD, the victim had gone to the facility for a medical examination. During the exam, a male medical technician was accused of having sexual contact with her, which was outside the scope of the exam.

Using various investigative tools and a search warrant, CSPD says that investigators were able to develop probable cause & issue an arrest warrant for the medical technician, identified as 34-year-old Yash Raval.

Raval was arrested for felony unlawful sexual contact and taken into custody on Oct 18, 2023.

UCHealth says that Raval is not currently working for them and has not since they learned of the charges filed against him. They are working with CSDP during the investigation and the safety and care of their patients remains a top priority.

This is still an ongoing investigation and CSPD detectives are actively seeking additional information, including any potential unreported incidents that may reveal additional victims.

Anyone with information or who believes they are a victim of an unreported incident, in this case, is asked to call the Colorado Springs Police Department at (719) 444-7000; if you wish to remain anonymous, you may call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at (719) 634-STOP (7867) or 1-800-222-8477.

The Colorado Springs Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in finding additional victims involved in a sexual assault case at a Colorado Springs medical facility, according to a Friday morning announcement.

Police said in September 2022, an investigation was initiated based on a report of a sexual assault at the UC Health Urgent Care facility on Janitell Road.

According to the report, the assault occurred when the victim went to the location for a medical examination.

“During the exam, a male medical technician is accused of having sexual contact with her, which was outside the scope of the exam,” officials said.

The initial investigative efforts allowed for officials to obtain a search warrant for the facility, and issue a warrant for the arrest of medical technician Yash Raval.

According to police, Raval, 34, was arrested on Oct. 18 and is facing felony charges of unlawful sexual contact.

Police are asking any potential victims or members of the public with pertinent information to the investigation to contact the Colorado Springs Police Department at 719-444-7000.

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 ensure 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

Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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.

COLORADO SPRINGS — A woman is speaking out after she said a medical technician groped her in an test room at the UCHealth Urgent Care on Janitell Road in the southeast part of Colorado Springs.

Colorado Springs Police said they arrested 34-year-old Yash Raval for felony unlawful sexual contact on October 18. The woman does not want to share her identity but wants to share her story in hopes of inspiring other victims to report abuse.

She said on Sept. 12 last year she went to the urgent care for a rash on her legs and stomach. She said Raval brought her back to an test room and took her vitals.

"It starts as a normal visit, you know, they do your vitals, take your blood pressure, put all the notes in the computer. Once all of that was done, it turned into 'Well, let me go ahead and get a look at this rash,'" she said.

She said Raval began to examine the rash on her legs. She said she partly lifted her shirt to show him it had spread to her stomach. She said Raval proceeded to lift her shirt even more to expose her bra and began examining her breasts even though she says there was no rash in that area.

"He proceeded to reach inside of my bra and it felt like I was getting, like, a breast exam. So to the point where he was literally groping me," she said. "I knew that something was wrong. It just took me a minute to process what was happening, because in my experience, anytime I've ever gone to a doctor's office, it's always been a doctor who performed a physical exam, never a med tech," she said.

Arrest documents reveal a CSPD detective had conversations later with the clinic staff who said a medical technician's role is to collect patient vitals, medical history, and a reason for the visit, not to conduct a medical examination.

The woman said she reported the incident to police two days after it happened.

"I just want this guy to be held accountable. I don't want anybody else to ever have to go through that," she said.

According to data from the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), out of every 1,000 sexual assaults only 310 are reported to police. Fifty of those reports lead to an arrest and 28 lead to a felony conviction. The data shows only 25 perpetrators will be sent to jail or prison.

The woman wants other victims of unlawful sexual contact and sexual assault to know they are not alone and to feel empowered to report any abuse. She said she wanted to speak up and set an example for her 9-year-old daughter.

"I decided that it was only the right thing to do to make sure that he couldn't do this to somebody else," she said. "At the end of the day, I think it takes someone to be strong enough to stand up for everybody else and if that's what I can do to help... that is my main objective."

Colorado Springs Police Department

Colorado Springs Police are still looking for any additional victims or anyone with information on the suspect. You are asked to call Colorado Springs Police at 719-444-7000 or if you want to remain anonymous you can call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at (719) 634-STOP (7867) or 1-800-222-8477.
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1. Understanding your medical bill

2. Gathering evidence and contesting the bill

3. Paying your bill

Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party.

The Colorado Springs Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in finding additional victims involved in a sexual assault case at a Colorado Springs medical facility, according to a Friday morning announcement.

Police said in September 2022, an investigation was initiated based on a report of a sexual assault at the UC Health Urgent Care facility on Janitell Road.

According to the report, the assault occurred when the victim went to the location for a medical examination.

“During the exam, a male medical technician is accused of having sexual contact with her, which was outside the scope of the exam,” officials said.

The initial investigative efforts allowed for officials to obtain a search warrant for the facility, and issue a warrant for the arrest of medical technician Yash Raval.

According to police, Raval, 34, was arrested on Oct. 18 and is facing felony charges of unlawful sexual contact.

Police are asking any potential victims or members of the public with pertinent information to the investigation to contact the Colorado Springs Police Department at 719-444-7000.