What Do Life Insurance Companies Test For

Obtaining a life insurance policy can ensure your family’s financial security and afford you valuable peace of mind. However, the application process can be complicated and confusing. While some policies can be purchased without any medical examination and with minimal medical information changing hands, this is usually not the case for older applicants, who may need to undergo a number of tests before a life insurance policy can be issued. What do life insurance companies test for?

If you are taking out a policy that has a low face value, many companies do not require a medical examination at all. For older people and those taking out a high-dollar-value policy, a number of tests may be required. A basic life insurance medical examination is typically not very involved or lengthy. Generally, your height and weight are measured by a paramedical professional. Blood pressure and pulse readings are taken and, for older applicants and higher face value policies, a treadmill test and EKG may be required as well.

It is possible that samples of your blood and urine will be obtained for analysis and testing. In these cases, what do life insurance companies test for? Typically, urinalysis and blood analysis will be performed to detect antibodies and signs of disease. HIV blood tests will be performed to ensure that you have not been exposed to the AIDS virus; similar tests are performed for hepatitis and liver and kidney disorders. The level of cholesterol present in your bloodstream will also be measured and assessed. The insurer will also perform screens to detect cancer and immune disorders that may have gone undetected. Your urine will be tested for the early signs of diabetes, and may be screened for a variety of legal and illegal drugs as well; nicotine, for instance, is usually an indication of tobacco use and will typically result in a higher insurance premium due to the risks inherent in smoking.

Once these tests are completed, the insurer refers the medical findings to an individual known as an insurance underwriter, who assesses your level of risk and determines the rate you will pay for the level of insurance you are requesting. If no medical problems are found, you will typically be asked to pay the base premium; however, if the tests revealed any outstanding issues, you may be required to pay a higher rate than initially discussed. It is unlikely that your application will be denied outright, but you may choose to decline the coverage if it is far more expensive than first thought.