Does life insurance require a medical exam?
It depends on the type of policy you choose. Policies requiring medical exams as part of the application process can include permanent life insurance. You may also need one for level term life insurance.
Some don't require a medical exam, and they're usually more expensive. For example, a guaranteed whole life policy can cost twice as much as a policy that requires an exam.
Why it’s required
The exam is done to get a clear picture of your health. Those results are combined with things like your medical history, driving record and hobbies to get an overall picture of your life.
The insurance company uses this information to calculate how much your coverage will cost.
The medical exam is a lot like your annual physical. It takes about 30 minutes and can be done at a provider's facility, or at your home or workplace. There's no charge for the medical exam.
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Thank you for considering a life insurance policy with USAA. By taking this important step, you're making sure your loved ones are protected.
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Once you apply, here's what to expect.
You may need a medical exam. It's free, similar to an annual physical and will take about 30 minutes. There's no need for fasting.
We use this exam to get a clear picture of your health and calculate the price of your coverage.
You may be able to schedule your exam online. If not, a representative one of our medical exam partners will contact you to set up an exam at one of their centers. They can also come to your home or workplace at a time that work's best for you.
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It can take up to a few weeks for us to review your application, and there are things you can do to help speed the process along.
- Check your application status regularly for updates or new requests for information and respond promptly to avoid delays. You can access your pending application by logging on to USAA.com or the USAA Mobile App.
- Schedule your medical exam as soon as possible.
- Have details on your medical history ready. These include recent doctor's visits, why you visited and the doctor's name and office information in case we need to contact them.
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Once we have the information needed to provide you a decision and price for your coverage, we'll notify you on your application status page.
We thank you again for considering USAA to help you protect your loved ones.
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What does the medical exam check for?
A medical professional will record your height, weight and blood pressure. If you're an older applicant or applying for a large amount of coverage, you may have to take an EKG to check your heart.
They'll also take blood and urine samples to check for:
- Blood protein levels
- Blood sugar levels
- Fluid and electrolyte balances
- Liver and kidney function
- Metabolism
- White and red blood cell counts
After the exam
Your results will be delivered to the insurance company you're working with and used as part of the underwriting process. This may take a few days, depending on the testing facility.
The results will help determine a health classification, which can affect how much you'll pay for coverage. If you're healthy, it helps you get a better rate.
Life insurance medical exam FAQ
Many people get life insurance with pre-existing conditions. There should be a category in the questionnaire to indicate any serious health issues, but premiums may be more expensive. Be sure to answer honestly. If not, your coverage could be delayed, declined or canceled.
The results of your medical exam help determine what you pay. Other factors that go into your cost may include your age, occupation, driving history, medical and prescription drug histories, the type of life insurance you choose, and how much coverage you want.
If you're denied, talk to a representative from the insurance company to find out why. Ask if there's an opportunity to improve an aspect of your health and reapply. You can also explore policies that don't require a medical exam, like guaranteed whole life.