For many people, the thought of participating in a blood test for life insurance sounds as fun as getting stuck in an elevator. Typically, the life insurance blood test is unavoidable and needs to be completed before you can get approved. This is standard even for the top rated life insurance companies. We’re going to go over the most frequently asked questions about the life insurance blood test and exam. Hopefully by the end, we’ll set you at ease and you’ll be ready conquer any fears about the exam.
Good To Know! Want to skip the blood test entirely? Learn about a No Medical Exam Life Insurance option and get covered faster!
Life Insurance Medical Exam
When you apply for life insurance, the life insurance company often requires a medical exam to identify any health related risks that you may have. They also want to find out if you’re using any drugs. Your life insurance medical exam, also called a paramedical exam, may include an EKG, health history questions, urine test and a blood test.
Who provides the blood test?
There are several paramedical exam companies that provide the medical exam and blood testing. EMSI, ExamOne, and APPS are some of the larger medical exam providers. The actual tests are conducted by a trained paramedic.
Can my doctor complete the blood test?
That would great, but unfortunately that option isn’t available. Life insurance companies want the blood tests completed by the paramed companies.
Where does the blood test take place?
The medical exam and blood test can be scheduled at a location convenient to you. You can make an appointment at your home or work. The paramedical exam office is also available to you if you don’t want someone coming to your house or workplace.
What are companies looking for?
We did a quick Google search to see what question was asked the most about the life insurance blood test. The #1 question people are searching online was: “life insurance blood test what are they looking for?”
Life insurance companies are looking for any health related risks that can be identified in your blood. There are dozens of conditions and factors that are analyzed. These are the most common factors:
- Heart & Arteries: Cholesterol (LDL and HDL, and triglycerides) to see if there are any issues with your cardiovascular system or heart disease.
- Pancreas: Hemoglobin A1C and Fructosamine which can indicate if you have diabetes.
- Liver: Alkaline Phosphatase and other enzymes that can identify if there is possible liver disease.
- Beta adrenergic blockers: These enter the blood if the you use certain types of medicine to treat heart defects, arrhythmia, or high blood pressure.
- HIV & AIDS
- STDs
Here are some additional frequently asked questions about what companies are looking for with the blood test:
| Do life insurance blood tests check for drugs | Yes |
| Do life insurance blood tests test for STDs | Yes |
| Do life insurance companies test blood for nicotine | Yes |
| Does life insurance blood test for HIV | Yes |
| Does life insurance blood test for marijuana | Yes |
| Do life insurance blood tests check for cancer | Not Typically |
Why are blood tests required for life insurance?
The blood test is just one of many underwriting factors used to accomplish two things:
- To see if you’re insurable which would result in the company offering you a policy to buy.
- To determine your rate and how much the policy will cost you.
The results of your blood test will help determine your health class rating and if qualify for the “best” rates (referred to as Preferred Best or Preferred Plus). If you don’t qualify for the best rates, you’ll be place in a higher class depending on your underwriting results.
Below are the 12 most common rate classes that will determine your premium..
| Rate Class / Risk Class | Pricing Result | Cost Rank |
| Preferred Best / Plus | 50% of Standard | 1 |
| Preferred | 63% of Standard | 2 |
| Standard Plus / Select | 86% of Standard | 3 |
| Standard | Standard | 4 |
| Table Ratings | ||
| Table 1 / A | 25% over Standard | 5 |
| Table 2 / B | 50% over Standard | 6 |
| Table 3 / C | 75% over Standard | 7 |
| Table 4 / D | 100% over Standard | 8 |
| Table 5 / E | 125% over Standard | 9 |
| Table 6 / F | 150% over Standard | 10 |
| Table 7 / G | 175% over Standard | 11 |
| Table 8 / H | 200% over Standard | 12 |
how to prepare for a blood test for life insurance
There are several ways that you can positively affect the outcome of your exam. These tips may help you improve a health class rating which can add up to considerable savings over the life of your policy.
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water the day of and the day before the exam. It helps with body regulation as well as collecting the blood sample.
- Abstain: Abstain from smoking or drinking caffeinated beverages for 60 minutes prior to your exam. They can increase your short term blood pressure.
- Alcohol: Do not drink the day of and the day before your exam. Alcohol is high in calories and sugar which can increase your blood pressure.
- Relax: Take a break from working out for 24 hours before your exam. Exercise will increase your pulse and blood pressure readings.
- Sleep: Make sure you’re well rested and have a good night’s sleep before your exam. This can help lower your blood pressure.
- Nerves: If you’re anxious about your exam, ask the paramedical examiner to take your blood pressure at the end of the exam.
what to eat before blood test for life insurance
What to learn how to pass the life insurance medical exam? We’ve put together a little “pre-exam diet” for you. Try to follow these tips beginning 1 week out for optimal results:
- EAT: The week prior to your exam try to eat foods such as oatmeal, fish, nuts, and a variety of vegetables. Eat a light meal the day before your exam.
- FAST: Incorporate a fasting routine about 8 to 12 hours before your paramedical exam. This can help bring down your blood sugar and blood pressure levels.
- AVOID: Stay away from these types of foods, beverages, medications and snacks for at least 24 hours.
- Salty Foods – Can increase blood pressure
- Sugary Foods – Can increase blood pressure
- Fatty Foods – Can increase cholesterol levels
- Poppy Seeds – Potential false positive for opiates
- Vitamin B12 – Potential false positive for marijuana
- Protein Bars – Potential false positive for marijuana
- Ibuprofen – Potential false positive for marijuana
- Tonic Water – Potential false positive for cocaine
- Sleeping Medication – Potential false positive for barbiturates
- Cold & Decongestant Medicine – Potential false positive for amphetamines
Final thoughts
The life insurance blood test and exam should only take you about 20 minutes to complete. If you’re overwhelmed with the thought of getting this done – there are No Medical Exam term life insurance options available.
Give us a call if you have any questions about your life insurance needs, the medical exam or what rates are available to you. At Life Insurance Blog, we don’t work with just one company – we use over 60 companies to find you the best deal. We find the top carriers for your specific situation. For example, if you’re searching for the best life insurance company for marijuana – Prudential is great for pot smokers as they are more lenient with pot vs some other carriers.
We look forward to helping you!
