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Key takeaways:
The life insurance medical exam is meant to help your provider better understand your risk-level based on various health factors.
It often involves tests like a blood and urine analysis. A third-party nurse will usually visit your home to complete your health exam.
Many life insurance companies will require you to complete both a medical interview and a medical exam after you submit your application.
The medical interview consists of a phone call where the medical underwriting company will ask you a list of standard health and medical questions for verification. The two above steps can take anywhere from a day to three weeks.
The traditional life insurance application process usually takes weeks. It usually involves:
Take a look at this walk-through of the process by Tobin Tuff, Certified Life Insurance Advisor:
There is a type of life insurance called no medical life insurance. It's exactly what it sounds: you don't need to do a medical exam to get approved. But it's usually more expensive and the payout to your beneficiaries is capped at a lesser amount.
No medical life insurance is a fast process, however, it is much pricier and should only be used as a plan B after applying for a term life insurance policy. Learn more about the best no medical life insurance companies in Canada in our guide.
With PolicyMe, most eligible applicants don't need a medical follow-up. That's because we've used technology to create a dynamic online application with 26 questions. Only answer additional questions if one of the responses to the 26 base questions is flagged. Same quality policy, just easier to apply for.
Here's how it works with PolicyMe:
When you’re healthy, that likely means you don’t get a medical exam often, so you don’t know what to expect. For a lot of us, it can feel like the imaginary monster in the closet that your kids complain about at bedtime.
And if you’re healthy, there’s little to be anxious about. It’s sort of like taking a test in a subject that you’ve already aced.
To take the pressure off even more, we’re happy to report that many eligible PolicyMe applicants are approved without the need for a medical exam.
Once your life insurance application has been submitted, the next step is to complete your life insurance medical exam. These appointments come in two forms:
A paramedical exam is requested only when your insurance company needs to collect fluids from you. This typically happens if you’re buying a larger insurance policy, are over 50 years old, or have a condition that was flagged in the application. A paramedical test may be requested in addition to the tele-interview depending on your situation.
Here’s what they’ll be testing for:
The tele-interview will be only about 20–30 minutes long and will take place over the phone. To prepare, make sure you have medical information on hand, including dates of diagnoses, treatments, and procedures. It will also come in handy to have a list of any prescription drugs you’re currently taking.
To complete your paramedical exam, the health technician from your insurance company will come to your home or workplace to measure your height, weight, blood pressure, and pulse. You’ll also be asked to provide a blood sample and a urine sample.
To prepare, follow these simple steps:
24 hours before the exam
10 hours before the exam
Right before the exam
PolicyMe tip: It’s important that you’re honest during your life insurance medical exam. If you finish the process and think you may have forgotten a key piece of information (which can certainly happen!), let your advisor know so that they can get this information to your insurer for you.
Here are some of the main factors to consider for to get the best life insurance in Canada:
Thus, "no medical exam" policies, can offer quick coverage without undergoing any medical tests, and these policies typically have higher premiums due to greater risk and uncertainty, but it's still worth considering them, especially if you're concerned about the average cost of life insurance Canada
Life insurance without a medical exam can be a good option for some people, especially those who want quick coverage or may not qualify for a traditional policy due to health concerns.
Age 60+? Our guide to the best life insurance companies for seniors is a good choice to read next.
No, life insurance blood tests won’t detect cancer. These tests are designed to evaluate your overall health, looking for things like cholesterol levels, liver function, and signs of diseases like diabetes or kidney issues. While some markers in your blood could indicate potential health concerns, they aren’t detailed enough to diagnose cancer. Life insurers are more interested in assessing your risk profile based on general health indicators rather than diagnosing specific illnesses.
In Canada, the purpose of these blood tests is to help insurers determine the likelihood of a claim during the term of the policy. If they had to look for cancer specifically, it would require far more extensive and expensive testing, which isn’t part of the standard underwriting process. So, while the blood tests are thorough, they’re not invasive, and certainly not designed to uncover conditions as serious as cancer.
Life insurance blood tests are all about getting a snapshot of your health. Insurers use these tests to check for things like cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and markers that might indicate heart disease or diabetes. They also screen for liver and kidney function, which can flag potential issues you might not even know about. Essentially, they’re trying to assess your overall health risk, which helps them figure out your premiums. If you’re in tip-top shape, you’ll likely pay less.
For Canadians, these blood tests also check for drug use, including marijuana, even though it’s legal here. They’re not judging—just assessing any potential health risks. If you’re taking prescribed meds, make sure you disclose them beforehand. Your honesty ensures the results are accurate and that your policy reflects your true health picture. So, while it might seem a bit daunting, these tests are simply a way for insurers to better understand your health and offer you a policy that’s fair and tailored to you.
Life insurance companies require a medical exam to get a clear picture of your health, which helps them assess the risk of insuring you. Think of it as a way for them to understand your overall health and lifestyle better. This isn’t just about checking for major health issues; they’re also looking at things like blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The goal is to ensure they’re offering you the right policy at the right rate, tailored to your health profile.
In Canada, this process usually involves a simple, straightforward exam that can often be done at your home or a local clinic. It might feel a bit invasive, but it’s actually quite routine and designed to make sure you’re getting fair coverage. Plus, your health information helps them offer you the best possible rate and terms, making it a win-win for both sides.
In Canada, getting a life insurance medical exam is easier than you might think. Most insurers will arrange for a nurse or technician to come to your home or office for the exam, making it convenient for you. If you prefer, you can also visit a local clinic or lab that partners with your insurance company. Either way, the process is straightforward: you'll provide some basic information, undergo a physical exam, and give a blood sample. The insurer uses this information to assess your health and determine your policy terms.
To find where to get your exam, start by checking with your insurance provider—they usually have a list of approved locations or can set up an appointment for you. If you’re using an online platform to apply, they often handle the scheduling too. Just remember to follow any pre-exam instructions, like fasting if required, to ensure accurate results.
Getting a life insurance medical exam in Canada is a straightforward process that’s designed to make sure your coverage fits your health profile. First off, the insurance company will arrange for a medical professional to visit you at home or at a convenient location, so you don’t need to trek to a clinic. This exam usually involves a basic health check, like measuring your blood pressure, taking blood samples, and possibly a urine test.
Before the appointment, you'll fill out a health questionnaire detailing your medical history. It’s important to be honest and thorough—this helps in getting accurate quotes and ensures you’re properly covered. The results will help determine your premium and coverage terms. Remember, this exam is a standard part of securing life insurance and helps ensure you get the best possible plan for your needs.
A typical life insurance medical exam in Canada will involve two parts:
Passing a medical exam for life insurance in Canada is all about being prepared and straightforward. First, make sure you’re honest about your health history. Insurers need to know about past illnesses or any ongoing conditions to provide you with the right coverage. Keep track of your medications and any treatments you’ve undergone; transparency helps avoid complications later.
Next, take care of your health leading up to the exam. Stay hydrated, get a good night’s sleep, and avoid alcohol and heavy meals the day before. Regular exercise and a balanced diet in the weeks before the exam can also make a difference. Remember, the goal is to show that you’re in good health, so a bit of preparation can go a long way. This way, you’ll give yourself the best shot at securing the coverage you need without any surprises.
When you’re going through a life insurance medical exam in Canada, they might test your urine to get a snapshot of your overall health. They’re generally looking for things like glucose, which can indicate diabetes, and protein, which might suggest kidney issues. They might also check for signs of illegal drugs or excessive alcohol use, which could affect your premium or eligibility.
In addition to these basic health markers, the urine test can help the insurer gauge whether you have certain conditions that could impact your life expectancy. Don’t worry; it’s a standard part of the process, and most people find it straightforward and quick. Just stay hydrated and follow any pre-exam instructions from your insurance provider to make sure the results are accurate.
If your application is denied due to the medical exam, the insurance company will inform you of the reasons behind the decision. You may be offered a policy with a higher premium or be denied coverage altogether. In this case, you can consider appealing the decision or applying with a different company that may be more lenient based on your health profile.
Yes, there are a few disadvantages to consider with no medical exam life insurance in Canada:
No medical exam life insurance can be a good option for some Canadians, particularly:
