Underwriting

Life Insurance Medical Exam: What to Expect and How to Prepare

A practical walkthrough of the paramedical exam, what is measured, and how no-exam policies compare.

Quick answer: A practical walkthrough of the paramedical exam, what is measured, and how no-exam policies compare.

What the exam usually includes

A nurse visits you at home or work. They record height, weight and blood pressure, take a blood and urine sample, and ask about your medical history. It normally takes 20 to 40 minutes.

How to prepare

Avoid heavy exercise, alcohol and salty meals for 24 hours, drink water, and fast if asked. Have a list of medications and doctor details ready. Honesty matters because insurers can contest a claim over a material misstatement.

No-exam policies

Simplified and guaranteed-issue products skip the exam but often cost more per unit of cover and may cap the amount. They can suit people who need quick cover or have trouble passing a full exam.

What affects your result

Blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, nicotine and family history all feed the risk class. A better class can lower your premium for the whole term, so small lifestyle changes before applying can pay off.

Frequently asked questions

Will I get the results?

Usually you can request a copy, and some regions give it automatically.

Can a bad reading ruin my chances?

Not always. Retests, a different class or a rated policy may still be offered.

ZS
Written and reviewed by Zain Shah, Founder and Editor. Updated October 2026. How we write.