One of the requirements for getting life insurance in many cases is a medical exam and a blood test.
Especially for those who aren’t exactly a fan of needles, getting a blood test can be the cause for a lot of stress. But even if getting a blood test doesn’t bother you, you still may be wondering what do life insurance blood tests test for?
The results of the test can determine whether or not you qualify for life insurance. They also help life insurance companies assess the risk of underwriting a policy for you and in how much you’ll have to pay for your policy.
To set the record straight, below you’ll find out about what these blood tests look for. Also you’ll learn more about why life insurance companies do these tests.
What Do Life Insurance Blood Tests Test For?
It’s a standard aspect of many life insurance policies for those who apply to undergo a medical exam. In fact, some plans require it in order if you want life insurance.
As part of applying for a policy, most life and term insurance companies provide free medical examinations to help them assess your health.
The company will provide you with a free medical exam so that they can check your health information. Completing the medical exam, which includes the blood test, might help you qualify for the best life insurance rates.
In short, the life insurance blood test is part of your insurer’s general effort to analyze your overall health to charge you the proper cost for your life insurance policy.
Insurers use blood tests to verify the information you’ve already submitted on your application and to understand your overall health better. The life insurance blood test tests for things such as:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- High glucose levels
- Nicotine
- Tobacco
- Drug use
They also run blood tests to screen for “silent” conditions that do not show symptoms but may raise the risk of death, such as kidney or liver disease.
Why Does Life Insurance Test Blood?
The healthier you are, the better the rates. But why is that?
Blood tests are performed as part of the risk assessment process when applying for life insurance. A medical exam blood test can provide your insurance provider with information about the existence or risk of dozens of disorders, including those listed above.
It is possible to be denied life insurance coverage due to your blood test results. When it comes to qualifying for life insurance, your overall health plays a significant role. Your insurance provider may be unable to provide coverage if you have major health conditions discovered during the exam.
Now, what blood tests are performed during the underwriting process? Here are the following blood tests included in the underwriting of life insurance:
- Diabetes Blood Tests
- Kidney Blood Tests
- Liver Blood Tests
- Lipid Blood Tests
- HIV Blood Tests
- Blood Alcohol Test
- NT – proBNP brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)
- Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)
There are various reasons why people are anxious about taking the test. It’s possible that you’d like to maintain your privacy. Or perhaps you’re unsure of what will appear.
There are several methods available to you if you want to bypass the exam. No exam policies have higher premiums and smaller coverage limits than medically underwritten policies.
