The Medical Exam: What They Test For and How to Prepare as a Senior

You are over 50. You are a senior. You want life insurance. The company might want a medical exam. What do they test for? How do you prepare? This guide explains the medical exam for seniors.

What Is a Medical Exam?

A medical exam is a health check. A nurse or doctor checks your health. They do this to see how healthy you are.

Why? The company wants to know your health. That helps them set your premiums. Healthy seniors pay less.

Who does it? A nurse or doctor comes to your house. Or you go to a clinic.

How long does it take? About 30 minutes. It is not long.

What Do They Test For?

They test many things. Here is what:

Your Height and Weight

They check how tall you are and how much you weigh.

Why? Your weight affects your health. If you are very overweight, you might pay more.

Tip: You cannot change this right before the exam. But staying at a healthy weight helps.

Your Blood Pressure

They check your blood pressure. This is how hard your heart works.

Why? High blood pressure is bad for your health. Many seniors have it. If you have it, you might pay more.

Tip: Try to relax. Being nervous can raise your blood pressure. Take your medicines if you have them.

Your Pulse

They check your pulse. This is how fast your heart beats.

Why? Your pulse shows how healthy your heart is.

Tip: Try to relax. Being nervous can raise your pulse.

Blood Test

They take a blood sample. They check it for many things.

What do they check?

• Your cholesterol
• Your blood sugar
• If you have diseases
• If you use drugs

Why? These things affect your health. Many seniors have high cholesterol or blood sugar. If something is wrong, you might pay more.

Tip: Fast if they tell you to. That makes the test more accurate. Take your medicines if you have them (unless they tell you not to).

Urine Test

They take a urine sample. They check it for many things.

What do they check?

• If you have diseases
• If you use drugs
• If you smoke

Why? These things affect your health. If something is wrong, you might pay more.

Tip: Drink water before the exam. That helps.

Health Questions

They ask you health questions. Answer them honestly.

What do they ask?

• Do you have health problems?
• Do you take medicines?
• Do you smoke?
• Has your family had serious diseases?
• Have you had surgeries?

Why? They want to know about your health. That helps them set your premiums.

Tip: Be honest. If you lie, your policy might not pay when you die.

How to Prepare for Your Exam

Here is how to prepare:

The Day Before

Do not drink alcohol. Alcohol can affect your tests. Do not drink the day before.

Do not smoke. If you smoke, try not to smoke the day before. Or better yet, quit.

Get enough sleep. Being tired can affect your tests. Get a good night’s sleep.

Do not exercise too hard. Light exercise is okay. But do not do hard exercise the day before.

Take your medicines. Take your medicines as usual (unless they tell you not to).

The Morning Of

Fast if they tell you to. Some companies want you to fast. That means no food or drinks (except water) for 8 to 12 hours before.

Drink water. Drink water before the exam. That helps.

Do not drink coffee or tea. Caffeine can affect your tests. Do not drink it the morning of.

Do not smoke. If you smoke, do not smoke the morning of.

Take your medicines. Take your medicines as usual (unless they tell you not to).

Wear comfortable clothes. Wear clothes that are easy to take off. They might need to check your arms.

Bring your ID. Bring a driver’s license or other ID. They need to know who you are.

Bring a list of your medicines. Bring a list of all your medicines. That helps them.

Be on time. Be ready when they come. Or be at the clinic on time.

During the Exam

Be honest. Answer all questions honestly. Do not lie.

Try to relax. Being nervous can affect your tests. Take deep breaths. Try to relax.

Ask questions. If you do not understand something, ask. They will explain.

Follow instructions. Do what they tell you. That makes it easier.

Tell them about your medicines. Tell them what medicines you take. That helps them understand your health.

Common Questions Seniors Ask

Do I have to do it? Maybe. Some companies require it. Others offer no-exam policies. Guaranteed issue does not need an exam.

Where does it happen? They can come to your house. Or you can go to a clinic. You choose.

How long does it take? About 30 minutes. It is not long.

Does it hurt? The needle might hurt a little. But it is not bad. Most people are fine.

What if I am nervous? That is normal. Try to relax. Take deep breaths. Being nervous is okay.

What if I have health problems? Be honest about them. The company will still consider you. You might pay more, or you might need guaranteed issue insurance.

What if I take many medicines? That is okay. Bring a list of your medicines. Tell them what you take. That helps them understand your health.

What if I do not want to do it? You can look for no-exam policies or guaranteed issue insurance. They cost more, but you do not need an exam.

When will I know the results? The company will tell you in 2 to 6 weeks. They will let you know if you are approved and how much you will pay.

Tips for Seniors

Follow these tips:

Be honest. Tell the truth about your health. If you lie, your policy might not pay.

Prepare well. Follow the tips above. That helps your tests.

Take your medicines. Take your medicines as usual (unless they tell you not to).

Bring a medicine list. Bring a list of all your medicines. That helps them.

Try to relax. Being nervous is normal. But try to relax. That helps.

Ask questions. If you do not understand something, ask. They will explain.

Do not worry. Many seniors pass the exam. You will probably be fine.

Consider no-exam options. If you do not want an exam, look for no-exam policies or guaranteed issue insurance.

The Bottom Line

The medical exam is not scary. They check your height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, blood, and urine. They ask health questions. That is it.

Prepare well. Be honest. Take your medicines. Try to relax. Ask questions. You will be fine.

Need to take a life insurance medical exam as a senior? Learn what they test for and how to prepare. Get ready for your exam and find the best rates.