Life Insurance Medical Exam: What to Expect (and How to Pass)

If you're applying for a traditional life insurance policy, you'll typically need a paramedical exam. Don't worry — it's quick, free, and you can prepare to get the best possible result.

What Is the Paramedical Exam?

A short medical exam performed by a licensed paramedical examiner from a contracted vendor (ExamOne, APPS, etc.). Takes 30-45 minutes total. Done at your home, office, or sometimes a local exam center.

What's Included

• Height and weight
• Blood pressure
• Pulse
• Blood draw (cholesterol, glucose, liver function, kidney function, nicotine, drug screen)
• Urine sample (drugs, nicotine, kidney markers)
• Brief medical history questions
• Sometimes: EKG for high coverage amounts or applicants over 50

How to Prepare

The Day Before

• Avoid alcohol
• Limit caffeine (raises blood pressure)
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid strenuous exercise
• Get a full night's sleep

12 Hours Before (Most Carriers Request Fasting)

• No food
• Water only
• Take regular medications as normal (unless told otherwise)

1 Hour Before

• Avoid coffee and energy drinks
• Avoid smoking or vaping (will affect results)
• Relax — high anxiety raises BP readings

Long-Term Preparation (If You Have Time)

If you can wait 30-60 days to apply:

• Improve diet — lower sugar, less processed food
• Lose weight if possible (huge BMI impact on rates)
• Reduce alcohol consumption (affects liver enzymes)
• If you smoke: quit (rates can drop 50%+ after 12 months tobacco-free)
• Manage stress for better BP readings

How Results Affect Your Rate

Carriers assign a "rate class" based on the exam:

• Preferred Plus / Super Preferred: Best health metrics, best rates (~5% of applicants)
• Preferred: Very healthy (~20%)
• Standard Plus: Above-average health (~30%)
• Standard: Average (~30%)
• Substandard / Rated: Higher risk, higher premiums (~15%)

The difference between Preferred Plus and Standard can be 50%+ in premium for the same coverage.

What If You Get a Worse Rate Than Expected?

If your initial offer is worse than quoted (a "table rating"), you have options:

• Accept the offer if you need coverage now
• Wait 6-12 months, improve health, reapply
• Try a different carrier with friendlier underwriting for your specific issue
• Try simplified issue (no exam) — costs more but bypasses exam findings

No-Exam Options

Several modern carriers offer accelerated underwriting — no medical exam needed if your application data and prescription/medical records look good. Available up to $1M-$2M coverage for healthy applicants under 50. Knight Family Agency can identify if you qualify.

Schedule Your Free Exam

When we submit your application, the exam vendor contacts you within 24-48 hours to schedule. Fill out our quote form to get started.