Truscott Insurance SolutionsTruscott Insurance Solutions
FeaturesHow It WorksBlog
Truscott Insurance SolutionsTruscott Insurance Solutions

Your insurance ally. We simplify policies, coach you on claims, and monitor for gotchas, so you're never caught off guard.

Tools

  • Policy Simplified
  • Claims Coach
  • Blog

Products

  • Auto Insurance
  • Home Insurance
  • Business Insurance
  • Cyber Insurance

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information
  • Terms of Service
  • Licenses

© 2026 Truscott Inc. All rights reserved.

Truscott provides insurance information tools. AI-generated analyses are for informational purposes only and do not constitute insurance advice, legal advice, or coverage guarantees.

Back to Blog
Life Insurance

What is a life insurance medical exam?

Truscott Team
April 30, 2026
4 min read

A life insurance medical exam is a brief health screening required by many insurers as part of the underwriting process. It typically takes 20 to 30 minutes and is conducted by a licensed paramedical professional, often at your home or office at no cost to you. The results help the insurer assess your health and set your premium rate.

What the exam includes

A standard paramedical exam typically involves:

  • Height and weight measurement
  • Blood pressure reading
  • Pulse rate
  • Blood sample: Tests for cholesterol, blood sugar, liver and kidney function, HIV, and nicotine.
  • Urine sample: Screens for drugs, nicotine, glucose, and protein levels that may indicate health issues.
  • Medical history questions: The examiner will ask about your health history, medications, surgeries, and family health history.

For larger coverage amounts (often $1 million or more), the insurer may also require an EKG, a more detailed blood panel, or a review of your medical records from your personal physician.

How to prepare

  • Fast for 8 to 12 hours: This gives the most accurate blood sugar and cholesterol readings. Drink water to stay hydrated.
  • Avoid alcohol for 24 hours: Alcohol can affect liver function results.
  • Skip strenuous exercise the day before: Intense exercise can temporarily elevate certain blood values.
  • Avoid caffeine the morning of: Caffeine can raise blood pressure and heart rate.
  • Get a good night's sleep: Rest helps normalize blood pressure and heart rate.
  • Bring a list of medications: Include dosages and prescribing doctors.

No-exam alternatives

Some insurers offer no-exam or simplified-issue policies that skip the medical exam in exchange for higher premiums or lower coverage limits. These products use health questionnaires, prescription drug databases, and electronic health records to evaluate risk.

What Truscott recommends

The medical exam is nothing to stress about—it is a routine screening that helps you get the best possible rate. A little preparation goes a long way. If you have health concerns or want to explore no-exam options, a Truscott coverage review will point you toward the carriers and products best suited to your situation. Contact us to learn more.

Free tools from Truscott

  • Policy translator
  • Get an insurance quote

More from the blog

Life Insurance

What are the biggest life insurance mistakes and how do you avoid them?

Buying life insurance involves decisions that affect your family for decades. Learn the most common mistakes people make and how to secure the right coverage at the right price.

Life Insurance

What is a life insurance illustration and how do you read one?

A life insurance illustration projects how your policy performs over time, showing premiums, death benefits, and cash values. Learn what the numbers mean and what to watch out for.