Surprised to be asked for a urine sample when you apply for life insurance? Don’t be. Urine and blood tests are a common part of the life insurance medical exam.

But they don’t always have to be. Some types of life insurance don’t require any tests or exams. At Fidelity Life, we allow you to delay or even skip the exam in some cases.

Here’s what you need to know about urine tests and the part they play in your life insurance application process.

Table of contents

• Why do life insurance companies test blood and urine?
• What do life insurance companies test for in urine?
• Does all life insurance require a urine test?
• Still have questions?

Why do life insurance companies test blood and urine?

Life insurance medical exams are designed to confirm the health information you provide in your application and check for underlying health issues. These exams are free to you and typically include measuring your height and weight, checking blood pressure and pulse, taking blood and urine samples, and asking additional questions about your health.

Since they’re insuring your life, life insurance companies need to know about any health conditions or issues that could affect your life expectancy. Companies use medical exam results to help determine how risky you would be to cover and decide the rate they can offer you for life insurance.

If they discover a medical condition or health information that didn’t come up originally on your application, you may end up paying a higher rate or, in some cases, be denied coverage for a particular policy. On the other hand, being in good health can mean more policy options and lower rates.

What do life insurance companies test for in urine?

Urinalysis tests for life insurance help fill information gaps in your medical records and life insurance application. A few things a provider may be looking for include:

• Drugs. Illegal drug use is a big red flag for life insurance companies. A urine test includes a chemical analysis for hard drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamines, and opiates, as well as marijuana. While most of these can easily result in denial of coverage, marijuana use is becoming more accepted due to legalization, so you may still be able to get covered.

• Prescriptions and painkillers. Another thing providers will want is confirmation of any authorized medications you’re taking, which they can detect and trace in your urine. This will help confirm the information you shared on your application or can raise red flags if they find something you neglected to mention.
• Nicotine. Smokers are considered higher-risk, so your life insurance company will want to know if you have a nicotine habit. If nicotine is detected in your system, you may be offered higher smoker rates for your policy.
• Potential health issues. Urine tests are an effective way to check for a range of potential health issues, like kidney disease, liver problems, diabetes, and infections. Providers will send your samples to a lab for microscopic review to gauge your health overall.

Life insurance medical exams are thorough, so it’s important to be honest about any health conditions, medication, or lifestyle choices that could affect your eligibility and rates.

Does all life insurance require a urine test?

Most providers require a medical exam for term life and permanent insurance.

When you apply for a term life insurance policy with Fidelity Life, you can get coverage immediately, without having to wait for exam results. You then have up to six months to take the exam. In some cases, Fidelity Life may waive the medical exam altogether in some cases.

If you don’t want to take a medical exam or are worried that your health could affect eligibility, there are other options. The most common no exam life insurance policies include:

• Simplified issue. This policy offers basic coverage for people with no critical health concerns. When you apply, you’ll be asked to complete a health questionnaire instead of taking an exam. Simplified issue rates are often comparable to prices for medically underwritten insurance, making it a good option for people with minor medical issues.
• Guaranteed issue. With this policy, there is no medical exam, health survey, or need to share your medical records. You cannot be refused coverage for poor health. Providers may ask basic questions about your health and lifestyle, but only to determine your rate. Guaranteed issue tends to have lower coverage amounts and higher rates than other policies, but can offer peace of mind and protection to those with serious health concerns.

Still have questions?

Whether you choose to take a medical exam or not, Fidelity Life is here to help you navigate the life insurance process.

Our team of agents can walk you through your choices and help you pick the right policy for your unique needs. Learn more by getting in touch or start your online quote today.

At Fidelity Life, our goal is to make life insurance simple, affordable, and understandable for everyday families. This content is intended for educational purposes only. Each post is carefully fact-checked, reviewed, and updated regularly to ensure the information is as relevant as possible.