When you apply for a new life insurance policy, having a medical exam may be part of the process. However, it might come as a surprise to learn you could need to give the insurance company a blood sample.This may lead you to wonder why insurers require a life insurance blood test and what exactly they’re looking to find

First of all, rest easy: The blood test is simple and private. It’s a normal part of a life insurance medical exam, which certain plans require for coverage.

Completing the medical exam, including the blood test, can help you qualify for the best rates for life insurance. The healthier you are, the better your rates will be.

If needles make you nervous, you may be able to skip the blood test and, you can choose a no medical exam life insurance policy instead. But before making that decision, understanding more about medical exams and what the blood tests look for may help put your mind at ease.

What does the life insurance blood test look for?

Life insurance medical exams provide insurance companies with important details about your health.  The life insurance medical exam is free to you, takes about 30 minutes, and is performed by a licensed medical technician. You can schedule the exam at a place of your choosing, like your home or office, and you get to keep a copy of your results.

The purpose of the exam is to verify some information you provided in your application and uncover any other details that could affect your life insurance rates. A technician will generally:

• Measure your height and weight
• Take your blood pressure
• Check your pulse
• Ask some questions about your health and family medical history
• Take a urine and blood sample for testing purposes

Afterward, the technician takes your urine and blood samples to a lab to run. Keep in mind that the life insurance medical exam blood test doesn’t screen for every health condition. Generally, the life insurance company is looking for common issues that could affect your lifespan. The insurer uses that information to determine your overall risk as a customer.

What does a life insurance blood test look for?

Insurers use your blood test to confirm the information you’ve already provided on your application and understand your overall health. Your blood screening may look for:

• Prescription drugs: Any prescription medications in the bloodstream could indicate treatment for specific health conditions or risks. If you’re on a medication prescribed by a physician, you’ll need to disclose it when filling out your application. If it appears as a surprise on your blood test, the insurer could deny your application.
• Tobacco: Blood tests look for evidence of tobacco, which could indicate recent use, including smoking, vaping, or chewing
• Recreational drugs: Evidence of marijuana or recreational drug use
• Sexually transmitted diseases: The presence of an STD doesn’t mean you’ll be denied life insurance coverage, but you will want to ensure you disclose it on your application.
• HIV or AIDS: These diseases may be treated as chronic conditions by some insurers, but having them doesn’t mean you’ll be denied coverage. However, premiums may be higher.
• Enzyme levels: High levels of certain enzymes can indicate inflammation of organs, including evidence of cardiac and liver conditions
• Cholesterol: Cholesterol levels, including the presence of harmful triglycerides
• Blood sugar levels: Hemoglobin A1C, a long-term blood sugar indicator, can be a sign of diabetes. The good news is people with diabetes still have options for life insurance.

A medical exam blood test can give your insurance company a glimpse into the presence or risk of dozens of conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, kidney issues, sexually transmitted diseases, and other chronic illnesses. A blood test isn’t a replacement for a regular physical from your doctor, though. It’s a way for your insurance company to check your health and provide you with the fairest and most accurate rates possible.

How to prepare for the life insurance blood test

While you can’t prevent certain diseases or conditions from being present in your blood sample, there are ways to alleviate the possibility of a poor result because of lifestyle habits. In advance of the exam, be sure to:

• Fast for 8 to 12 hours as instructed by the paramed who will conduct the exam. Many people schedule their exams first thing in the morning so most of the fasting period takes place while asleep.
• Don’t take medications that aren’t prescribed by your physician and disclosed on your application. Do your best to avoid taking over-the-counter medicines in the days and weeks leading up to the exam. If you take something over-the-counter, like allergy pills or medicine to help with a cold, be sure the paramed is aware before taking the blood draw.
• Avoid strenuous exercise and get adequate sleep. A restless night of sleep or going hard in the gym could impact your blood pressure reading. To get the most accurate reading, try and get more rest in the days leading up to the exam.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Water can help flush toxins from your bloodstream, hopefully improving your chances of a favorable result on your blood test.

Could you be denied life insurance because of your blood test results?

Yes, it’s possible to be turned down for life insurance because of your blood test. That’s because your health is a big part of the picture in qualifying for life insurance. If you have serious health issues that come out during the exam, your insurance company may not be able to offer you coverage.

That said, being upfront during the application is the best way to avoid a denial later on. If your blood work reveals information you didn’t mention earlier, the life insurance company may decline to cover you. For example, if you say you’re a nonsmoker and your blood work shows evidence of tobacco use, some insurers will turn down your application for dishonesty.

A better bet? Be open with your insurance agent when you apply about any health concerns. There are plenty of plans out there with more relaxed requirements, and they can help you find the best fit for your situation.

Can you avoid the life insurance blood test?

If you want to skip the medical exam and blood test, you have options. Whether poking and prodding make you nervous, you’re not sure what might show up, or you just value your privacy, no exam life insurance policies could be a good solution.
No exam policies tend to have higher rates and lower coverage amounts than medically underwritten policies, but they can be a good alternative if you’re concerned about qualifying for a traditional plan.

No exam life insurance includes:

• Simplified issue insurance: This type of coverage relies on a health questionnaire to determine your eligibility. The short application and no medical exam requirement make it a fast way to get covered.
• Guaranteed issue insurance: With guaranteed issue life insurance, you can’t be turned down over medical issues. It’s best for people with serious health problems who may not be able to buy other types of coverage.

Let Fidelity Life help you find the right life insurance policy

Our team at Fidelity Life can help you find the policy that’s right for your needs, including options for people who would rather skip a blood test. Get in touch with our agents or start your 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.

Frequently asked questions about life insurance blood tests

What should you avoid before a blood test?

It’s best to avoid doing or ingesting anything that could have a negative impact on your test results. This includes activities that could change your blood pressure, like strenuous exercise, stimulants like caffeine, alcohol consumption, smoking, overeating, and more.

Why do life insurance companies do blood tests?

Life insurance companies do blood tests to assess your health and provide you with the most accurate policy rates. The blood test can show insurance companies whether you smoke, use drugs, have high blood pressure, and other conditions that could make you riskier to insure.