What Life Insurance Companies Test For
If you are planning to purchase a life insurance policy you may be expected to take a physical exam before being approved. The exam itself usually takes no longer then fifteen or twenty minutes and will be conducted by a licensed physician. Part of the exam will most likely include you giving blood and urine samples. It will also include the doctor checking your vital signs such as your blood pressure, pulse and respiration, along with your weight and height. Depending on the type of policy you are applying for you may also be asked for an in depth medical history, including any surgeries, disease or family history of disease that may be prevalent in your family.
The physician performing the test may ask for the name of your regular doctor along with dates you last saw he/she, what the visit entailed and any treatment you received. A few companies go as far as having you take part in a stress test to monitor your heart or an EKG to look for abnormalities. Neither of these are painful procedures.
To prepare for your life insurance company test you should have as much information on hand as possible, such as your current doctors name, address and phone number. Write down any tests you've had recently and the results if you have them. Wear comfortable clothes and foot wear for the exam. Try not to arrive after just consuming a large meal and never drink alcoholic beverages before a physical test for your insurance company. Drink plenty of water beforehand, while avoiding caffeine filled drinks such as soda, coffee or tea. Too much caffeine in your system can cause your heart to beat faster then it normally would, thus causing irregularities to possibly show up on some of your test results.
Don't smoke or use tobacco products before your exam. These too, can cause a higher heart rate and probably a lecture from the doctor also. If you can, avoid using over the counter medications such as cold medicine. If you have no alternative and have to take them, be sure you explain this to the doctor who is performing the test so he can make note of it. Lastly, try to get a good nights sleep the evening before you will be having the test done.
