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Life Insurance Blood Test: FAQs, How to Prepare, & Other Policy Options

by Jeff Root

Last Updated: October 2020

When you’re applying for life insurance, part of the application process is the life insurance blood test.

Life Insurance Blood Test FAQ

This is not a fun part of purchasing life insurance, but to qualify for the most affordable life insurance rates, you will have to take a blood test and medical exam.

During the life insurance medical exam, the nurse will take a vile of blood. This blood is used to evaluate a variety of health risks.

In this article, we will cover some common questions about the life insurance blood test, as well as how to prepare for the test, and how to apply for life insurance.

  • Blood Test For Life Insurance FAQs
  • Preparing For Your Life Insurance Blood Test
  • Do I Have To Take The Life Insurance Blood Test?
  • How to Apply for Life Insurance

Life Insurance is Boring. Let’s Get To The Root Of It! Here are the key takeaways…

In order to apply for life insurance and get approved, you will need to take a life insurance blood test. This will give the company information about your health risks. You can prepare for the test a few days in advance to get better results & hopefully save you money on monthly rates.


Blood Test For Life Insurance FAQs

Many of our clients have had different concerns and questions about the life insurance blood test. Here are the most common questions we get.

What are the life insurance companies looking for in my blood?

A variety of risks, including:

  • Cholesterol (LDL & HDL) and triglycerides
  • Any illegal substances
  • Glucose or A1C levels for diabetes
  • Creatine and protein (kidney)
  • Bilirubin (liver)
  • Liver enzymes
  • HIV or AIDS
  • STD’s
  • Nicotine, etc.

This helps give the life insurance company a better idea of your overall health.

Can I take my life insurance medical exam and blood test at my doctor?

No. The life insurance blood test has to be done by a nurse that’s independent of your own doctor. Keep in mind, they will review the lab results done by your doctor which will be in the medical records they collect during the life insurance underwriting process. However, life insurance companies require an independent examiner to perform the test.

How much blood do they take?

They take one vile of blood to run the tests that life insurance carriers need.

Do I have to pay for the medical exam and blood test?

No. The life insurance company pays for the medical exam.

Can the life insurance blood test be done at my home or work?

Yes. The exam can be completed either at your home, your office, or the examiner’s office. You choose.

What if I know I have high cholesterol or any abnormal lab results?

Make sure you share this type of information with your life insurance agent.

Every life insurance company looks at your health differently and we’re able to reference your risk across all the top-rated life insurance carriers to find the one who works with your condition best. Life insurance with high cholesterol or other conditions can be expensive if you choose the wrong company.

Do I get my life insurance blood test results?

Yes. Some companies will automatically send you these results in the mail and for others, you’ll have to request them. The best thing to do is to ask your agent to make sure they’re mailed to you. We do this automatically for all of our clients.

Compare Life Insurance Quotes with Policy Genius


Preparing For Your Life Insurance Blood Test

You want to make sure you don’t do anything that temporarily elevates your medical exam results. So here are a few tips to prepare for your life insurance medical exam and blood test.

  • Schedule the exam early in the morning so your fast doesn’t extend too far into the day.
  • Don’t eat fatty foods or drink alcohol 24 hours prior to the exam.
  • Don’t exercise the day of the exam. It elevates your creatine levels.
  • Drink a lot of water 1-2 hours prior to the exam. Water makes your veins bigger and easier to find. It will also whelp with the urine sample.

Do I Have To Take The Life Insurance Blood Test?

No. You don’t have to take a blood test for life insurance. There are no medical exam life insurance policies available.

You have to be in pretty good health to qualify for these “no exam” policies and you’ll be paying for slightly higher rates.

If you’re willing to pay a few dollars more per month, it’s a great way to bypass the life insurance blood test.

Get My Best Quote with Policy Genius

Without the medical exam and blood test, the insurance company is taking a greater risk, which is going to translate into higher premiums.

Another disadvantage is that there is a limit on how much coverage you can buy through a no exam plan. Most insurance companies are only going to allow you to buy around $250,000 of coverage.

For some applicants, this isn’t going to be enough life insurance protection. If you need more life insurance than they allow, you’ll have to purchase two policies or apply for a plan that requires a medical exam.


How to Apply for Life Insurance

Taking the medical exam and blood test for life insurance will save you money if you prepare for the exam properly. We’ve seen people who don’t take the life insurance blood test seriously and it can end up in increased rates.

So make sure you prepare for the exam and also make sure you compare rates from the best life insurance companies before you buy.

For custom quotes and to begin the application process, fill out the quote form OR call us at 888-430-7668. We can help connect you with the perfect life insurance policy at an affordable price.

About Jeff Root
Jeff Root
Jeff Root is the owner of Rootfin. He is an independent life insurance agent, licensed in all 50 states & the District of Columbia. Jeff is also licensed to sell disability insurance and medicare insurance. Jeff is an accomplished author and a speaker at industry-leading insurance conferences around the US. He has helped 1,000's of people purchase insurance online and over the phone.

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