Ever hear the stories of how some healthy individuals failed their life insurance medical exams? Or that the cost of their life insurance skyrocketed after their exams? Well, it happens more than you think and it usually can be avoided. You can get lower premium by following these tips.
Tip #1: Get life insurance from the right company.
Best way to get the lowest life insurance premiums is going with a qualified broker that represents the leading life insurance companies, like we do. A life insurance broker can shop around for you and get you the best rate for your situation. Do you have a dangerous hobby that you love? Do you have a health condition that you think might disqualify you? If you live in Sacramento or anywhere California, give us a call or fill out our online life insurance quote request and we can help you find the right life insurance policy for your situation.
Tip #2: Skip the Drive Through.
For the two days leading up to the exam, lay off high fat foods. Now is the time to practice some will power and eat right. Even if you’re healthy, eating the wrong foods the day before the exam (and especially the day of) can skew the results, and in not a good way. Keep the sugar intake low, too. Unless you’re pairing every gram of sugar with vitamin rich foods (particularly magnesium and potassium which are required to process sugar), your results may indicate that you’re diabetic or pre-diabetic, even if you are not. For best results, eat well-balanced meals for the week leading up to the exam.
Tip #3: No booze for you.
For the 24-48 hours leading up to the exam, don’t drink, not even that glass of wine that you might have every night with dinner. It might relax you, but it will also dehydrate you, spike your blood sugar levels and cause you not to sleep as soundly as you should. The liver is one of the primary organs being looked at (other than the heart), so you want it to be in good working order when the exam is happening.
Tip #4: No strenuous exercise.
Yes, we all know exercise is good for you, but strenuous exercise 24 hours before an exam will usually show higher than normal blood pressure, skew sugar levels and increase proteins in your urine. You can resume your normal exercise schedule after the exam.
Tip #5: Hydrate.
Even though you won’t be exercising, make sure to drink plenty of water. Water is essential for good kidney and liver functioning and you want both organs functioning at their optimal levels on the day of your exam.
Tip #6: Get some sleep.
Being well rested will help your heart rate and blood pressure results. Besides, you’ll probably be less stressed about the exam if you’re well rested.
Tip #7: No coffee on the day of the exam.
Coffee and other forms of caffeine can affect your test results by raising your blood pressure. You’re much better off skipping that cup of joe and doing some light stretching.
Tip #8: Fast for at least 12 hours before the exam.
Your examiner may or may not tell you to fast before the exam, but most of the tests are more accurate if you have fasted for 12 hours prior to the exam. So if possible, schedule your exam for the morning and skip breakfast. If you have a later exam, eat a light breakfast and/or lunch and remember to drink lots of water (it’ll help you feel fuller and not so hungry).
Tip #9: Take your prescriptions, but stay away from over the counter remedies.
Definitely take whatever your physician has prescribed for you, but try to stay away from most over the counter remedies including health supplements. Nasal decongestants should be completely avoided.
Tip #10: Get your paperwork ready.
Before your exam, the examiner will probably ask you a lot of questions, such as past physician visits, hospital stays, medications, and any supplements. Get out your paperwork before your exam to make that part go much quicker.
Tip #11: If you’re a smoker, don’t lie.
Of course, they’re going to ask you if you’re a smoker. Don’t lie about it. Your tests will show that you’re a smoker and the insurance auditor will most likely deny you coverage. Additionally, the insurer can deny benefits to your beneficiaries when it comes to light that you were a smoker.
Tip #12: If you’re nervous, lie down.
If you’re nervous about taking the exam, tell the examiner and ask to lie down especially when taking your blood pressure. Your heart won’t have to work as hard when your arm is at the same level as your heart. It can make the difference of about 10 points!
If you’ve done everything like you’re supposed to and you still didn’t pass the medical exam, contact your independent life insurance broker (if you live in California, you can contact us) and they might be able to find you another carrier that will provide you insurance. Worst case scenario, fix your issues, follow these tips, and retest in a year.
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