When you finally decide to purchase a life insurance policy chances are you will go through extensive life insurance underwriting. Compared to health insurance underwriting, Life insurance underwriting can make you feel like you’re being interrogated by the police. The process is very extensive going back many years for your questioning. Some can cause you to have higher monthly premiums if flagged, others can make your application denied altogether.
Life insurance underwriting follows generic criteria across the board. This doesn’t mean that all companies judge you equally, while some may be more relaxed others can be tough. Policies will rate you from good, better, to best rates based on the information gathered. To help you avoid any surprises when you decide to sign up, today we will go over some of the most common life insurance medical questions. We will also help you understand the flags that will make you ineligible to get life insurance.
Life Insurance Underwriting
Nicotine is one of the first flags on any life insurance underwriting. You must be free of nicotine for at least two years in order to qualify for a good standard. Your family health history will be looked at whether it be siblings or parents, any cardiovascular or cancer problems as well as death. You will also be checked for any previous cancer history. Your current blood pressure levels will be checked looking for bp that does not exceed 155/94 for the standard or preferred rates.
Another medical impairment that underwriters are looking for is high cholesterol with nothing exceeding 300. Your HDL ratio cannot exceed 8.0. If you have had any heart disease you may not be able to get any of the preferred rates due to the seriousness of the condition. Even driving records are combed through looking for any previous DUI history as well and reckless driving or suspensions. Along with medical impairments, you could be flagged for many other types of health conditions.
Test & Denies
Although every insurer is different you can be denied for cancer, HIV/aids, obesity, diabetes, Parkinson’s, or heart diseases. Know that when you do your examination, besides health history, most companies do extensive tests. These tests can include vital signs, urine samples, blood samples, EKG or treadmill, doctor examination, and X-ray.
Though this might seem like a ton, Life insurance not only protects you but can provide needed help for your family if anything ever happens to you. Talk to your agent today about your life insurance questions as well as possible plans that fit your life insurance needs.