Between work, home repairs, and a to-do list that never seems to shrink, it can feel like there is no time for extras. It’s safe to assume that most people would prefer not to take hours out of their day to get a life insurance medical exam. If this is the case, then why do most insurance companies require it?
The life insurance industry is not just old, it's centuries old. In fact, the first life insurance policies in the U.S. were written in the 18th century. Obviously, we didn't have the technology then (or even just a few years ago) that we do now, so medical exams have been a necessary step in the underwriting process. But times have changed, technology included. Is it still necessary to undergo a medical exam to buy life insurance? For some, the answer is yes, and for others, no. As a consumer, you have options.
What is No-Medical-Exam Life Insurance?
No-medical exam life insurance is exactly what it sounds like: a life insurance policy that does not require a medical exam to apply.
The traditional way of applying for a life insurance policy can involve medical exams, lab tests, and in-person interviews. With this traditional underwriting process, you might find yourself waiting up to a month to get a decision.
Accelerated underwriting uses technology to make the process of applying for life insurance more efficient. As in, an application decision and knowing if you are eligible in minutes - not weeks. Pretty cool right?
As with all types of life insurance coverage, whether or not a policy is a right fit for your needs depends on, well, your needs. Some may have higher premiums, some may have differences in the application process. There are a lot of options. Here, we've gathered some helpful info on some of the most common life insurance coverage options which may not require a medical exam.
What Are the Different Types of No Medical Exam Life Insurance Policies?
Term life insurance can be a solid choice for many families because of its simplicity and affordability, but there are a few other types of no medical exam life insurance options, as well.
No-Medical Exam Term Life Insurance With a Fast Decision
With this option, instead of bloodwork and a medical exam, applicants will answer health and lifestyle questions and provide information about their medical history to see if they qualify for a policy.
Simplified Issue Term Life Insurance
In some ways, simplified issue is similar to the above. There's no medical exam, and you'll instead provide information about your lifestyle and general health, including disclosing any medical conditions you may have. It's an option worth considering if you're generally in good health and looking for fast coverage.
One key difference, though, is just how much life insurance coverage you can get. Simplified issue insurance typically caps off around $100,000 (although some life insurance providers do offer more coverage). Plus, a simplified issue policy may have graded death benefits, which means that your beneficiaries only get the full value of the policy if you pass away at least two years after you purchase.
Because there are minimal questions and quick coverage, the cost for simplified issue policies will typically be more expensive than both no-medical exam or traditionally underwritten life insurance.
Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance
Guaranteed issue life insurance is a kind of whole life insurance policy (a type of permanent life insurance) that doesn't require any health qualifications. There are no medical exams or health questionnaires. The coverage amount is quite limited though - usually between $2,000 and $25,000 - typically enough to serve as final expense insurance.
Guaranteed issue coverage is typically purchased by people who can't qualify for any other type of life insurance. If you are approved for guaranteed life insurance, your policy will likely have a waiting period before your benefits go into effect, typically two or three years. You would pay your premiums during this time but if you were to pass away during the waiting period, your beneficiaries would not receive the death benefit.
Group Life Insurance
Your employer may offer group life insurance with a coverage amount equal to your salary. This coverage is generally inexpensive or free and there's usually no medical exam. It's a nice perk if you can get it, though it's important to remember that you usually can't take your coverage with you when you leave the company.
Moreover, some people find that a simple one-time salary replacement is not an adequate amount of coverage. You may be able to purchase extra coverage through your employer, but consider getting a quote for a term policy before you do. You may be surprised at how much coverage you can get for the same price.
Who Can Buy Life Insurance Without a Medical Exam?
Generally speaking, healthy adults between the ages of 21 and 45 may be eligible to buy a term life insurance policy online. (Bestow can underwrite policies for individuals ages 18 to 60, for terms of 10 to 30 years in five-year increments, if approved.)
No one will vet your yoga class attendance record or that marathon sticker on your Subaru's rear window. But if you are in overall good health, a no-medical-exam life insurance policy might be the right fit for you.
However, there are certain criteria that may prevent you from purchasing a policy without a medical exam. If you have a serious medical condition (such as heart disease, cancer, kidney disease, or blood pressure issues) or risky hobbies (like hang gliding, for example), you might need to speak to a licensed insurance agent to help you find a life insurance policy that fits your needs.
How To Get a Fast, Free Quote Right Now
Bestow offers term life insurance for today's busy families. We believe that everyone should have access to the financial protection that life insurance can help provide, and that it should be convenient, affordable, and fast.
