Congratulations! You’ve made the leap, and chosen to apply for a life insurance policy. However, you’ve been told that the insurance company requires a medical exam, which they pay for. For most people, this is not a big deal – the exam generally consists of urine and blood samples, blood pressure readings, measurements of your height and weight, and a questionnaire.
The answers you provide will determine your health class, which, in turn will determine your insurance rates, so it’s important to get the best results possible. How do you do that? Here are a few tips:
- If possible, fast for eight hours before your exam for more accurate blood test results. Schedule appointments in the early morning to help with this.
- If you cannot fast, avoid caffeine, and eat lightly. Decaffeinated coffee is fine, along with a light breakfast or lunch.
- Avoid salt for three-four days before your exam, especially if you sometimes have blood pressure issues.
- Abstain from drinking alcohol for 24 hours prior to your exam, since alcohol tends to elevate blood pressure for 12 to 24 hours.
- Get a good night’s sleep before the exam.
- If you’re a smoker, don’t smoke within half an hour of the exam, as smoking also tends to constrict artery walls and elevate blood pressure.
- If you’re suffering from an acute illness, such as the flu – or even an ear infection – consider rescheduling the exam, as some illnesses can affect the blood and urine tests.
- If you’re female, and menstruating at the time of the exam, be sure to tell the exam technician, as this can affect your urine sample. They’ll be able to put a note on the lab slip.
Most importantly, be certain that you are completely accurate on the questionnaire. If you’re caught in a lie, your entire policy could be voided.