Preparing For the Life Insurance Medical Exam

The idea of setting up an appointment for a medical exam for the sake of applying for a life insurance policy probably doesn’t sound like a great time. But don’t let the process deter you. A life insurance medical exam is relatively quick (usually 15 to 45 minutes) and you can choose a convenient location.

Most importantly, the life insurance medical exam can help you lock in for the lowest life insurance rates.

That’s because life insurance companies largely base rates on your life expectancy. Generally, the younger and healthier you are, the less you’ll pay in life insurance premiums. But even if you’re confident in your health, you shouldn’t take on the medical exam without preparation.

Very important to understand -Seemingly harmless actions could affect your laboratory tests. For example, too much red meat, not enough sleep and a vigorous morning at the gym could create less-than-ideal results that might not reflect your true health.

But you won’t have to overhaul your entire lifestyle to “pass” the exam and get the best life insurance quote possible. A few minor tweaks in the weeks and days leading up to your exam can really pay off in the long run. Here’s how you can prepare for a life insurance medical exam.

In the Weeks Leading Up to the Exam

A few healthy tweaks to your diet can help lower your LDL levels and raise your HDL levels.

• Drink plenty of water. Drinking water can help dilute concentrations of sugar and protein, and clear toxins from your system.
• Limit your salt intake. Too much salt can make your urine too concentrated and lead to dehydration.
• Eat a healthy diet. Food that is rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products can help lower your blood pressure, according to the Mayo Clinic. It’s a good idea to avoid processed food that has added sodium.
• Limit alcohol. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. That’s one drink per day for women and two per day for men, according to the Mayo Clinic. Drinking more than a moderate amount can raise your blood pressure and reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure medications.

The Day Before the Exam

You’ll want to take a few extra precautions the day before the exam, such as:

• Avoid alcohol and nicotine. Both can increase your blood pressure. But remember, the blood or urine test will reveal recent nicotine use.
• Avoid red meat. Red meat is a high-cholesterol food.
• Avoid over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines and nasal decongestants. These types of medications can increase blood pressure.
• Get a good night’s sleep. People who sleep less than six hours a night could have increased blood pressure, according to the Mayo Clinic.

The Day of the Exam

Here are steps you can take on the day of the exam to help ensure the best possible results:

• Avoid caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, soda and tea.
• Avoid strenuous exercise, which can raise your blood pressure.
• Drink plenty of water. Being well hydrated also makes it easier to provide urine and blood samples.
• Have a photo ID ready. You’ll most likely need a government issued ID, like your driver’s license, state issued photo ID or passport.
• Have your medical information ready, including a list of medical conditions, treatments, prescription medications and contact information for your physician(s).
• Wear short sleeves or sleeves that can be rolled up so the examiner can get your blood sample.
• Contact Diversified Insurance Brokers, Inc. Since 1980 – for your life insurance quotes. 770 -662-8510 or email Jarad@diversifiedins.com or  Jason@diversifiedins.com

Important – When you get the blood pressure reading, a few simple steps like not having a full bladder and keeping your feet flat on the floor during the reading can get you the best results. A full bladder can raise your blood pressure reading by 10 to 15 points and crossing your legs can add 2 to 8 points, according to WebMD. Dangling your legs can increase the blood pressure reading by 6 to 10 points.