Can I get life insurance without a medical exam?
Yes, some insurers offer life insurance policies without a medical exam, usually called guaranteed issue or simplified issue policies. Typically, life insurance coverage requires a medical examination, including a physical and blood test, while life insurance with no medical exam allows you to buy coverage without one. It may be possible to get a term or a permanent policy with no medical exam required, but this policy type can cost significantly more than those that require a medical exam.
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What is no exam life insurance?
No exam life insurance is a type of life policy that allows you to skip the medical exam (and possibly health questions altogether) that's usually required when applying for life insurance. These policies are meant as an alternative for individuals who may have trouble qualifying for a traditional life insurance policy.
When can I get life insurance without a medical exam?
You may decide to pursue no medical exam life insurance for personal reasons, such as having a riskier occupation (fire fighter, window washer, construction worker, racecar driver, etc.) or managing a pre-existing health condition. A fear of needles can be a reason you look for life insurance with no blood test. Or you may simply want no-hassle life insurance with no waiting period. As with traditional life insurance, younger applicants generally qualify for lower rates.
If you're a smoker, no medical exam life insurance may also be worthwhile if you have trouble getting coverage with a traditional life policy. Learn more about life insurance for smokers.
Pro tip:
RAPIDecision® Life from eFinancial lets you defer your medical exam for up to six months after your policy is issued — you may even have your medical exam waived. You can use that six-month period to take steps to lower your cholesterol and blood pressure, such as diet and exercise, which may qualify you for a better rate after you take your medical exam. Get started with a life insurance quote.
Types of no medical exam life insurance
The following types of no-hassle life insurance without a medical exam allow you to apply for coverage quickly:
- Simplified issue life insurance: Best if you're young and in good health but want life insurance with no waiting period, this type of policy allows you to skip the medical exam — if you're willing to answer health questions and share your medical and pharmaceutical records. Your premium will be more expensive than a typical life insurance policy, but coverage will be available for longer than with a short-term policy.
- Guaranteed issue life insurance: If you have health issues that have caused life insurers to reject your applications, guaranteed issue life insurance can be a way to get coverage without bringing your health into question at all. You'll still need to meet age restrictions, and your coverage may be significantly more expensive and limited.
- Employer-sponsored life insurance: If you have access to a group life insurance plan through your employer's benefits package, it's likely highly affordable (or free) and doesn't require a medical exam. Coverage will be set at a percentage of or 1-2 times your salary — potentially not as limited as guaranteed issue life insurance coverage. Note that these policies may only stay active while you're still with the employer and typically only offer limited coverage amounts that you may want to supplement with another policy. Learn more about supplemental life insurance policies.
If you're interested in one of these less traditional life insurance policies, call 1-866-912-2477 to speak with a licensed Progressive Life by eFinancial representative about your options.
Through Progressive, you can also get a short-term life insurance policy online in just minutes without undergoing a medical exam. You'll simply need to answer some basic health questions in your application. This affordable one-year term policy is designed for younger applicants starting out with life insurance or those with a temporary need for coverage, such as with a job loss or a need to temporarily increase coverage.
The pros and cons of no exam life insurance
Life insurance without a medical exam is a hassle-free way to get coverage quickly. There's no waiting period, the application is easy to fill out, and it may be easier to qualify for. It could provide you with an option for getting coverage that you otherwise wouldn't be able to obtain because you have pre-existing health conditions or work in a risky occupation (such as if you're a firefighter, construction worker, racecar driver, etc.). However, choosing a policy that doesn't require a medical exam may significantly increase your premium and limit your coverage.
Why getting a no exam life insurance policy can cost more
It's difficult for an insurance company to fully evaluate your lifestyle and health without health-related information. The higher risk they take on by offering insurance without the insight of a health exam is offset by a higher premium. If you have a medical condition that you manage well, you may still qualify for a typical life insurance policy with a more affordable premium than the no-exam options. Shop around by getting life insurance quotes before deciding to get life insurance with no medical exam.
Don't want to pay more for no medical exam life insurance? A one-year short-term life insurance policy through Progressive can cost as little as $11 per month.* Just answer some basic health questions during your online application.
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