Life insurance is an important part of your estate planning strategy. You can use it to provide money for your children's education, cover your funeral expenses and leave money behind for loved ones. Understanding what to expect and what you need for the application can help make the process easier.
Below we’re discussing what you need to complete the application, what your medical examination might include and what to do if you don't pass the health requirements. As you begin researching, I can help you decide which policy best suits your needs and budget. In the meantime, keep reading to learn more about securing a life insurance policy.
Information Needed for the Life Insurance Application
If you could just pick a policy and pay the premium, buying life insurance would be simple.
Unfortunately, there are a few more steps to the process. To start, you’ll want to choose between permanent and term life insurance. A permanent life insurance policy covers you for your entire life, while term life insurance covers you for a set period of time. Additional steps and considerations include:
Calculating how much coverage is needed (based on spouse's earning potential, the age of your children, current debt levels, monthly expenses and more).
How to pay for the policy (annually, semi-annually, quarterly or monthly).
Other life insurance policies you may already have. If you already have life insurance or are applying for more than one policy, this may cause the insurer to question why you need additional coverage.
Your annual income
Net worth, including assets such as real estate, stocks and cash assets.
Medical Information
Even though you undergo a medical exam as part of the application process, you should still expect medical questions on the application. These questions may include:
Height
Weight
Date of birth
Lifestyle habits
If you smoke, drink or have other lifestyle habits that the insurer considers a risk, it may impact your eligibility for life insurance or the price you pay for your policy.
What Can I Expect During the Medical Exam?
The medical exam for each insurer may vary slightly. However, you can expect to undergo an in-person medical exam at a location approved by the insurance company. For some, this is the most uncomfortable part of the process.
During the exam, the medical professional guides you through the requirements, which may include:
Documentation of your medical history (including surgeries, prescription medications and other details)
Details about your family's medical history
Current blood pressure
Current heartbeat characteristics
Height and weight
Blood and urine samples
Questionnaire or interview about lifestyle habits such as drinking, exercise, smoking, recreational drug use, travel and certain risky hobbies
There may be other tests depending on what policy you choose, your age or the amount of coverage needed. These could include a chest x-ray, an EKG or a treadmill (stress) test.
What If the Insurance Company Denies My Application?
Your options after an insurer denies your application depend on the reasons for the denial. If you were turned down due to health risks, you can seek a policy that doesn't require a medical exam. These policies, however, can cost more money. You can also seek life insurance through your employer during an open enrollment period. These policies often don't require a medical exam. Additionally, you can wait, improve health conditions under your control and try again later down the road.
As your insurance advisor, I can help you choose a policy that works best for you and helps you leave a legacy behind for your beneficiaries. In the meantime, consider making healthy lifestyle choices that make it possible for you to support your dependents for a long time to come. This will help you keep your premiums down and let you get as much life insurance as your budget allows.
Let's go over your insurance options together.
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The information contained in these articles are for general information purposes only. Nicole Marques assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the Service. In no event shall Nicole Marques be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the information provided in this article. Nicole Marques reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents on the Service at any time without prior notice. The information provided above is for general information only. It is not to be relied upon as providing legal or tax advice. You are encouraged to consult with a professional tax and/or legal advisor and/or financial advisor about your particular circumstances.
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