Can I get life insurance without a medical exam?
Yes, you can get life insurance without a medical exam. You usually need a physical exam and blood test to get coverage, but a no-exam life insurance policy lets you buy coverage without one. You can typically find both term life and permanent life insurance policies that don't require medical exams, known as simplified issue and guaranteed issue. Employers may also offer their employees a no-exam life insurance policy.
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What is no-exam life insurance?
It's a type of life insurance policy that lets you skip the medical exam (and possibly health questions altogether) 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, such as term life insurance.
Who should consider getting a no-exam life policy?
- Smokers
- People with pre-existing conditions who may have difficulty getting life insurance may qualify for no-exam life insurance, but it varies by insurer
- People who don't have time or money for a medical exam appointment
- People with riskier occupations, such as firefighters
- Those who may have had a past medical trauma or have a fear of needles or doctors
- People who need a quick approval for life insurance
- Older adults who would like to avoid the underwriting process and higher premiums of traditional life insurance
Pro tip:
RAPIDecision® Life through 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 with 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-exam life insurance
You may be approved for insurance coverage without a medical exam with these types of policies:
Simplified issue life insurance
If you're young and in good health but want life insurance with no waiting period, simplified issue life insurance lets you skip the medical exam — if you're willing to answer health questions and share your medical and pharmaceutical records. Your premium may be more expensive than a typical permanent life insurance 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. You 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, most likely it's affordable and won't require a medical exam. Coverage may be set at a multiple — such as one to two times — your salary.
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.
What is the cost of no-exam life insurance?
In general, no-exam life insurance may be more expensive than other types of life insurance. That's because it's more difficult for an insurer to fully evaluate the risk of insuring a prospective policyholder whose lifestyle and health are unknown. To offset that risk, insurers generally charge higher premiums for no-exam life insurance. Rates for no-exam life insurance vary based on several factors, including the policy type (term life versus permanent life), your age, coverage amount, and more.
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 a no-exam policy. Shop around by getting life insurance quotes before deciding to get life insurance with no medical exam required.
What are the pros and cons of no-exam life insurance?
Pros
- It's a convenient way to get insurance coverage quickly without a medical exam
- These policies use accelerated underwriting, so the wait process is shortened
- The application is generally easy to complete
- It may offer a way to get coverage you otherwise wouldn't be able to obtain if you have a pre-existing health condition or work in a risky occupation, such as firefighting or construction
- It has easier approvals than traditional policies
Cons
- Premiums for no-exam life insurance may be more expensive
- You may have a lower coverage amount than you would have with a traditional life policy
Want to keep your costs down for life insurance? There are affordable alternatives to no-exam life insurance. A one-year short-term life insurance policy through Progressive can cost as little as $12 per month.* This is a great option to get started with life insurance. An agent at eFinancial can always assist you in finding longer term coverage.
How to get life insurance through Progressive
Compare life insurance quotes online in just minutes. Or call 1-866-912-2477 to discuss coverage from Progressive Life by eFinancial that fits your needs.
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