Can I get life insurance without a medical exam?
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If you’ve been looking into life insurance coverage, you’ve probably learned that most life insurance companies require a medical examination before issuing a policy. While that is true, you can get life insurance coverage without a medical exam. So if, for whatever reason, you’d prefer not to undergo an exam when buying life insurance, take a minute to get familiar with your options and to learn:
How no exam life insurance works
Why someone might choose a no exam policy
How much no exam policies may cost
The different types of no exam policies
The pros and cons of no exam policies
Whether a no exam policy may be right for you
Get a quick term life insurance quote
How no exam life insurance works
Not all life insurance companies require a medical exam before issuing a policy. Some companies offer what is known as no-medical-exam life insurance or no exam life insurance. No exam life insurance caters primarily to those seeking quick approval, those with health issues, and older applicants who might otherwise face difficulties getting approved. Some specific reasons for seeking a no exam policy include:
You’re in a hurry and don’t have time to complete an exam.
Your occupation is risky and may have a high mortality rate.
You have a pre-existing health condition.
You’re a smoker.
You don’t need much coverage and want a simpler process.
If any of these describes you and you apply for a no exam policy, you may have to answer some health-related questions, but you won’t be required to undergo blood draws, blood pressure tests, physical exams, or other procedures to assess your eligibility.
However, that doesn’t mean your health history won't be factored into the process. In fact, many insurers will access databases to review your prescription drug history and find out whether other insurers have rejected you in the past seven years.
Once the insurer has the information they need, it won't take long for you to find out whether you've been approved. Some insurers actually provide an answer the day you apply.1
How much does no medical life insurance cost?
No exam life insurance premiums vary significantly based on factors like your age, desired coverage, and the policy provider. However, you can expect that:
No exam insurance may be more less cost-effective than traditional life insurance.
Premiums for insurance policies are likely to increase as you get older.
No exam policies may have caps on the maximum coverage available, which is often lower than traditional policies.
You can use our quote calculator to get a general idea of traditional life insurance premiums based on your age, gender, and smoker status. You may then use these figures for comparison purposes.
Types of no-medical-exam life insurance policies
There are several types of no-medical-exam life insurance policies including:
Simplified issue life insurance
These policies typically require a health questionnaire but not a physical exam. They generally have lower coverage limits (a maximum of $250,000-500,000 is typical, depending on the insurer) and less cost-effective premiums than traditional policies. Approval of your application isn’t guaranteed.
Guaranteed issue life insurance
You are virtually guaranteed to be approved regardless of any pre-existing conditions, and there are usually no health-related questions or exams.2
Many of these policies are “final expense policies” – which cover funeral and other costs - and coverage limits are generally $25,000-50,000 or less.
While monthly premiums may seem low, the price per $1,000 death benefit is almost always higher than other forms of coverage. Plus, there may be a waiting period before your survivors are able to receive a benefit payout, and there is a chance of a partial payout under certain conditions.
Accelerated underwriting
Accelerated underwriting offers the best of both worlds, allowing healthy, qualified applicants to secure traditional life insurance policies without undergoing a medical exam.3
Accelerated underwriting uses advanced technology to quickly evaluate your health questionnaire, prescription history, driving record and other data. In fact, the process typically takes just days instead of weeks or months.4
Guardian offers accelerated underwriting for term, whole life, and universal life products if applicants meet the right criteria.5
Simplified issue | Guaranteed issue | Accelerated underwriting | |
|---|---|---|---|
Benefits | No exam | No exam or health questions required Guaranteed approval Quick approval times | Allows healthy, qualified applicants to obtain traditional policies without medical exams |
Health information requirements | Basic health questionnaire Insurance company may check third-party databases | None | Detailed health questionnaire No medical exam for some applicants |
Coverage limits | $250,000- 500,0006 | $25,000-50,0007 | $1,000,000 or more, depending on the insurer |
Costs | Higher than traditional policies. | Typically the highest cost per $1,000 coverage | Similar to traditional policies, if you qualify |
Approval times | Minutes to days | Same day-48 hours | Several days8 |
Pros and cons of no exam life insurance
Before applying for no exam life insurance, consider the pros and cons as follows:
The pros
Fast approval process: Get coverage in days or even minutes instead of weeks
Convenience: No need to undergo medical exams or provide blood and urine samples
Accessible to those with health concerns: People who wouldn’t qualify for traditional policies may be approved
Privacy: No need to share highly-detailed medical information with insurance companies
No needles or doctor visits: Ideal for those with medical anxiety
The cons
Higher premiums: Compared to traditional policies, you'll typically pay more for the same coverage amount
Coverage limitations: Maximum death benefits are often capped (simplified issue typically maxes out at $500,000, guaranteed issue at $25,000-$50,000).
Potential claim denials: Some policyholders worry about claim denials due to undisclosed medical conditions (Please note: Lying on a life insurance application — including an application for a no-exam policy — may result in claim denial.
Waiting periods: Some policies (especially guaranteed issue) don’t pay full death benefits immediately
Age restrictions: Stricter age limitations than traditional policies.
After considering the pros and cons of no exam life insurance, you may also want to consult a financial professional who can help you make the right decision for you.
Is no exam life insurance right for you?
You might consider no exam life insurance if you fall into one of these categories:
You have pre-existing health conditions.
You're an older adult who might not qualify for traditional policies
You need coverage quickly
You have a fear of medical exams or needles
Your occupation is risky, with a high mortality rate
You're a smoker
You don't need much coverage and want a simpler process
If none of these describes you, you may be better off applying for a traditional policy that requires a medical examination and health questionnaire. Remember: Traditional policies typically offer more comprehensive coverage, higher death benefits, and more cost-effective premiums. Consider traditional life insurance if you have long-term financial obligations such as a mortgage, college tuition for your children, or other significant financial responsibilities requiring substantial coverage.
Talk to Guardian
Now that you’re familiar with the ins and outs of no exam life insurance, you may have decided it's not quite right. If you're interested in traditional coverage — term life insurance or permanent life insurance (or universal or whole life insurance) — and don’t have an insurance agent or financial professional to speak to, we can connect you with a Guardian financial professional who will answer your questions and help you choose a life insurance plan that best meets your immediate and long-term needs.
Frequently asked questions about no exam life insurance
The highest amount of insurance one can obtain without a medical exam varies among insurance companies, but it usually ranges from $250,000 to $500,000. That said, some insurers now offer no-exam life insurance policies with coverage amounts up to $1,000,000 for qualified applicants.
Insurers offering traditional life insurance usually consider pre-existing health conditions when determining eligibility and premium rates for policies. Unless they are trying to purchase guaranteed issue insurance, individuals with serious pre-existing conditions may face higher life insurance rates or, in some cases, denial of coverage. Please note that it’s important to answer all health questions truthfully during the application process, as failing to do so can result in the denial of claims or cancellation of your policy.
Non-medical life insurance is another name for no exam life insurance. This kind of policy usually appeals to those who need immediate coverage, have significant health issues, or think they might be turned down for traditional insurance due to age. Non-medical policies usually rely on the applicant's medical history and answers to health-related questions instead of a comprehensive medical assessment. While these policies may offer comparable benefits to traditional life insurance, they often come with significantly higher premiums.
While they offer quicker, easier approval than traditional life insurance policies, no medical exam life insurance policies often have higher premiums. Also, their death benefits are often capped at levels below those offered by traditional policies (simplified issue typically maxes out at $500,000, and guaranteed issue often at $25,000-$50,000).
With guaranteed issue life insurance, you are virtually guaranteed to be approved regardless of any pre-existing conditions, and there are usually no health-related questions or exams.9 However, guaranteed issue has several drawbacks including very low coverage limits and very high price per $1,000 death benefit.