Completing The Medical Examination

A medical examination is scheduled and completed and sent to the underwriting
company.

Insurance medical examinations are generally done by para-medicals, who are licensed health professionals, and are independent contractors hired by the insurance company. The basic medical examination can include a physical exam, urine specimen, and blood work. For higher amounts of disability insurance coverage, a treadmill, EKG, and X-ray are usually required.

- Get a good night's rest the night before your exam.
- Fast for at least eight hours before the exam.
- Don't smoke or chew tobacco for at least an hour before the exam.
- Avoid coffee, tea, or other caffeine drinks prior to the exam.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages for at least 36 hours prior to the exam.
- Limit salt intake and high-cholesterol food 24 hours before your exam.
- Don't engage in strenuous physical activities 24 hours before the exam.

Do not misstate your medical history in order to get a better insurance rate classification.

Insurance companies will investigate your medical history through the results of your medical examination and inquiries to the Medical Information Bureau (MIB), which is a clearinghouse of medical information for all insurance companies.

Medical Underwriting

Each insurer sets its own underwriting standards. Then each application for insurance is reviewed to determine if the applicant meets those standards. Disability insurance underwriting requires total medical underwriting and risk classification.  Medical underwriting involves assessing the applicant's risk of disability.  Underwriters have the option to order whatever additional medical tests they deem necessary  Disability insurance applicants are grouped together into occupational risk classes and charged premiums relative to their risk classification. Applicants in a higher risk classification are charged a lower premiums.  Remember, medical underwriting differs only slightly from company to company.

Risk Classifications

Your underwriting risk classification and premium rate is established by the insurance company's underwriter.