Guide
No-exam life insurance
Who is eligible for speedy underwriting, how the process goes, and what occurs when accelerated processing is not available.
Many insurers provide accelerated underwriting: for younger or smaller-amount applicants, decisions are made without a physical exam by reviewing application data, drug records, driving history and other databases. Approvals often arrive within a day. Each rate quote shows whether that specific product requires testing, may require it, or does not.
What it changes
Skipping an exam is not the same as skipping review. Given facts are checked, and policies written based on incorrect answers are challengeable in the first two years. If the carrier identifies concerns through data review, it might ask for testing; you decide if you want to continue at that time.
Who tends to qualify
Generally, people younger than about 60, requesting standard amounts within the carrier's fast-track limit, without major health concerns and non-tobacco users for at least 12 months. Recent medical exams with lab results may substitute for a new exam with some carriers.
Should you need an exam, the paramedical examiner typically comes to your South Gate residence or workplace for a 20- to 30-minute appointment, with no charge to you. Health examination outcomes can actually improve your rating for individuals in good health, so it is not always a negative situation.