What is a life insurance medical exam looking for, and how do I prepare?

A standard paramedical exam usually includes height, weight, blood pressure, and blood and urine samples, screening for things like cholesterol, blood sugar, nicotine, and certain conditions the insurer uses to set your health class and price. To put your best numbers forward, schedule the exam for the morning, fast beforehand if instructed, avoid alcohol for a day or two and heavy exercise the night before, limit salt and caffeine, and stay hydrated. Bring a list of your medications and doctors. Do not try to game it dishonestly, since material misstatements can void the policy. If you have a strong reason to skip the exam, some insurers now offer accelerated or no-exam underwriting for healthy applicants within certain age and coverage limits, though rates may be slightly higher.