How to best prepare for a life insurance medical exam?

I am considering getting a life insurance in the next 6 months. I am 46 years old, male. I am borderline overweight. I expect I will be asked to have a medical exam done. How can I best prepare so that I get the results are such that I get the best rates? What are they specifically looking for in the medical exam for life insurance, and what are the ranges that will give me the best rates? Answers with specific info most appreciated (not “it all depends”). Thanks,

  1. 1305 POINTS
    Neil Steinman
    Owner, Orange County Health & Life Insurance,
    Here is the list that I keep on file for my clients: >>Fast for a minimum of 8 Hours Prior to Exam unless you are diabetic or have another health condition. If you do have a health condition we will discuss specific instructions for your case. >>Insist on Morning appointments only! – Blood pressure and exam results tend to be better in the morning. Many examiners are available on Saturdays as well. >> If you are sick on the day of your exam, cancel. We can always reschedule the exam when you are better. >> Take your medications as you normally would. >> Avoid alcohol for a minimum of 24 hours prior to your exam. Blood pressure, liver enzymes and more may be elevated otherwise. >> If you smoke, do not smoke prior to your exam. Smoking raises blood pressure. For cigar smokers and other tobacco users – Some of the companies will give you a non-smoker rate but your urine sample needs to be negative for nicotine. Please call to discuss your case >> Your weight – Check your weight in the days leading up to your exam. On the day of your exam, take your shoes off, don’t wear belts, empty your pockets, wear light clothing. IMORTANT – Make sure you ask the examiner what your weight is. If you think it is wrong, ask them to weigh you again. >> Your height – Stand up straight just like Mom told you to. IMPORTANT – Ask the examiner what your height is. If you think it is wrong, ask them to check again. >> Avoid Caffeine on Exam day – Caffeine elevates your blood pressure. Avoid it for at least a few hours prior to exam. >> Cholesterol TIP – Eat plenty of oatmeal and bananas in the week leading up to your exam and lay off the sweets and other cholesterol elevating foods. >> Exercise TIP – If you exercise, do NOT exercise on the morning of your exam. Exercise may artificially raise your blood pressure. >> Water – Drink lots of water to flush out your system leading up to the exam.
    Answered on July 15, 2013
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  2. 63333 POINTS
    Contact Me
    Peggy Mace
    Most of the U.S.
    In addition to Neil's excellent advice, I would add: 

    >>Pick a place for the exam where you will be most relaxed. If you have "white coat syndome" (your blood pressure goes up when you are nervous), have your examiner take a reading at a time of the exam when you feel most relaxed (like maybe after your blood sample has been drawn, if also have a fear of needles).

    >>Be prepared to answer lots of health questions, even if you have answered them before. Double checking is the way they flush out things that may have accidentally been omitted, and that is what ensures that your policy will pay out for your loved ones if tragedy would occur. 

    >>Have the names, addresses and phone numbers of your doctors on hand, as well a list (or the bottles) of your medications.
    Answered on July 16, 2013
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