The Life Insurance Paramedical Exam – Essential Facts

However unnecessary or irrelevant it may seem to an applicant, the process of enrolling in an insurance policy is incomplete unless the person clears a paramedical exam.

The paramedical exam usually takes twenty to thirty minutes, consisting of questions related to the medical history of the applicant, measurement of weight and height, pulse and blood pressure.

Undressing may not be required for the paramedical exam but a urine sample is collected. The results of all the tests are strictly confidential and are sent only to the insurance company to be used in the process of underwriting. The insurance company determines the eligibility and calculates the premium for the applicant on the basis of these results.

The insurance company, itself schedules an appointment with a registered doctor as per the date, time and place at the convenience of the applicant. Some people may also choose to have the exam at their office or at home, while others prefer to come to the assigned location.

Paramedical Exam Blood Testing

Blood testing provides essential information in the underwriting process. Experienced personnel from the laboratory draw less than one ounce of blood from a vein in 1-3 vials, to perform a wide range of tests.

In some cases the insurance company may also ask the applicant not to eat anything 4-12 hours prior to giving blood.

The applicant must disclose the examiner of any previous problems such as nausea, fainting or if currently taking large doses of aspirin, or clotting or bruising occurs.

Only sterile disposable kits are used to draw the blood and are used only once. The kit is opened and the seal is broken in front of the applicant.

The laboratory personnel perform only the paramedical exam selected by the insurance company for the underwriting procedure. The applicant is asked to sign a consent form and a chain of custody form for their own protection.

Electrocardiogram and the Paramedical Exam

Recording of the electrical impulses associated with relaxation and contraction of the heart is termed as Electrocardiogram. The person does not feel any pain when undergoing this electrical recording.

The applicant will be asked to lie down flat on their back with shirt unbuttoned so that leads can be placed on the chest. Women are asked to remove their stocking prior to the exam.

The best technique to pass this test is to remain calm and relaxed. Try not to think of anything, as it creates muscle interference. The process is usually completed in less than ten minutes.

Preparing for the Paramedical Exam

There are certain things one needs to take care of before going for the paramedical exam. The applicant is recommended to:

• Not eat anything eight hours prior to the examination.
• Bring along a picture ID to your paramedical exam.
• Prohibit high-cholesterol food and salt intake at least twenty hours before.
• Avoid heavy physical work or strenuous exercise twelve hours before.
• Disclose names and dosage of current medication.
• Be hydrated: drink a glass of water at least one hour before.
• Prohibit nicotine or caffeine use two hours before.
• Say ‘NO’ to alcoholic beverages at least 12 hours prior to exam

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