Guide
No-exam life insurance
Who qualifies for this faster underwriting path, what the process entails, and what happens if you don't qualify.
Many carriers now provide expedited underwriting: for applicants in certain age bands and coverage amounts, the decision comes from the application itself, script records, driving history and other background data, bypassing the paramedical exam. Turnaround on some approvals is same-day. The quote for each product on this page tells you whether an exam is required, might be needed, or is not expected.
What it changes
Skipping an exam doesn't mean skipping underwriting. Your statements are checked, and if there are errors on the policy when it's issued, the carrier can challenge it within two years. The carrier might still order an exam or lab test if their records turn up questions; at that point, you decide whether to go forward.
Who tends to qualify
Typically younger applicants (under roughly 60) seeking amounts within the carrier's accelerated underwriting limit, with no serious health background and no recent tobacco use. Some carriers take blood work results from a recent medical visit instead of ordering their own exam.
Should an exam be required, it's normally a 20 to 30 minute session where a paramedic visits you at home or your workplace here in the Oakland area, completely free. Exam results can actually improve your health classification for good-health applicants, so it's not necessarily unfavorable.