Preparing for a Life Insurance paraMedical Exam
The following tips will skew exam outcomes in your favor, resulting in the lowest possible premium. Minor inconveniences leading up to the exam can lower premiums significantly. Consider scheduling the exam for a Thursday morning – before the consumption of food, coffee, tea, or soda.
2- 3 Days Prior to the Exam
- Minimize alcohol consumption
- Don’t eat everything bagels (poppy seeds) or betel (areca) nuts
- Decrease or eliminate use of any tobacco products to lower blood pressure
- Avoid extreme exercise and strenuous activities
- Minimize foods high in salt and fats
- Take all medications as prescribed to control blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.
- Get plenty of restful sleep
24 Hours Prior to the Exam
- Don’t consume alcohol to obtain lowest possible blood pressure
- Avoid processed foods with high salt and fat content (e.g., burgers, fried foods)
- Minimize the consumption of sweets, high sugar drinks to optimize blood sugar
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to maximize efficient kidney function
- Avoid intimacy to decrease risk of abnormal lab findings
- Exercise is OK but avoid an extra strenuous workout (no heavy weights, marathons)
- Have a restful night prior to an early morning exam
Important: if you feel sick, are dehydrated, or experienced a stressful event, reschedule the exam
Final Hour Before the Exam
- Void bladder, then drink 1 – 2 glasses of water
- Avoid tobacco, even if you are a regular; lowers blood pressure
- Make yourself comfortable; be relaxed to lower blood pressure
Important: if you feel sick, are dehydrated, or experienced a stressful event, reschedule the exam
Tips to Speed up the Examiner Visit
- Have a picture ID handy (e.g., Driver’s License)
- Have a list of all prescription medications, dosage, how often they are taken, time last taken
- Provide name, address, & phone numbers for all doctors, specialists, & other health care providers seen in past 5 years & what you saw them for
- Disclose prescription and non-prescription medications taken in the hours and days prior to the exam; they can explain certain odd lab results
- If you use tobacco products or marijuana, disclose the type and time last used
If you have any questions regarding the above, please contact your Financial Advisor.