What medical tests are required for life insurance?
Find out what common medical questions and tests are required for a life insurance application. Also learn about no-medical life insurance options.
Key takeaways
- At Sunlife, routine medical tests for life insurance are only required for certain ages and coverage amounts. Depending on your medical history, you may also be required to undergo medical testing.
- The tests are generally quick and routine. Most medical tests for life insurance are straightforward and take minimal time.
- There are also no-medical options available.
How life insurance medical testing works
When you apply for life insurance, depending on your medical history, age and desired coverage amount, the underwriting process may include medical tests. Underwriting is the review process an insurer uses to evaluate your health status. This review helps insurers like Sunlife determine your life insurance premiums (fees). Here’s a breakdown of what medical tests you may expect when applying for life insurance:
Common blood tests
Blood work is one of the most frequently requested medical tests for life insurance applications. These tests typically measure:
- Cholesterol levels (total, HDL, and LDL)
- Blood glucose levels
- Liver and kidney function
Your blood sample helps us assess your risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other conditions that may affect your life expectancy.
Urine analysis
Urinalysis is a standard screening tool that checks for various health indicators. This test can help reveal:
- Kidney function issues
- Urinary tract infections
- Signs of diabetes
- Protein or glucose in urine
Medical history review
Your application may require a medical history questionnaire. Be prepared to discuss:
- Previous diagnoses and treatments
- Current medications
- Surgical procedures
- Family health history
- Lifestyle habits (e.g. smoking, alcohol use)
This information helps us understand your overall health profile and any pre-existing conditions.
Height and weight measurements
Basic biometric data may be collected as part of the underwriting process. These measurements help calculate your body mass index (BMI), which we use to help assess health risk.
What to expect during medical tests for life insurance
Most life insurance medical tests are quick and straightforward. A healthcare professional will typically:
- Review your medical history
- Collect blood and urine samples
- Take basic height and weight measurements as well as your blood pressure
- Ask questions about your health and lifestyle
- Send your results to your family doctor
- You’ll be able to see your results online after two weeks
Next steps in the life insurance application process
You'll typically be notified of your approval status and premium quotes once the underwriting team reviews all the information. You may be approved, approved with modifications, or asked for additional information before a final decision is made.
Life insurance options without medical tests
If you don’t want to undergo medical tests, some life insurance policies offer guaranteed issue or simplified underwriting with no medical exams. At Sunlife, we offer the following options for no-medical life insurance:
- Sun Life GO Simplified Term Life Insurance: Provides $50,000 to $100,000 of 10-year term coverage with no medical exams and only three simple health questions.
Learn more about Sun Life GO Simplified Term Life Insurance
- Sun Life GO Guaranteed Life Insurance: Provides permanent lifetime coverage, up to $25,000, with no medical questions and no medical exams, meaning you’re guaranteed to qualify regardless of existing health conditions.
Get life insurance
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Get coverage up to $2,000,000.*
Answer a few quick questions, get a quote and apply online for Sun Life GO.
* Coverage is subject to application approval.
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Call us at 1-844-528-0583
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Life insurance companies like Sunlife require medical tests to assess your current health status and identify any risk factors that could affect your life expectancy. These tests help underwriters determine the likelihood of future claims and calculate premiums that accurately reflect your individual risk profile.
By gathering objective health data, Sunlife can make fair, informed decisions about coverage eligibility and pricing, which helps ensure that rates are equitable across different applicant groups.
You may still qualify for coverage, but your premiums could be higher.
At Sunlife, most test results are valid for six months.
Generally no, but you can reapply after a waiting period if you've improved your health. The exact time of the waiting period depends on your results. For more detailed information, call or connect with an advisor.
Sunlife typically covers all exam costs.
Results are protected under privacy laws and shared with authorized healthcare professionals, underwriting personnel, and anyone else that you’ve authorized.
Got more questions?
An advisor can answer your questions and help you sort through your insurance options. Call or connect with an advisor:
Call us
Get advice on demand.
Talk to a licensed Prospr by Sun Life advisor to help you choose a life insurance plan that meets your current needs.
Call us at 1-844-528-0583
Available Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET
Connect with an advisor
Find an advisor near you.
Get personalized, long-term guidance from a Sunlife advisor who knows your goals and can adapt your coverage as life changes.
Enter your postal code to find an advisor near you.
This article is meant to provide general information only. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada does not provide health, legal, accounting, or taxation advice. Please seek advice from a qualified professional, including a thorough examination of your specific legal, accounting and tax situation.