10 Medical Tests Required for Term Insurance & Why They Matter

The feeling of buying the best term insurance covers you with a sense of peace of mind in that your family is secure amidst the uncertainty of life. However, for all this protection, the insurance company must ensure that you are in the best of health. This is why they ask you to undertake some medical tests, which happen to be simple, common, and quite important.

In this guide, we discuss the 10 most common medical tests for term insurance and why they matter. You will understand what these tests are and why insurance companies need them to help you get the right coverage at the right price. Let’s get started.

Why Medical Tests are Important in Term Insurance

Medical tests help insurance companies understand your health. Your health plays a big role in deciding:

• How much premium will you pay
• How much coverage can you get
• Your chances of getting the policy approved
• If you have any health issues to bring to our attention

These tests ensure the policy is fair for both you and the insurer. They also serve to help you understand your own health. It is very helpful to take these medical tests honestly and early for the best term insurance.

The 10 Key Medical Tests for Term Insurance

The following are the most common and important medical tests for term insurance. Some insurers may ask for extra tests depending on your age, lifestyle, health, or coverage amount.

Let’s review them in a straightforward, understandable manner.

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)

This is one of the most basic and common tests. A CBC test checks:

• Red blood cells
• White blood cells
• Platelets

It shows whether you have infections, anaemia, or other health issues. These blood tests are used by insurance companies to see your general condition of health. It is a simple test that requires only a small sample of your blood.

2. Blood Sugar Test (Fasting & PP)

This test examines your blood sugar level. The results will show if you have diabetes or are at risk of developing the disease soon. Diabetes could cause further complications, such as damage to your heart, kidneys, and nerves; hence, insurance companies take this test seriously.

It is conducted in two parts:

• Fasting blood sugar is before eating
• Post-prandial blood sugar level, the level of blood sugar after eating food

If the sugar levels are normal, better premium rates are usually obtained.

3. Lipid Profile

This test checks your cholesterol levels. It tells if you have:

• High LDL (bad cholesterol)
• Low HDL (good cholesterol)
• High triglycerides

High cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease. That’s why insurers require this test. A healthy lipid profile facilitates smoother approval for your policy.

4. Liver Function Test (LFT)

The liver makes a huge contribution to the functioning of the body. It clears waste products, produces proteins, and maintains health. The LFT helps in understanding if the liver is functioning correctly. The test will check for bilirubin, enzymes, and proteins. If your liver is healthy, your possibility of getting good coverage increases.

5. Kidney Function Test (KFT)

Kidneys help clean your blood and remove waste. The kidney function test checks levels like the

• Creatinine
• Urea
• Electrolytes

Poor kidney health can impact decisions on life insurance. This test will help insurers understand how well your kidneys are working.

6. ECG (Electrocardiogram)

An ECG checks the electrical activity of your heart. It shows if your heartbeat is normal. It may detect the following:

• Heart rhythm disorders
• Previous myocardial infarctions
• Signs of stress on the heart

Since heart health is of paramount importance regarding term insurance, this test is commonly required, especially for people above age 35 or those with a family history of heart disease.

7. Treadmill Test (TMT)

This is often referred to as a stress test. It is usually carried out if anything unusual turns up in your ECG. You are made to walk on a treadmill while doctors observe how your heart performs under stress.

A TMT helps insurers check the strength and stamina of your heart. If your heart functions well under stress, then it’s a good signal about approval.

8. Chest X-Ray

A chest X-ray shows your physician a picture of your lungs and heart. It can reveal:

• Lung infections
• Tuberculosis
• Heart enlargement
• Other chest problems

The test is quick and painless. It helps insurers assess your general health before offering you the best term insurance plan.

9. Urine test

A test of your urine is simple but significant, as it will be able to show:

• Diabetes
• Kidney problems
• Infections
• Dehydration
• Other health problems

This test helps the insurer understand your internal health and is usually included in the basic medical package.

10. HIV & Other Infection Tests

Many insurers also test for HIV or hepatitis. These conditions impact a person’s long-term health and would, therefore, affect their life expectancy. The tests are confidential and done only to assess risk fairly. These tests are regular medical checks across the insurance industry.

Why These Tests Are Important to You

Most people think that medical tests are targeted just to help the insurance companies. Well, the reality is that they help you too. How?

• You pay the right premium: If your health is good, you may get lower premiums, which means saving money with strong protection.
• You avoid claim rejection: Hiding health problems and avoiding tests may lead to claim rejections later. Medical tests make your policy safe and valid.
• You understand your health better: These tests give you a full health check-up. Many people discover new health issues through these tests. Early detection saves lives.
• You get higher coverage: More coverage is available for healthy people at superior prices.
• Insurers can trust your profile: A complete medical record helps in the smooth and swift approval process.

When Are Medical Tests Needed?

In these cases, you may need to take medical tests for term insurance:

• If you are above 35 years,
• If you ask for a large cover, say ₹1 crore or more.
• If you have any poor habits, such as smoking or drinking,
• If you have a medical history, If heart disease, diabetes, or other health issues run in your family. 

Even if your insurer offers “no medical test plans,” it is better to choose one with tests. It is safer, clearer, and more reliable. 

How to Prepare for Medical Tests 

The following are simple tips to make your tests smooth: 

• Sleep well the night before
• Keep yourself hydrated 
• Do not eat 8-10 hours before fasting tests 
• Avoid alcohol for 48 hours 
• Do not smoke (if at all possible) 
• Eat light food before the test day
• Stay calm, stay relaxed

These tips help provide you with accurate results. 

Conclusion

Medical tests regarding term insurance are simple, important, and helpful; they protect you and the insurer. More importantly, they help you get the best term insurance with the right premium and strong coverage.

Knowing your medical test results allows you to understand your health status. The insurer, upon knowing your actual state of health, will be able to issue a policy that best suits your needs. So, if you are looking forward to confidently protecting your family, then do not be scared of medical tests. They are the first step toward a future that is safe and sound.