When an insurer asks for a medical
Your application starts with questions about your health, lifestyle and family history. For many people, that is enough for the insurer to make a decision. A medical comes into play when the insurer wants more detail before it commits.
The usual triggers are a high sum assured, applying at an older age, or answers that need checking, such as raised blood pressure or a high BMI. Each insurer sets its own rules, so one may ask for a screening when another does not.
- Large amounts of cover
- Applying later in life
- Health answers the insurer wants to confirm
- Blood pressure, cholesterol or weight readings
What happens at the appointment
A qualified nurse or paramedic arranges a visit with you, often at home or at work. The appointment is short. They will usually measure your height, weight and blood pressure, and may take a blood sample and a urine sample. For larger policies there can be extra tests.
The nurse may go through some of your health questions again. Answer as you did on the form, and mention anything you remembered since. The results go straight to the insurer.
Tips for a smooth screening
A few simple steps help your readings reflect your normal health. Avoid heavy exercise, alcohol and big meals the day before. Drink water and keep caffeine low on the day. If you take regular medication, carry on as normal and have the names to hand.
Book a time when you are not rushed. Feeling stressed can push blood pressure up, and a calm morning at home often beats a squeezed lunch break.
After the results arrive
The underwriters review the results with your application. They may offer standard terms, add a loading to the premium, apply an exclusion or, less often, postpone or decline. Some insurers share your results with you on request, which can be a useful health check in itself.
If the outcome is not what you hoped, a different insurer may view the same results more favourably. Underwriting varies across the market.
How Hi Tomorrow keeps the process moving
We tell you upfront if a medical is likely, and help you book it with the insurer's chosen provider. We chase the results and keep you updated so your application does not stall.
If an insurer offers worse terms than expected, we take your results to others on our panel where it makes sense. Acceptance and terms are always subject to the insurer's underwriting.