While many people don’t want to think about the need for life insurance policies, they are a necessity to ensure that you loved ones are taken care of in the event of your death. Cordell Insurance in Baton Rouge, LA knows the importance of maintaining a life insurance policy as well as what is involved in obtaining one.  While not all policies require one, many companies now request those seeking a life insurance policy to obtain a physical before the policy can take effect.

What to Expect from Your Life Insurance Physical

During your physical, the doctor will take down your medical history as well as check your height and weight to determine you BMI.  They will also take your vitals such as blood pressure and pulse and will inquire about any lifestyle issues such as smoking or alcohol use.   When they are questioning about personal history and lifestyle, they are often just ensuring that they are getting the same information that the agent received, so if the questions seem redundant do not worry.  If you are 60 years or older your insurance company may require that you take an EKG test as well.   In addition to the physical exam, the doctor will draw blood and take a urine specimen for testing.

Blood Test Required for a Life Insurance Physical

The blood and urine test will be utilized to assess your overall health as well as your risk for major medical conditions.

• Heart and Arteries – Insurance companies will require blood tests to check how well your heart is functioning as well as your risk for future heart problems.  These tests will determine your LDL and HDL cholesterol levels, your triglyceride level, and the presence of beta-adrenergic blockers.
• Kidneys and Bladder Function – Your doctor will take a patient history and discuss any history of urinary or kidney issues.  They will also order testing that will include creatine levels, the amount of protein in the urine, microalbumin, BUN, hemoglobin, and a PH screen of your urine.
• Pancreas – You will be required to take pancreas function tests such that will measure your levels of fructosamine, urine glucose, and hemoglobin A1C.  These tests will ensure that your pancreas is performing its job properly, and there is now the presence of infection or any blood disorder.
• Liver – Since anything you ingest will have to travel through your liver, they will use routine blood tests to ensure that your liver is performing appropriately and that there are no signs or cirrhosis or other long-term conditions.  The blood test will check for levels of AST, ALT, GGT, protein, albumin and globulin.  
• Miscellaneous Blood Tests – In addition to the tests above you will most likely be given a screen for HIV, serum levels, and illicit drugs.

If you are interested in learning more about how physicals are used to determine your insurance rates or would like a life insurance quote, contact the experienced agents at Cordell Insurance in Baton Rouge, LA today.