Life Insurance Paramedical Exam: What Are They Testing For?
Last month, we shared with you the details of what to expect during the life insurance application and paramedical exam process. Some of you may be wondering “But what exactly will they be testing for?” So, to add that last piece to the puzzle, we thought we’d provide some specifics regarding what underwriting is looking for.
If you have any health issues that come up on this list, please do not let this intimidate you. Negative results do not guarantee you’ll be denied coverage. However, if you’re feeling uneasy, please take a moment to share your concerns with us. Our job is to arm you with all the information and assist you in finding the very best policy, at the best possible rate.
Heart Conditions
According to the American College of Cardiology, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is responsible for almost 800,000 deaths in the U.S. each year, with one person dying every 40 seconds. Your blood work will offer underwriting insight into the health of your heart and arteries, through the following tests:
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is fatty matter that your body needs to keep everything lubricated. Your blood holds “bad” and “good” cholesterol. If it’s storing too much of the bad, it can cause serious health complications. The specifics regarding how much is too much varies from insurer to insurer.
- HDL– High-Density Lipoprotein is that “good” cholesterol we mentioned earlier. It wards off LDL build-up in your arteries.
- LDL – Low-Density Lipoprotein is what’s labeled as “bad” cholesterol. Accumulation of LDL in your arteries typically leading to blockage and, potentially, heart attack or stroke.
- LDL/HDL Ratio – This ratio is used to define your risk for heart disease. The lower number = lower the risk.
- Cholesterol/HDL Ratio – This is also an indicator of your risk for heart disease. Ideally, this number should read 5 or lower.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are fat lipids found in your blood. Higher levels indicate an increased risk for heart disease. Levels of 150 or lower are preferred.
Diuretic In Urine
Your urine sample will be used to test for diuretics, which is an indicator that you’re currently on blood pressure medication.
Beta Adrenergic Blockers
Some insurance companies will test for beta adrenergic blockers, which shows if you’re on any blood pressure medication or being treated for heart defects or arrhythmias.
Liver
The liver is one of the primary producers of protein and cholesterol in your body. In fact, contrary to popular belief, only 20% of the cholesterol in your blood stream comes from the foods you consume; the other 80% is produced by your liver. These tests offer the underwriter insight into your risk for liver or muscle disease.
Alkaline Phosphatase
Elevated levels of this enzyme could indicate liver or some types of bone disease. Target readings are 30 to 100.
Aspartate Aminotransferase
(AST) Increased levels of this enzyme in your blood signals the potential for heart, muscle, or liver disease. Target readings are below 40.
Alanine Aminotransferase
(ALT) You may be at risk for liver disease if elevated levels of this enzyme are present. Target readings are 45 or lower.
Gamma Glutamyl Transpeptidase
(GGT) Higher levels of this enzyme are often present with liver disease and excessive alcohol consumption. Target readings are below 65.
Bilirubin
Elevated levels of bilirubin are an indicator of liver or gallbladder disease. Target levels range from .3 to 1.8.
Protein
Another indicator of liver disease; target levels range from 6 to 8.
Albumin
Lower levels are an indicator of severe liver disease and could be a sign that additional disorders exist. Target levels are between 3.8 and 5.2.
Globulin
Readings lower than 2.1 or higher than 3.5 could indicate an issue. Increased levels could be a sign of infection or immune system problems.
Pancreas
The pancreas works to produce hormones and enzymes that are responsible for regulating blood sugar levels and food digestion.
Glucose in Urine
The presence of glucose is an indicator of diabetes.
Hemoglobin A1c
This test provides a measurement of blood glucose over the last 90 days. Target level is 5.7 or lower. If your reading is 5.7 – 6.4, you’ll be considered pre-diabetic by the life insurance underwriter. If your levels are 6.5 or above, underwriting will view you as diabetic.
Fructosamine
This provides a measurement of your blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 weeks. Target levels are between 1.5 and 2.5.
Kidney and Bladder
The kidney and bladder are responsible for removing waste from your urine.
Leukocyte Esterase
This enzyme’s presence enzyme could indicate an infection.
Blood urea nitrogen
(BUN) This reading is used to calculate your overall health. Target levels are 10-25.
Urine PH Screen
This tests for the acidity of your urine. Target levels are 4-8.
Hemoglobin Screen
The presence of hemoglobin could indicate kidney infection or a UTI.
Creatinine
Elevated levels signal the possibility of kidney disease. Target levels are 0.7 to 1.5.
Proteinuria, Urine Creatinine, and/or Microalbumin
Presence of these in your urine indicates you may be at risk for kidney disease. Normal levels of urine creatinine are 25-250. They’ll also test your ratio, which should be between 0.0-0.20. Levels of 0.30 or lower are considered normal for microalbumin.
Serum HIV
Your blood will be tested for HIV, which is the virus that causes
AIDS.
Cotinine
Cotinine is the primary byproduct of nicotine. Presence signals possible tobacco use, ranging anywhere from 2 days to 3 months.
The paramedical exam is the underwriter’s tool for getting a picture of your overall health. This, combined with your application, helps the insurer identify you as a risk and set your premium. Regardless of what you fear these tests could uncover, don’t let this keep you from exploring your life insurance options. Discuss your choices with a licensed life insurance agent; we’re here to help you find the very best solution to fit your family’s needs.
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