Guide
No-exam life insurance
Who gets approved for accelerated underwriting, the process involved, and what happens if you do not qualify for it.
Many insurers now offer accelerated underwriting: for applicants within certain age and coverage ranges, they make decisions using your application, pharmacy history, motor vehicle records and comparable data instead of a medical examination. Many approvals come through within a single business day. Every quote displayed on this website indicates whether an exam is required, possibly required, or not anticipated for each carrier.
What it changes
Forgoing a medical exam does not bypass the underwriting review. The information you provide gets examined and cross-checked. Policies approved based on incomplete or incorrect information may be questioned within two years of issue. Underwriters may still order testing if they uncover red flags.
Who tends to qualify
Generally, those younger than 60 seeking standard amounts without significant medical issues and non-smokers may receive approval without testing. When you have recent bloodwork from a physician available, certain carriers accept that documentation instead of requiring their own exam.
If testing is needed, it typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes and is conducted by a paramedical professional at your home or workplace at no charge. For applicants in good health, exam results may help you qualify for better pricing, making an exam actually helpful.