Have
you ever studied hard for an exam? Even though you might not have been paying
close attention all semester, it can still be worthwhile to cram at the last
minute. You
can apply the same tactic to your life insurance exam. While
it’s better to be healthy all the time, there are things you can do right now
to improve your medical exam results.
There
are commonly two options if you’re thinking about getting life insurance. You
can either buy a policy that doesn’t require a medical exam or buy a policy
that does require one. The second option is significantly less expensive if
your exam goes reasonably well. Taking steps to improve your results is a
worthwhile effort.
Pass
your exam and get your best rate with these strategies:
1. Avoid drinking alcohol for at
least 48 hours before the appointment.
While alcohol feels relaxing, it also tends to increase blood pressure.
Blood pressure that is a little high can increase your rate 20%. If it’s too
high, you can be out of luck altogether.
2. Avoid caffeine for 48 hours. Like alcohol, caffeine can raise
blood pressure. It can also increase your heart rate and temporarily create an
irregular heartbeat.
·
Remember
that it’s not just coffee that contains caffeine. Tea, soft drinks, pain relievers,
and cold medications can also have caffeine. Even a small amount can have a
significant effect in some people.
3. Drop excess weight. This tactic requires more time
than the previous two, but it’s important. Obesity is a risk factor for many
common causes of death. Just a few pounds can potentially move you into the
next rate category. Lose some weight and save a lot of money.
4. Stop smoking. Interestingly, if you’ve smoked
for the last 30 years but have stopped for the last few months, you’re
considered a non-smoker. This is perhaps the most important tip. Smoking
can increase your premium by 200%. That’s a three-fold increase.
Eliminating your smoking habit can cut your premium by two thirds.
·
If
you’re going to continue to smoke, avoid smoking for at least an hour before
the exam. Your blood pressure and pulse will be improved.
5. Avoid the health club for 24
hours. Over-training
can result in unusual blood pressure, pulse, and other blood values. Any
exercise shortly before your appointment can also have negative effects. Avoid
working out for 24 hours and give yourself a longer break if you’ve really been
pushing yourself hard at the gym.
6. Eat in a very healthy manner for
at least a couple of meals leading up to the appointment. Even one meal of fatty meat can
raise lipid and cholesterol levels for a short period of time.
·
Ideally,
eat well for at least three weeks before your exam. According to research, any diet
will show maximal improvement in blood results after just three weeks.
7. Rest and relax. A good night’s sleep will lower
your pulse and blood pressure. Give yourself plenty of time to arrive at your
appointment. Being late is likely to increase your level of anxiety.
·
If
your blood pressure is high, ask to have it rechecked toward the end of the
appointment. It’s likely it will have improved.
Most
of these tips only require a day or two to put into action. A few require more
time but are likely to have a profound effect on the cost of your life
insurance premiums. Cram for your life insurance medical exam and lower
your rates. You can also enjoy a genuine increase in your health.
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