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This Web site contains a compilation of more than a thousand consumer finance  columns written by Tony Novak from the 1980s through 2006, updated and reformatted for maximum usefulness today.  New material was added after 2010.

Content is the opinion of the author and does not represent the position of any other person or entity. Information is from sources believed to be reliable but cannot be guaranteed.

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Life insurance before medical exam

originally posted: 11/22/2006  reposted: 2/18/2011 This post has not been recently reviewed or revised by the author and may be out of date. If you notice an error or are in doubt, please send a new question by email or ask for an update. Email asktony@tonynovak.com.

Q: I have not been to a doctor in awhile but I suspect that something may be wrong. Can I get life insurance without any physical exam or blood test now before I go to a doctor? Would this be considered to be insurance fraud?

A: There is nothing wrong with applying if you have no actual indication of a problem. After all, it is an acknowledgement of our own mortality that prompts all of us to buy life insurance. One suggestion is that, if possible, pay for a whole year of coverage in advance at the time of application. This avoids procedural snags that could defeat your purpose later on at policy delivery or at the billing setup time. I have seen too many people have life insurance cancelled because they made only a partial payment of premium and then had a health change prior to the payment of the first full premium. Do not take that risk. If it turns out that you have a problem, the rates will be already locked in. If you are healthier than your expect based on the actual medical exam and tests then you will have plenty of time to get a lower price before the second year's premium is due.

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