When applying for term insurance, one of the first questions people ask is - “Will I need to take medical
tests?”
The answer is simple: Yes, and it’s a good thing.
Medical tests help insurers assess your real health profile, which means fairer pricing, faster
claim
approvals, and higher coverage eligibility.
Most insurers now offer free home pick-up or lab-based medical check-ups, making it
quick and hassle-free.
This guide explains why medicals matter, what tests are done, how to prepare, and what
happens if you
skip or delay them.
Why Medical Tests Are Required for Term Insurance
- Risk Assessment: Determines your life expectancy and health condition.
- Accurate Premium Pricing: Ensures you pay the correct premium based on health.
- Claim Transparency: Prevents disputes during claim settlement.
- Higher Sum Assured Eligibility: Medicals allow you to qualify for ₹1 crore+ coverage.
- Compliance: IRDAI mandates medical underwriting for large policies.
When Medical Tests Are Mandatory
| Condition |
Requirement |
| Sum Assured above ₹50 lakh |
Full medical test required |
| Age above 35 years |
Usually mandatory |
| Declared health condition |
Mandatory (e.g., diabetes, hypertension) |
| Smoker / Alcohol user |
Always required |
| High-risk occupation |
Required |
| No prior medical records |
Required |
List of Common Medical Tests for Term Insurance
| Test Name |
Purpose |
| Blood Sugar (Fasting/PP) |
Detect diabetes or glucose abnormalities |
| Complete Blood Count (CBC) |
Evaluate overall health |
| Blood Pressure / ECG / TMT |
Detect hypertension or heart issues |
| Liver Function Test (LFT) |
Check alcohol or medication effects |
| Kidney Function Test (KFT) |
Evaluate renal health |
| Urine Routine & Microscopy |
Detect infections or diabetes |
| Lipid Profile |
Measure cholesterol & triglycerides |
| HIV, HBsAg, HCV Tests |
Detect viral infections |
| BMI & Weight Measurement |
Determine obesity or underweight risk |
| Cotinine Test |
Confirms nicotine/smoking habits |
Types of Medical Exams Offered
| Exam Type |
Description |
Where Conducted |
| Basic Check-up |
Blood, urine, vitals, BMI |
Home visit or partner lab |
| Comprehensive Test |
Full body check-up including ECG, TMT |
Diagnostic center |
| Video/Tele Medical |
Doctor consultation via video |
Online for low-risk applicants |
How to Prepare for Medical Tests
- Fast for 8-10 hours before test (only water allowed).
- Avoid alcohol and smoking 24 hours before.
- Get a good night’s sleep - stress affects BP and sugar.
- Carry ID proof, medical records, and glasses (if used).
- Stay hydrated and relaxed - tests are simple and quick.
What Happens After the Tests
- Lab sends reports to insurer within 24-48 hours.
- Insurer reviews results for underwriting.
- If results are normal - policy approved at base premium.
- If minor deviations - small loading (extra premium).
- If serious issues - insurer may reduce sum assured or request re-test.
Can I Get Term Insurance Without Medical Tests?
Yes - some insurers offer “no medical” term plans for:
- Sum assured below ₹25-₹50 lakh.
- Ages under 35 with excellent health.
- Employees with recent company health checks.
However:
- Premiums are usually higher.
- Coverage amount is limited.
- Claims may require extra verification.
Verdict: Always prefer medical-tested policies - cheaper, transparent,
and safer for
claims.
Local Insights
- Avg. test completion time: 6 hours.
- % of policies issued post-medicals: 78%.
- Top diagnostic partners: Metropolis, Dr Lal PathLabs, Apollo Diagnostics.
- Most common test deviations: High BP.
Advantages of Doing Medicals
- Get higher coverage approval (₹1 Cr+).
- Fewer claim disputes for family.
- Premium discounts for good health.
- Transparent underwriting = faster issuance.
- Free check-up worth ₹1,000-₹2,500 (included in policy).
What If Results Show a Health Issue?
Don’t panic - insurers rarely reject applications outright.
- They may increase premium slightly (risk loading).
- Reduce sum assured.
- Request re-test or doctor’s note.
Once accepted, your claim remains valid as long as you disclosed honestly.
FAQs
Are medical tests mandatory for all term plans?
Usually yes, especially for high coverage (₹50L+), age above 35, or disclosed health issues.
Are medical tests free?
Yes, insurers bear 100% cost through partner labs.
Can I take tests at home?
Yes, home sample collection or full check-up is available in Hyderabad.
Do test results affect my premium?
Only if abnormal. Healthy individuals often get standard or even discounted premiums.
What if I fail a test?
“Fail” doesn’t exist - insurer may add small premium or request clarification.
Can I skip medicals by paying extra?
Some low-cover plans allow that, but not recommended. Tested plans offer better value.
How long are test results valid?
Usually for 90 days; after that, insurer may request a fresh check-up.
Is fasting required?
Yes, 8-10 hours fasting for accurate sugar/lipid results.
What is a cotinine test?
Detects nicotine - identifies smokers or tobacco users.
Can I choose my own lab?
Most insurers have tie-ups, but some allow approved labs on request.
Will insurer share my reports?
Yes, you can request a copy directly via email.
What if medical detects unknown illness?
You’ll be informed; you can treat it early - one hidden benefit of medical tests.
Can I retake tests if results are wrong?
Yes, you can appeal and request re-test within 7 days.
Are results confidential?
100%. Only insurer’s underwriting team can access them securely.
Do NRIs need to take medical tests too?
Yes, conducted at authorized labs abroad or via embassy-approved centers.
Customer Reviews
- “Medical test was done at my home - painless and fast.” - Rajesh Bansal,
Delhi
- “Reports came in 24 hours - policy issued next day.” - Megha Joshi, Pune
- “Didn’t know medicals are free - good surprise!” - Rohit Thomas, Bengaluru
- “Technician was professional; everything smooth.” - Aparna Reddy,
Hyderabad
- “PolicyBachat kept me updated on every step.” - Kiran Desai, Mumbai
- “They even shared my test report - transparent process.” - Vivek Ghosh,
Chennai
Featured