Things Tested for Life Insurance
Buying a life insurance policy involves getting a health examination. This health exam involves testing for various health conditions that would cause you to be denied insurance or to be rated. If you are rated, your premiums may increase over what your insurance agent originally quoted you for the policy.
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Tobacco and Other Drugs
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Life insurers test for tobacco products and other drugs, both legal and illegal. Prescription medications must be known as well as any vitamin or mineral supplements, in some cases. Tobacco use may be from chewing tobacco or from smoking cigarettes or cigars. Additionally, the use of any illicit drugs will be known by the tests performed by the insurer.
Total Protein
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Total protein is measured by analyzing albumin and globulin. These proteins are found normally circulating in the bloodstream. But abnormal levels may implicate a wide range of health problems that the insurer can then follow up on with your primary care physician.
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Enzymes
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The liver produces a variety of enzymes. The insurance company tests for GGT, SGPT and SGOT specifically. Abnormally high levels of these enzymes may indicate a wide range of health conditions your insurer will need to analyze further. The insurer also tests alkaline phosphatase, which is an enzyme found in your bone and liver. High levels of this enzyme may indicate bone or liver disease.
Blood Urea Nitrogen
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You life insurance company tests your kidney function by testing your blood urea nitrogen. They also test creatine levels. If your levels are abnormally high, this could indicate kidney disease.
Fructosamine Glycated Albumin, A1C and Glucose
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All of these tests measure glucose levels. A glucose test measures your current blood sugar levels. The fructosamine glycated albumin measures what your blood sugar was two to three weeks prior to drawing your blood. Finally, an A1C test measures your blood sugar levels over the past four to six weeks. A high or erratic blood sugar level may indicate diabetes.
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