Have you avoided getting a life insurance policy because you have a less-than-perfect health record or worry that you'll have to visit the doctor to determine if you qualify? If so, you should consider so-called "no medical exam life insurance." That’s right; some companies, like Direct Auto, offer term life insurance with no medical exam required (just answer a few health-related questions)! Here’s everything you need to know about this type of underwriting people often refer to as no-exam life insurance to help you determine if it’s a good option for you.

Defining no medical exam life insurance

No-exam life insurance is not actually a type of life insurance, but it does refer to a specific type of underwriting where the applicant can get life insurance (typically term life insurance) without having to undergo a medical examination and tests. Therefore, you may see or hear people using the term “no medical exam term life insurance” or some similar variation, but just be aware it’s not the actual name of the policy you’re getting.

Many life insurance companies don't offer this option and require a physical exam before you can purchase a life insurance policy. Their tests may even require you to submit blood and urine samples while at the doctor's office. However, when you purchase life insurance without a medical exam, there’s a good chance you’ll only have to answer some basic health questions to get covered.

What types of “no-exam life insurance” are there?

When it comes to getting no medical life insurance, there are typically two options – simplified issue and guaranteed issue.

About Simplified Issue Life Insurance

Instead of forcing applicants to answer a long, in-depth questionnaire or undergo invasive medical exams, simplified issue life insurance requires them to answer some basic questions about their health and lifestyle choices to get covered, according to Forbes.

About Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance

This type of coverage steps even further away from policies requiring medical exams. Guaranteed issue life insurance doesn’t require applicants to take any tests or answer any health-related questions, and it guarantees coverage, according to Forbes. However, because it’s easy to get covered, you often pay much more and get less coverage than you would with other options.

It’s also worth noting that many employers offer group life insurance through work, according to NerdWallet. It’s typically easy to sign up for, relatively inexpensive (or free), and guarantees acceptance.

The Benefits of Life Insurance with No Medical Exam Required

Choosing a life insurance policy with no medical exam required can come with plenty of perks, including:

No time off work is needed to visit the doctor
No needles, blood work, or urine samples are required
No medical paperwork is needed other than answering any health questions required by the insurance company you choose
It’s typically quicker to get covered

However, it is worth noting that because no medical exam is needed, the policy’s payout may be capped at a lower amount than policies that require a doctor’s examination and tests to be run. Also, for policies that require a medical questionnaire, your premium or eligibility will depend on your responses.

Is life insurance without a medical exam right for me?

It could be! If you can relate to the following, a no-medical exam life insurance policy might be a good fit for your needs.

You want a life insurance policy, fast! No medical exam life insurance policies can sometimes be issued in just a few days.
You don't need too much coverage. Life insurance policies with no medical exam tend to come in smaller amounts, like under $25,000.
Your health isn't perfect. As we said before, you won't need to undergo a physical exam. Depending on the type of health issues you have (if any), you may still be able to get covered if you don’t have to answer as many invasive life insurance medical questions.

Get a free quote for term life insurance without a medical exam from Direct Auto!

No medical examination is required when you apply for a term life insurance policy with Direct Auto Insurance—just answer a few simple health-related questions. If you meet the qualifications, then you are eligible for a policy that could cost you less than $1 a day.

While it can sometimes be helpful to have medical paperwork on hand to help you answer the questions, it's not necessary. With Direct Auto, you can expect to answer questions like the following for the proposed insured:

In the last two years, have you ever been diagnosed with, treated for, or been told by a licensed medical professional that you have a disease or disorder of the heart, cancer or tumors, or disease of the kidneys, liver, or stomach?
During the past twelve months, have you been hospitalized for diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, or a stomach ulcer?

If you know the answer to questions like these, you could be getting a life insurance policy , right now! Call 1-877-GO-DIRECT (1-877-463-4732) to learn more or stop by a Direct Auto Insurance location near you today.

Individual term life insurance by Direct General Life Insurance Company, Policy Nos: 58TL02010713, 12400 (OH), 12802 (WA), IIC21-12815, and in Michigan, by National Health Insurance Company, Policy No. 12815. Per day amount based on annual premium for insured 18-50 years old with a $25,000 policy. Additional fee applies. Policy terms and conditions apply. Premium will vary by insured’s age and coverage level selected. Material in these articles is for general information or entertainment purposes only. Direct General does not endorse and is not affiliated with any of the companies or apps listed in this article. Direct General is not responsible or liable for the availability of links to websites or resources, or for any content, advertising, products, services or other materials on or available through these websites or resources. Any references to third party rates or products are subject to change without notice. Trademarks are property of their respective owners.

For additional details and disclaimers, please see our Terms of Use.