Life Insurance

Paramedical Exam

A paramedical exam is a simplified medical examination—typically 20–30 minutes, conducted at the applicant's home or workplace by a trained paramedical technician—used by life insurance underwriters to collect blood, urine, and vital sign data to assess the applicant's health and mortality risk.

Last reviewed: May 2026 · Editorial methodology

Definition

The paramedical exam is the standard underwriting tool for life insurance applications requesting $100,000 or more in coverage, conducted at no cost to the applicant by a vendor contracted by the insurer (common vendors include ExamOne and APPS). The exam typically includes: height, weight, and blood pressure measurement; collection of a blood sample for a complete blood panel (including cholesterol, glucose, liver and kidney function, and HIV/AIDS testing); a urine sample for kidney function, protein, glucose, and drug screening; and an EKG for applicants over age 40 or for larger face amounts. Results are transmitted directly to the insurer's underwriting department and used in conjunction with medical records, prescription history, and MIB data to assign a health classification. Blood test results revealing undiagnosed conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or elevated PSA can lead to follow-up requirements, table ratings, or declinations. The turnaround from exam to underwriting decision is typically 1–4 weeks. Applicants should fast for 4–8 hours before the exam (fasting improves cholesterol and glucose readings), avoid heavy exercise for 24 hours, and be well-hydrated for blood draw.

Where this term matters

Life Insurance →Insurance Companies →

Tip

Glossary definitions are educational. Always check your own policy language — insurers can define common terms differently from one another. When in doubt, request a written explanation from your agent.

Related terms

MIB Report (Medical Information Bureau)An MIB report is a coded record maintained by the Medical Information Bureau—now MIB Group—that contains information disclosed on previous life, health, and disability insurance applications, used by underwriters to detect application inconsistencies and potential non-disclosure.Attending Physician Statement (APS)An attending physician statement (APS) is a formal written request sent to the applicant's treating physician(s) asking for a narrative summary or copy of medical records for underwriting purposes, typically ordered when the application or paramedical exam flags a significant health condition.Preferred PlusPreferred Plus (also called Preferred Best or Super Preferred) is the top underwriting risk class offered by most life insurers, awarded to applicants with excellent health, favorable family history, ideal height-weight proportions, and clean driving and lifestyle records—qualifying them for the lowest available premium rates.Standard ClassStandard class is the baseline underwriting category for life insurance applicants who present average health risk, including those with minor health conditions, borderline height-weight ratios, or modest family history concerns that prevent qualification for Preferred or Preferred Plus rates.Substandard RatingA substandard rating is assigned to life insurance applicants whose health or lifestyle profile poses above-average mortality risk, resulting in premium surcharges—expressed as table ratings—to compensate the insurer for the elevated risk while still providing coverage.

Related guides

Source: Cover Forge USA editorial team|Last verified: May 2026|Methodology

Definitions are educational and may be simplified. Always refer to your policy contract and consult a licensed agent for terms that affect coverage decisions.

Cover Forge USA Editorial Team

Editorial Lead

This article was researched and written by the Cover Forge USA editorial team against federal sources (NAIC, CMS, FEMA, DOL, SSA, state DOIs) and standard policy forms. Bylines organize content by topic — they do not assert individual licensure. See our editorial-policy for details.

Reviewed June 2026

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