Life Insurance Options With No Health Questions and No Exams: Does It Exist?


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Updated: May 22, 2024

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Life insurance can be an essential financial planning tool. It is designed to protect your loved ones financially when you pass away. Obtaining a life insurance policy often involves answering health-related questions or even undergoing a medical exam, but there are alternatives for those who prefer to avoid these steps.

Life insurance options with no health questions and no exams tend to suit the needs of older adults, individuals with significant health issues and those needing expedited coverage. While the application process for these policies is more straightforward, there are also drawbacks to consider.

Key Takeaways

While most life insurance policies require health questions and exams, options exist that waive these prerequisites.

Policies with no health questions and exams generally cost more due to the higher risk assumed by the insurer.

Life insurance policies with no health questions and exams suit older individuals, those with significant health issues or anyone needing quick, limited coverage for end-of-life expenses.

Required Exams and Health Questions by Type of Life Insurance

Each type of life insurance policy has its own requirements for exams and health questions. While some policies require detailed medical exams and thorough health inquiries, others might eliminate these requirements. Familiarize yourself with these differences as they directly affect which policy you can obtain and the kind of coverage it offers.

Life insurance policies like guaranteed life insurance with no medical exam streamline the application process, making it easier for individuals to secure coverage.

Summary:

  • Traditional insurance products like term, whole, universal, variable and indexed universal life insurance typically require a medical exam and health questions.
  • Simplified issue life insurance policies do not require a medical exam but do require health questions.
  • Guaranteed issue life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment insurance do not require a medical exam or health questions.
  • Group life insurance, often offered by employers, typically doesn't require a medical exam but might have some health questions. However, the degree of scrutiny varies from policy to policy; some group plans may not require health questions.
  • Final expense insurance, designed to cover end-of-life expenses, generally does not require a medical exam but usually has a few health questions. Some specific plans might not require health questions.

Types of Life Insurance Policies Without Health Questions

Several types of life insurance policies are available that do not require health questions, each catering to different needs and circumstances.

1
Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance

Guaranteed issue life insurance is a type of policy that does not require a medical exam or any health-related questions. As the name suggests, the insurer guarantees policy issuance, irrespective of your health status. It's a popular choice for older adults and those with significant health conditions who might otherwise be deemed uninsurable. See our guide to the best guaranteed acceptance life insurance to explore options.

2
Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance

AD&D insurance, another type of life insurance with no medical exam or health questions, provides a death benefit if the policyholder dies due to an accident. This no-exam life insurance offers benefits for specific injuries resulting from an accident.

3
Some Group Life Insurance Policies

Group life insurance, usually offered through employers or associations, often doesn't require health questions, especially for base coverage.

4
Final Expense Insurance

Final expense insurance, also known as burial or funeral insurance, typically doesn't require a medical exam, and there are versions of these policies that don't require health questions. These policies are designed to cover end-of-life expenses, providing peace of mind for policyholders and their families. See our guide to the best final expense life insurance.

Pros and Cons of No Health Question Life Insurance

When considering life insurance with no medical questions and exams, weigh the pros and cons first. This evaluation can help in understanding how no-exam life insurance differs from other policy types and guide you in making an informed choice, ensuring the policy you opt for aligns with your health and financial circumstances.

Pros

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    Guaranteed Acceptance

    Since health status isn't a factor, nearly everyone is eligible for guaranteed issue life insurance, AD&D insurance and certain final expense policies. These policies are ideal for individuals with serious health conditions that might disqualify them from traditional life insurance.

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    Speedy Process

    With no health exam or health questions, you bypass the often time-consuming underwriting process of traditional life insurance. This makes the approval process for no-exam life insurance quick, enabling you to obtain coverage in days or even hours.

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    Privacy

    If you prefer to keep your health history private or wish to avoid the stress or inconvenience of a medical exam, these policies allow you to do so while still providing financial safety net for your loved ones.

Cons

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    Higher Premiums

    Since insurers can't assess your health status, they offset the risk by charging higher premiums. Thus, dollar-for-dollar, life insurance with no medical exam is often more expensive compared to traditional life insurance.

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    Lower Coverage

    No-health-question policies typically offer lower coverage amounts than traditional life insurance. This may be sufficient for covering end-of-life expenses or leaving a small legacy but might not provide ample protection if you have significant debts or dependents reliant on your income.

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    Limited Payout Conditions

    AD&D insurance, for example, only pays out in cases of accidental death or dismemberment. Therefore, if the policyholder dies of illness or natural causes, no death benefit will be paid out.

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    Policy Restrictions and Waiting Periods

    Many no-health-check life insurance policies, like guaranteed issue and certain final expense insurances, have a "graded death benefit" or "waiting period." This means if the policyholder dies within the first 2–3 years (the timeframe varies by policy), the payout may be limited to a return of premiums paid plus interest rather than the full death benefit. Only accidental death may be covered fully from the policy start date. This restriction can be a significant drawback for individuals looking for immediate full coverage.

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    Age Restrictions

    Many of these policies are marketed toward older adults and are often only available to individuals within a specific age range, such as 50 to 85 years old.

Cost of Life Insurance Without Health Questions

Life insurance with no medical questions and exams generally costs more than policies with health questions. Insurers set these higher premiums to balance the increased risk of needing more detailed health information about the policyholder. This pricing strategy helps insurers manage the broader risk pool of individuals of varying health backgrounds, including those with pre-existing conditions.

For those with health conditions or who are considered high-risk life insurance applicants, the convenience and accessibility of life insurance that doesn't require a medical exam may outweigh the cost implications. Some companies may also offer the option to buy life insurance online with no medical exam, further simplifying the process for individuals seeking immediate coverage.

Companies Offering Life Insurance Without Health Questions

Not every life insurance company offers policies with no health questions and exams. Those that do may differ in what they require and the details of their policies. It's a good idea to look at what various insurers offer to find the best policy for your situation, considering factors like coverage limits and terms.

Below are some companies offering life insurance with no medical exam or health questions.

1
Mutual of Omaha

Mutual of Omaha offers a Guaranteed Whole Life Insurance policy for individuals aged 45–85 (in most states). It promises coverage ranging from $2,000 to $25,000 without requiring any health questions or medical exams.

2
Gerber Life Insurance

The Gerber Life Guaranteed Life Insurance Plan is designed for individuals between the ages of 50 and 80. It provides a death benefit of $5,000 to $25,000 without the need for health questions or a medical exam.

3
AIG

AIG’s Guaranteed Issue Whole Life Insurance offers coverage of $5,000 to $25,000 for individuals aged 50–85 without health questions or medical exam requirements.

4
Haven Life

Haven Life offers a simplified issue term life insurance product called "Haven Simple," which does not require a medical exam and, in some cases, may not require health questions.

5
Ethos

Ethos, an insurtech company, provides a guaranteed issue policy with no medical exam or health questions necessary.

When It Make Senses to Buy Life Insurance With No Health Questions and No Exam

Opting for life insurance with no medical questions and no exam can be a strategic move for those with serious health conditions that would disqualify them from traditional policies or significantly increase their premiums. Older adults may also find these policies attractive, as traditional policies may be cost-prohibitive or unattainable due to age or health.

Finally, if you're seeking to obtain a policy quickly and conveniently or wish to avoid medical exams due to personal preference, no-exam life insurance policies may be a suitable option.

FAQ About Life Insurance With No Health Questions and No Exams

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about life insurance with no health questions and no exams to provide you with into critical aspects of these types of life insurance.

Who should consider life insurance with no health questions?
How is applying for no health question insurance different?
Can individuals with pre-existing conditions get life insurance without health questions?
Do I need a medical exam to get life insurance?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


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Mark Fitzpatrick has analyzed the property and casualty insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. Currently, he leads P&C insurance content production at MoneyGeek. Fitzpatrick has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.