Does life insurance with no medical exist?

13 December 2023

When thinking about your financial future, it’s understandable if you’re keen to get life insurance without doing a medical exam. But is there such a thing as life insurance with no medical when applying for Legal & General Life Insurance? Let’s explore in our guide.

Can I get life insurance with no medical?

Yes, it’s possible to get life insurance with no medical, but it depends on the individual, their circumstances, and the amount of cover you need. For example, if you’re older, have a pre-existing condition, like diabetes or epilepsy or an unhealthy lifestyle, you may be required to take a medical before you can get life insurance. But in most cases, a medical is not necessary when you apply for a life insurance policy.

How do we assess whether to offer life insurance with no medical?

When you apply for life insurance we ask questions about your health and lifestyle, and based on this – and the amount of cover requested – we will decide if a medical is required or not. If you’re in good health and your family medical history is unlikely affect the amount you pay each month. This is what happens in the the majority of cases.

Why can I only get life insurance with a medical?

If we do ask you to have a medical examination, it is to help us assess your life insurance application and to offer you a policy at the correct price and on the correct terms. The results of a medical might make cover more expensive compared to a person in better health. In some cases they may not be able to offer over at all. Generally speaking, the cost of life insurance increases with age, so it can make sense to take out life insurance at a younger age.

What medical factors can affect my premiums?

The policy terms we can offer you may be affected by a number of factors. This includes the amount and type of cover requested, but also, factors personal to you such as:

  • Your age
  • Occupation
  • Smoker status
  • Health
  • Your height and weight
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Family medical history
  • Hobbies

 

Illustration showing how age affects the cost of life insurance

What happens at a life insurance medical?

If we do ask you to attend a medical examination, this may be with a doctor or insurance trained nurse. We will pay the costs of any examination we request and just by having a medical it doesn't mean you will be charged any more.

The medical examination will take place either with your own doctor, or one nearer your workplace. Depending on the information you’ve told us, your medical may include any of the following:

  • Blood tests
  • A smoker test
  • HIV test
  • Resting Electrocardiogram (ECG)
  • Exercise Electrocardiogram (ECG).
  • Urine test

Do I need a medical if I increase my life insurance cover?

If you take out a Legal & General life insurance policy, you may be able to increase your cover without the need for any further medical information on certain life events:

  • You get married or enter into a civil partnership
  • You get divorced or dissolve a registered civil partnership
  • You have a child (including legal adoption)
  • You become the legal guardian of a child
  • You get a pay rise following a promotion
  • You increase your mortgage after buying or renovating a home.

You should check your policy documents to see if this is an option for you. Terms and conditions apply.

What happens if I don’t answer medical questions correctly?

It's vitally important that you answer all the questions as accurately as possible when applying for life insurance. If you die because of a medical condition that you didn’t tell us about when applying, then your insurance policy could be cancelled and not paid out in the event of a claim.

When you apply, you'll need to provide certain information, so it's a good idea to have the following to hand:

  • details of your medical history including dates and the names/dosage of any medication
  • up to date height and weight measurements
  • your dress/trouser size
  • details of your immediate family's medical history.

Find out more about our Life Insurance