If you have been putting off life insurance because you do not want to deal with a medical exam, you are not alone. Many people assume that getting coverage means blood draws, doctor visits, and weeks of waiting for results. The good news is that most final expense insurance policies do not require any of that. In fact, the entire process can be completed in a single phone call.
Final expense insurance (sometimes called burial insurance or funeral insurance) is designed to cover end-of-life costs like funeral services, medical bills, and other expenses your family should not have to worry about. And for most applicants, getting approved is much simpler than you might expect. If you are new to this type of coverage, our complete guide to final expense insurance is a great place to start.
Can You Get Final Expense Insurance Without a Medical Exam?
Yes. The vast majority of final expense insurance plans do not require a medical exam. This is one of the biggest advantages of final expense coverage compared to larger traditional life insurance policies.
Instead of scheduling a physical exam, you simply answer a brief health questionnaire. The questions cover your current health conditions and medical history, and the whole process typically takes just a few minutes. There are no blood tests, no urine samples, and no nurse visits to your home.
Many people are surprised by how straightforward the application is. In many cases, you can be approved within 24 hours. And even if you have common health conditions like high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, or a history of heart disease, there are carriers that will work with you. The key is finding the right one for your specific situation.
Key Takeaway
Most final expense insurance does not require a medical exam. You answer a short health questionnaire instead, and many applicants are approved the same day they apply.
How No-Exam Final Expense Insurance Works
The process for getting final expense insurance without a medical exam is simpler than most people expect. Here is how it works, step by step:
- You speak with a licensed specialist who takes the time to understand your needs, your budget, and what you want your policy to cover. This is a conversation, not a sales pitch.
- You answer a short health questionnaire. Most applications include 8 to 12 questions about your medical history and current health. These are straightforward yes-or-no questions, not a detailed medical interview.
- The carrier reviews your answers and makes a decision. Because there is no exam to process, this step moves quickly. Many carriers provide an answer the same day.
- If approved, your coverage can start right away. Some policies are effective the same day you are approved. Your rates are locked in and will never increase.
From start to finish, the entire process typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. There are no follow-up appointments, no waiting for lab results, and no surprises weeks later.
Because Asurgo is an independent brokerage, we compare rates from 25+ carriers during this process. That means we are not limited to one company's products. We find the carrier that offers you the best rate for your age, health, and coverage needs.
Simplified Issue vs. Guaranteed Issue: What Is the Difference?
When you apply for final expense insurance without a medical exam, your application will fall into one of two categories: simplified issue or guaranteed issue. Understanding the difference can help you get the best rate and the right coverage.
Simplified Issue
Simplified issue is the most common type of final expense underwriting. You answer health questions, but you skip the medical exam entirely. This option offers the best rates and the most immediate coverage. The majority of applicants qualify for simplified issue, even those with common health conditions like controlled diabetes, high blood pressure, or mild heart conditions.
If you qualify for simplified issue, your full death benefit is typically active from day one. That means your family is protected immediately.
Guaranteed Issue
Guaranteed issue policies are designed for people with more serious health conditions who may not qualify for simplified issue. With guaranteed issue, there are no health questions asked at all. If you are between the ages of 45 and 85, you are accepted regardless of your health history.
The trade-off is that guaranteed issue policies come with higher monthly premiums and include what is called a graded benefit period. This is typically a 2 to 3 year waiting period at the start of the policy. If you pass away during this waiting period, your beneficiary receives all the premiums you paid plus interest, rather than the full death benefit. Once the waiting period is over, the full death benefit applies.
Guaranteed issue exists so that everyone has access to coverage, regardless of their health. It provides peace of mind for people who may have been turned down elsewhere.
An independent broker like Asurgo helps you determine which type is right for your situation. We always try simplified issue first, because it gives you the best value. If that is not an option, we find the best guaranteed issue policy available.
What Health Questions Will You Be Asked?
The health questionnaire on a simplified issue application is shorter than most people expect. While the exact questions vary by carrier, they typically cover conditions like:
- Heart disease, heart attack, or congestive heart failure
- Cancer (active or recent treatment)
- Organ transplant
- Current use of supplemental oxygen
- HIV or AIDS
- Hospitalization within the past 12 months
- Residence in a nursing home or assisted living facility
- Kidney disease requiring dialysis
Here is what surprises many people: conditions that sound like they would be an automatic disqualification are often accepted by the right carrier. For example:
- Type 2 diabetes that is managed with medication is accepted by many carriers
- COPD without supplemental oxygen use is often approved
- History of a heart attack more than 2 years ago may still qualify you for simplified issue with certain companies
- High blood pressure controlled with medication is one of the most commonly accepted conditions
This is exactly why working with an independent broker matters. Each carrier has its own underwriting guidelines and its own list of conditions it will and will not accept. An Asurgo specialist knows which carriers are the best fit for your specific health profile, so you are not wasting time applying with companies that are likely to decline you.
Who Qualifies for No-Exam Final Expense Insurance?
Final expense insurance without a medical exam is available to a wide range of people. In general, you may qualify if you meet the following criteria:
- Age: Most carriers accept applicants between ages 45 and 85
- Residency: You are a U.S. resident (Asurgo is licensed in 48 states)
- Health: You can answer the simplified issue health questions favorably, or you qualify for guaranteed issue
- Coverage amount: Final expense policies typically range from $5,000 to $50,000
Even if you have been declined by another insurance company in the past, that does not mean you are out of options. Different carriers have different guidelines, and a condition that disqualifies you with one company may be perfectly acceptable to another. This is one of the biggest benefits of working with an independent brokerage that shops multiple carriers on your behalf.
For a closer look at what final expense coverage costs at different ages, see our guide to final expense insurance rates.
How to Get the Best Rate Without a Medical Exam
Even without a medical exam, your rate is not random. There are several things you can do to make sure you are getting the best possible price on your final expense policy:
- Apply while you are as young and healthy as possible. Final expense rates are based on your age and health at the time you apply, and they are locked in for life. Every year you wait, your rate goes up.
- Work with an independent broker. A captive agent can only offer you one company's products. An independent broker like Asurgo compares 25+ carriers to find you the lowest rate for your situation.
- Be completely honest on your health questionnaire. Carriers verify medical records through pharmacy databases and the Medical Information Bureau. Inaccurate answers can result in a denied claim down the road, which is the last thing your family needs.
- Ask about simplified issue first. Always explore simplified issue before settling for guaranteed issue. The rates are significantly better and the coverage is immediate.
- Compare at least 3 to 5 carriers. Rates can vary dramatically between companies for the same person. Asurgo compares 25+ carriers so you do not have to call each one individually.
For full details on final expense plan options and what they cover, visit our final expense insurance page.
If you are ready to see what you qualify for, an Asurgo specialist can walk you through your options in a quick, no-pressure phone call. We are here to help you find the right coverage at a rate that fits your budget.
For a complete guide to no-exam final expense coverage, including eligibility requirements and a comparison of exam vs. no-exam plans, see our Final Expense Insurance with No Medical Exam resource page.
