A regular policy with a medical exam often takes about four weeks, sometimes longer. Some no exam policies can start the same day if you are approved.
NerdWallet says traditional underwriting takes about four weeks, and sometimes longer. Another NerdWallet guide says a regular policy may take four to eight weeks to start.
During that time the insurer checks your application and exam. It also looks at past insurance applications through MIB, your driving record and your prescription history.
Some insurers use faster underwriting. They use data to spot healthy people and approve them online. Not everyone qualifies, and the top coverage amount may be lower.
Simplified issue policies skip the exam. If you are approved, coverage can often start the same day. These policies usually cost more and pay less.
Things can slow down if the insurer needs a report from your doctor. Very large policies may also need your financial records.
- Fill out the application
- Take the medical exam if one is needed
- The insurer checks your records
- You get an offer with a price
- You sign and the policy starts
More questions
How can I make it go faster?
Answer every question fully and honestly. List all of your doctors and hospitals. That is NerdWallet's advice for the exam.
What if one company says no?
Each company has its own rules. One company may turn you down when another says yes.
Is there a way to skip the exam?
Yes. Simplified issue and guaranteed issue policies skip it. They cost more and cover less.
Words to know
- Simplified issue
- A policy with a short application and limited health information. It usually costs less than guaranteed issue, but more than fully underwritten coverage.
- Underwriting
- How a company decides whether to sell you a policy and what to charge. It may include a medical exam and questions about your health, job, and habits.
