Do you need a medical for life insurance?

A life insurance medical is a short health check arranged by the insurer to help them understand more about your general health. It might involve simple measurements such as height, weight or blood pressure, or a slightly more detailed check carried out by a nurse or doctor. It isn’t a pass or fail test, it’s simply part of the application process when more information is needed.

Insurers may request a medical when they need a clearer picture of your health to make sure the policy they offer is suitable. A life insurance medical helps them:

This doesn’t mean your application will be declined. It’s simply a way for the insurer to gather the information needed to assess your application fairly.

With Tesco Life Insurance, most customers complete their application without needing a medical.

It depends on the insurer and the cover amount you apply for. If you request a high level of cover, or if more information is needed on something on your application, you may be asked to attend a medical appointment. These checks are routine and carried out by healthcare professionals.

Your age and the amount of cover you apply for are often the biggest factors. If you request a high level of cover, have a certain medical condition or if something on your application needs a closer look, you may be asked to attend a medical appointment. These checks are routine and carried out by healthcare professionals. Find out more about what pre-existing conditions are covered in our guide - Life insurance for pre-existing conditions.

The types of questions you could be asked during a medical for most applications are straightforward questions about your lifestyle and health, such as:

You may also be asked about recent travel to countries with higher health risks. It’s important to answer these questions truthfully. Incorrect information could affect your cover later on or impact a claim.

Not usually. Even if you’re over 50, most people won’t need a medical when applying for life insurance. Insurers often base their decision on the information you provide in your application, such as your health, lifestyle and age.

If the insurer can’t make a decision straight away, your application may be passed to an underwriter to review. This doesn’t always mean you’ll need a medical. They may request:

You may be asked for extra information about something you mentioned on your application.

With your permission, the insurer may ask your doctor for a short medical report to help them understand your current health and any relevant history.

This is a simple check carried out by a nurse at home or at work. It usually includes height, weight, blood pressure and a urine test.

Sometimes a doctor may carry out a more detailed check. This can include heart and chest assessments and a blood pressure reading. These checks are routine, and the insurer arranges and pays for the appointment.

Life insurance applications that require medical information may take a few weeks to process. If a GP report is needed, this can take longer depending on how quickly it’s provided.

While your application is being reviewed, Tesco Life Insurance includes a Protection Promise. This is for customers aged 55 and under. This means you’re covered for the amount you’ve applied for, up to £500,000, at no extra cost. It lasts until a decision is made, you withdraw your application, or up to 90 days from the start of your Protection Promise.

Most Tesco Life Insurance customers don’t need a medical at all.

When one is needed:

Our aim is to make the process as straightforward and stress free as possible.

At Tesco Insurance, we want to help you with the things that matter most. That’s why Tesco Life Insurance comes with a Big Win and lots of Little Helps.

As well as your Tesco benefits, you’ll also get health and wellbeing benefits from Aviva.

Tesco Life Insurance is provided and administered by Aviva, who have a 5-star Defaqto rating for life insurance and pay out on 98.7% of claims*.