Guide
No-exam life insurance
Who qualifies for accelerated underwriting, what the process actually is, and what happens if you don't qualify.
Nowadays, many carriers offer accelerated underwriting: they skip the paramedic exam for applicants within their age and coverage limits, instead using application data, prescription records, driving records and other information on file. Some decisions come through within a day. This site displays whether an exam is required, possibly required, or not required for each quote.
What it changes
The absence of an exam doesn't mean the absence of verification. Your answers get reviewed carefully, and a policy issued on false information can be contested during the first two years. If a carrier's screening uncovers concerns, an exam might still be requested; you decide whether to proceed.
Who tends to qualify
Most often candidates under approximately 60, applying for amounts up to that carrier's approved limit, with no serious health issues and no nicotine use in the prior year. Many carriers will accept recent blood work from a doctor's visit instead of a new exam.
Should an exam be required, expect 20 to 30 minutes with a paramedic at your home or workplace in the area—and there's no charge. A favorable exam result often upgrades your rate tier, making the process a plus rather than a burden.