No-medical-exam life insurance policies are a good fit for people who want to skip the medical test and get coverage quickly, or for people who wouldn’t be approved for traditional life insurance due to health reasons.
Methodology
Why you can trust our picks
Our recommendations are based on internal and external expert analysis, as well as our Policygenius Life Insurance Price Index, which uses real-time data from leading life insurance companies to determine pricing trends. When reviewing a life insurance company, our editorial team uses a proprietary scoring rubric with five factors — price, policy details, financial strength, transparency, and customer experience — to assign an unbiased rating between one and five stars. These ratings are also taken into consideration as part of our company recommendations. We don’t get paid for our reviews.
Our reviews and recommendations can help you find a reliable insurer for your family’s financial protection, but the best life insurance company for you depends on multiple factors. A licensed agent at Policygenius can support you during the application process to ensure you get the right coverage for your circumstances at the most competitive price.
2023 Policygenius award winner
Brighthouse Financial
5.0
No-medical-exam option
Why we chose it
Brighthouse Financial offers competitive rates, comprehensive coverage, and application decisions in as little as 24 hours, making it a great choice for people who want to get life insurance coverage without having to take the medical exam.
Pros and cons
Pros
Extremely affordable
Instant-decision applications
Best-in-class no-exam option
Cons
Traditional term life not available in CA, IL, LA, ME, or NY
Term life applicants limited to ages 25-50
Best overall: Brighthouse Financial
Brighthouse Financial offers an instant decision option that can help you get term life insurance coverage for up to $3 million without having to take a medical exam.
If you have a minor health condition like anxiety, high blood pressure, ADHD, or even sleep apnea, you’re more likely to get a better rate with Brighthouse Financial than with other insurers.
2023 Policygenius award winner
Banner Life
4.9
30+ year terms
All 50 states
No-medical-exam option
Why we chose it
Banner Life has some of the longest term lengths — up to 40 years — and most competitive life insurance rates available, even for people with a history of medical conditions.
Pros and cons
Pros
Competitive rates for a variety of health conditions
Fast instant-decision option for qualifying applicants
Variety of term lengths up to 40 years
Cons
Application underwriting can take longer than average
Does not have the most competitive rates for older applicants
Cheapest: Banner Life
Banner Life, which also does business as William Penn and is owned by Legal & General America, offers cheaper policy options than some of its competitors regardless of your health profile.
You can apply for coverage between $100,000 and $2 million without the medical exam — you just have to complete a medical interview over the phone. Banner Life will then review your application and determine if a medical exam is needed.
2023 Policygenius award winner
Pacific Life
4.8
All 50 states
No-medical-exam option
Why we chose it
Pacific Life offers some of the lowest rates for term life insurance across age brackets. It also has the most competitive rates for many health conditions and builds.
Pros and cons
Pros
Extremely affordable across age brackets
Affordable guaranteed universal life insurance option for people who need lifetime coverage
Favorable underwriting for many health conditions
Cons
Traditional term life not available in NY
There are better carriers for active duty military, people who have a history of alcohol abuse, and people who have been through bankruptcy
Best no-exam term life: Pacific Life
Pacific Life offers some of the most flexible rules for people age 18 to 70 applying for term life insurance.
If you’re under the age of 60 and don’t have significant health conditions or risk factors, you’ll complete a health interview to determine if you can get accelerated approval without a medical exam.
If you’re between age 60 and 70 or you have additional medical conditions, Pacific Life will likely request an attending physician statement (APS) to evaluate your health first and determine if you can get approved without an exam.
Mutual of Omaha
4.5
No-medical-exam option
Why we chose it
Mutual of Omaha is a reputable company that offers a variety of life insurance products — including a no-medical-exam option — so that you can select the type of life insurance that best suits your needs.
Pros and cons
Pros
No-medical-exam options for older applicants
Strong financial and customer ratings
Cons
Policies are more expensive than average
Slow turnaround time
Best for seniors: Mutual of Omaha
Mutual of Omaha offers multiple no-exam policies for seniors. Its options include a term life insurance policy with coverage up to $300,000 for people age 50 and below, up to $250,000 for people age 60 and below, and up to $150,000 for people age 70 and below.
Mutual of Omaha also offers no-exam options with smaller coverage amounts — up to $40,000 — to cover final expenses, like a funeral or medical bills, for people who might not be eligible for traditional coverage due to health issues.
Transamerica
4.6
No-medical-exam option
Why we chose it
Transamerica is one of the oldest and largest life insurance companies, with over 12 million active accounts today. It offers affordable rates for almost every age, and you can even skip the medical exam if you fall under a certain age or coverage amount.
Pros and cons
Pros
Competitive rates for term life insurance
No-medical-exam available for qualifying applicants, including smokers and people between 60 and 70, which is rare
One of the fastest turnaround times in the industry for traditionally underwritten term policies
Cons
Term life not available in New York
Not a good option for people with a history of cancer, alcohol abuse, or asthma
Best for young adults: Transamerica
Transamerica offers no-exam policies for adults as young as 18 years old and a simple application process — including a health questionnaire that can be filled out online or over the phone.
Transamerica has flexible financial justification guidelines for graduates and undergraduates applying to protect their future income, with coverage amounts of up to $500,000. The company also offers smaller coverage amounts — up to $50,000 — for young adults seeking coverage options to pay for final expenses in a worst-case scenario.
Compare the best no-medical-exam life insurance companies
Company | Policygenius rating | Average time for no-exam approval | Maximum coverage amount | |
Brighthouse Financial | 5.0/5 | 1 day | $3 million | |
Legal & General America | 4.9/5 | Up to 3 weeks | $2 million | |
Pacific Life | 4.8/5 | Up to 4 weeks | $3 million | |
Transamerica | 4.6/5 | Up to 4 weeks | $2 million | |
Mutual of Omaha | 4.5/5 | Up to 2 weeks | $40,000 for simplified, $25,000 for guaranteed |
What is no-medical-exam life insurance?
When you apply for life insurance, you usually have to take an in-person medical exam that is similar to an annual physical.
The exam lasts between 30 and 45 minutes and consists of two main parts.
First, you have to answer a series of questions about your health, lifestyle, and social habits, including any current prescriptions.
Then, an examiner measures your height and weight, checks your blood pressure, and collects blood and urine samples.
No-exam policies let you skip the medical examination and instead complete a health interview online or over the phone to determine if you qualify for coverage.
Types of no-exam policies
There are three main types of no-exam policies: term, simplified issue, and guaranteed issue life insurance.
Term life insurance
Term life insurance is usually the best option for most people who want to protect their loved ones from financial hardship if they die. It’s affordable, easy to maintain and understand, and only lasts for a set period of time.
It can take up to six weeks to get approved for term if you have to take a medical exam. But with some no-exam term options, like instant issue or accelerated underwriting life insurance, your application can get approved in a matter of days — or in some cases even during the initial phone interview. And the good news is that no-exam term life policies are as affordable as comparable policies where you have to go through the full application process.
Just keep in mind that, depending on your age and health profile, some insurers might still ask you to take the medical exam even if you initially qualified for a no-exam term policy.
Simplified issue life insurance
Simplified issue life insurance doesn’t expire and usually offers a small payout — up to $40,000 — to cover end-of-life expenses, like a funeral or medical bills. It’s commonly reserved for people who are 45 years old and above, and who may not qualify for traditional life insurance due to health reasons.
While you don’t have to take a medical exam, you do need to answer a few questions related to your health. Certain conditions, like some types of cancer or a terminal illness, might disqualify you for this type of policy. Getting approved can take up to two weeks.
Guaranteed issue life insurance
Guaranteed issue life insurance is another type of policy that offers a small coverage amount — usually up to $25,000 — to cover final expenses. You don’t have to take a medical exam or answer any questions about your health as part of the application — approval is guaranteed for most people age 45 to 85, depending on the insurer, and you can get approved in up to three days.
If you have a health condition that would disqualify you for nearly any other kind of policy, guaranteed issue can be your best bet.
If you’re not sure which of these options is right for you, a Policygenius agent can help. At Policygenius, our agents work for you, not the insurance company, and can walk you through the entire life insurance buying process while offering transparent, unbiased advice.
Comparing no-exam policies
Policy type | Waiting period | Coverage limit | Coverage length | Age availability |
No-exam term | Approx. one week, depends on the company | $1 million to $3 million | 10 years to 30 years, 40 years with some companies | 18-60, depends on the company |
Accelerated underwriting term | One to three days | $1 million to $3 million | 10 years to 30 years | 18-60, depends on the company |
Instant term | Zero to three days | $1 million to $3 million | 10 years to 30 years | 18-60, depends on the company |
Simplified issue | Three to five days | $40,000 | Permanent | 45-85, depends on the company |
Guaranteed issue | One to three days | $25,000 | Permanent | 45-85, depends on the company |
How much does no-medical-exam life insurance cost?
A 30-year-old female could pay $22.99 per month for a no-medical-exam term life insurance policy with a 20-year term and a $500,000 coverage amount. A 30-year-old male could pay $29.33 per month for the same coverage.
Simplified issue and guaranteed issue options are usually significantly more expensive. How much you pay for life insurance will depend on which type of policy you’re applying for, as well as your age, gender, and health.
Average no-exam term life insurance rates
Age | Gender | $500,000 coverage amount |
20 | Female | $22.66 |
Male | $30.20 | |
30 | Female | $22.99 |
Male | $29.33 | |
40 | Female | $35.27 |
Male | $42.94 | |
50 | Female | $78.30 |
Male | $102.50 | |
60 | Female | $194.16 |
Male | $268.13 |
Methodology: Average monthly rates are calculated for male and female non-smokers at a Preferred health classification obtaining a 20-year $500,000 life insurance policy. Life insurance averages are based on a composite of no-medical-exam policies offered through Policygenius from Brighthouse Financial, Banner Life, Transamerica, and Pacific Life. Rates may vary by insurer, term, coverage amount, health class, and state. Not all policies available in all states. Issuance of a term life insurance policy without a medical exam is subject to product availability and your eligibility, and may depend upon your truthful answers to a health questionnaire. Rate illustration valid as of 07/01/2023.
Average simplified issue life insurance rates
Age | Gender | $40,000 coverage amount |
50 | Female | $87.61 |
Male | $113.10 | |
60 | Female | $121.86 |
Male | $165.43 | |
70 | Female | $203.35 |
Male | $288.82 | |
80 | Female | $384.12 |
Male | $549.31 |
Methodology: Sample monthly rates are calculated for male and female non-smokers at a Standard health classification, obtaining a $40,000 simplified issue whole life insurance policy offered through Policygenius from Mutual of Omaha. Rates may vary by insurer, term, coverage amount, health class, and state. Not all policies available in all states. Rate illustration valid as of 07/01/2023.
Average guaranteed issue life insurance rates
Age | Gender | $25,000 coverage amount |
|---|---|---|
50 | Female | $99.23 |
Male | $136.9 | |
65 | Female | $182.29 |
Male | $248.84 | |
80 | Female | $512.78 |
Male | $519.08 |
Methodology: Sample monthly rates are calculated for males and females obtaining a $25,000 guaranteed issue life insurance policy. Life insurance rates are based on guaranteed issue life insurance policies offered through Policygenius from Corebridge Financial. Rates may vary by insurer, term, coverage amount, health class, and state. Not all policies are available in all states. Rate illustration valid as of 07/01/2023.
How to buy a no-exam policy
The insurance company will typically let you know your application decision within a week, but some can even let you know on the same phone call or within a day or two. It can take about a week in total for your policy to become active.
Some insurers might request you to take a medical exam after all, which could add more time to the application process.
In my experience working as a licensed agent, most people chose the no-exam route whenever available, since the standard application can take up to six weeks on average.
What happens if your application is declined?
If you get turned down at first, don’t fret.
Getting declined for a no-medical-exam policy doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t be eligible for life insurance or that your rate will be more expensive. It simply means that the insurer needs more information to assess your risk and might ask you to take an in-person medical exam.
Alternatives to no-medical-exam life insurance
If a no-exam policy is not an option for you, you can apply for a fully underwritten policy. This means you’ll have to go through the full application process, which includes an in-person medical exam.
A fully underwritten option will allow you to apply for higher coverage amounts if you need them — most no-exam options cap coverage at $1 million to $3 million.
→ Learn more about the life insurance medical exam
Is no-medical-exam life insurance worth it?
If you’re young and healthy enough to get approved for traditional life insurance, applying for a no-exam term policy is a no-brainer — you’ll be able to skip the medical test, get covered faster, and pay the most affordable premiums available to you.
And if you might not be eligible for traditional coverage due to health reasons, no-exam options like simplified issue or guaranteed issue are worth considering since they can give you access to a small amount of coverage to pay for final expenses.
One of the benefits of working with an independent broker is that they can guide you to apply for the best product for you. At Policygenius, our agents can help you compare quotes from different insurance companies and apply with the insurer that offers you the right coverage at a price that works for you.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get life insurance without a medical exam?
Yes, it’s possible to get life insurance without a medical exam. Typically, if you’re under age 60 and have few health conditions, you may qualify for a no-exam term life insurance policy. If you’re over the age of 45 and have a health condition that might disqualify you for traditional coverage, you might consider options like simplified issue or guaranteed issue life insurance. These policies don’t require a medical exam and offer a small payout to cover final expenses, like a funeral or medical bills.
How does no-medical-exam life insurance work?
Instead of an in-person medical exam, you’ll complete a health interview either online or over the phone. The insurance company will verify your answers against your medical records to determine your rate.
How much life insurance can you get without a medical exam?
No-exam term policy options typically offer up to $1 million and $3 million, depending on the insurer.
Should you get no-medical-exam life insurance?
If you have few health conditions and risk factors, term no-exam policies are a no-brainer. You’ll get covered faster and your premiums won’t increase just because you skipped the medical exam.
Is no-medical-exam life insurance more expensive?
No-medical-exam term life insurance is often comparable or even cheaper than other term policies. But overall, it depends on the type of no-medical-exam life insurance you’re purchasing. No-exam options that cover final expenses, such as guaranteed issue, are more expensive than other kinds of life insurance
Is there a waiting period for no-medical-exam life insurance?
No-medical-exam life insurance can go into effect in about one week, which is when your policy is active and your beneficiary would receive the death benefit if you died. This is quicker than other traditional life insurance options. The standard life insurance application process that includes a medical exam can take about five to six weeks, and sometimes longer.
Can you borrow money from a no-medical-exam life insurance policy?
No-exam term life policies don’t have cash value, so you wouldn’t be able to borrow money from them. Final expense policies, like simplified issue or guaranteed issue, do generate cash value. However, the amounts are usually small, so it can take many years before you can accumulate enough cash value to borrow from it.
