No Medical Exam Life Insurance: How the Assessment Works

Not every life insurance application needs a medical examination. An insurer may reach a decision from application answers or request further evidence, depending on the circumstances.

Underwritten term cover

The insurer uses the application answers to assess the risk. Health, nicotine use, occupation, hobbies and the requested benefit can affect evidence requirements. No examination does not mean health conditions can be left out or that the quoted price is final.

Guaranteed-acceptance plans are a different product

Some over-50s whole-of-life plans accept eligible applicants without health questions. Age and residence limits vary. Benefits are usually smaller and an initial restricted period may apply to certain deaths. Premiums can exceed the payout over time; cancellation may leave no cash value.

Choosing by the purpose of the cover

A product intended to contribute to funeral costs may not provide enough cover for a mortgage or dependent family. Compare the amount, duration, waiting period, premium basis and exclusions. Do not select solely on the absence of health questions.

What if you have already been declined?

An adviser can discuss whether another insurer or type of cover may be appropriate. A previous decline or pending investigation must be disclosed where asked. There is no universal route that guarantees conventional cover.

Where to read more

See our main no-medical guide, over-50s cover and health conditions and underwriting.

Compare your options

You can compare life insurance quotes online and ask our advisers for help with the next step. Initial quotations are subject to the insurer assessing the application. Cover begins only when the insurer confirms the policy is in force; completing a form or receiving a quote does not start cover.

Updated October 2026. General information, not a personal recommendation or a quotation. Eligibility, exclusions, premiums and tax treatment depend on the policy and individual circumstances. Discount Life Cover is a trading style of My Key Finance Ltd, authorised and regulated by the FCA, FRN 628996.

Further information: MoneyHelper: life insurance.