--- title: "No Exam Life Insurance: Types, Cost and Who Qualifies" description: "No exam life insurance skips the medical exam, but not always the health review. Compare simplified issue, guaranteed issue, and accelerated underwriting." url: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/life-insurance/no-exam-life-insurance publisher: Epic Life Group apply: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/apply quote: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/get-a-quote --- # No exam life insurance: simplified, guaranteed and accelerated options compared No exam life insurance means you do not need a medical exam. You may still answer health questions, and the insurer may check prescription and medical databases. The three main types are simplified issue, guaranteed issue, and accelerated underwriting. Price is often higher than fully underwritten coverage, and limits are lower. For familiesUpdated October 14, 20263 min read 01 ## No exam is not no review Most no-exam plans still ask health questions and check databases. Only guaranteed issue skips them. 02 ## Three main types Simplified issue, guaranteed issue, and accelerated underwriting work differently and suit different people. 03 ## Faster, often pricier Skipping the exam can speed approval. Price per dollar is often higher than with full underwriting. 04 ## Lower limits No-exam plans often cap the amount you can buy. Limits depend on carrier and age. 05 ## Honest answers matter A wrong answer can lead to a denied claim. Answer every question carefully. ## What is no exam life insurance? No exam life insurance is any policy that you can buy without a medical exam by a nurse. It does not mean there is no review. Most plans ask health questions. Many also check outside records. Only guaranteed issue plans skip health questions altogether. Epic Life Group is an independent agency, not an insurer. Our licensed agents compare carriers by phone and explain which type fits your health. ## What types of no-exam coverage exist? Type Health questions Outside checks Full benefit from day one Usual limits [Simplified issue](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/simplified-issue-life-insurance) A short list Often yes Often yes Moderate [Guaranteed issue](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/life-insurance/guaranteed-issue) None No No, waiting period Low [Accelerated underwriting](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/accelerated-underwriting) Yes, full application Yes Yes Higher, for healthier applicants [Fully underwritten](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/fully-underwritten-life-insurance) (for comparison) Yes Yes, plus exam Yes Highest Read more on [guaranteed vs simplified issue](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/guaranteed-vs-simplified-issue). ## How fast is approval? Speed depends on the type and the carrier. Some simplified and accelerated plans can decide quickly after you apply. Others take days if the insurer needs more records. Guaranteed issue is usually the fastest, because there is nothing to review. Ask your agent for the carrier’s real timeline, not a marketing claim. ## What do insurers check if there is no exam? - Your answers on the application. - Prescription history, in many cases. - The MIB database. MIB says a file exists only if you applied for individually underwritten coverage at a member company, and you can request your record. See [MIB](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/mib) and [prescription history check](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/prescription-history-check). - Motor vehicle records, on some plans. See [MVR](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/mvr). You must give permission. If your answers do not match the records, the carrier may follow up, change the offer, or decline. ## Who is no exam coverage a good fit for? - People who want a quick decision and moderate coverage. - People who dislike exams or have trouble scheduling one. - Healthy applicants who qualify for accelerated underwriting. - Applicants with some health issues who want a plan matched to their conditions. ## Who should consider a full medical exam? - Healthy people who need a large amount. Fully underwritten policies often have the best rates and the highest limits. - Anyone buying for a business or large estate need. - Anyone who can wait a few extra days to save money over many years. It is often worth getting quotes both ways. A healthy 40-year-old may pay less with an exam. A 70-year-old with heart disease may find a simplified plan is the only affordable path. ## Is it more expensive? Often, per dollar of coverage. The reason is that the insurer has less information. How much more depends on the type, your health, and the carrier. We do not publish rate tables here. See [how much life insurance costs](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/life-insurance/cost) for what drives price. ## How do I compare no-exam carriers? What to compare Why it matters Type of plan Simplified, guaranteed, or accelerated Premium for the same amount Differs by carrier for the same person Waiting period, if any Affects the first years of coverage Maximum amount by age Some cap below what you need Term length or whole life Match to your goal Conversion rights Useful on term plans ## What should I ask an agent? - Which no-exam type am I eligible for, and did you check others? - Does this plan pay in full from day one? - What records will the carrier check? - What are the limits at my age? - What is the [contestability period](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/contestability-period)? It is usually two years, per the [NAIC](https://content.naic.org/sites/default/files/legacy/mcas_training/2018/MCAS_Life_and_Annuity-Handout.pdf). - What is the free look period? States give at least 10 days in many cases, per [South Carolina’s insurance department](https://online.doi.sc.gov/Eng/Public/Faqs/lifefaq.aspx). See also [term life](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/life-insurance/term-life), [final expense](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/life-insurance/final-expense), and [life insurance for seniors](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/life-insurance/seniors). ## Next step Tell us your age, state, and general health. Then request a call from a licensed agent to compare no-exam and exam options. [Request a call at /get-a-quote](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/get-a-quote). Approval and price depend on the carrier, age, health, and state. This page is general education, not tax or legal advice. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I get life insurance without a medical exam? Yes. Many carriers sell life insurance with no exam. You may answer health questions and the insurer may check databases such as MIB and prescription records. Guaranteed issue plans skip health questions too, but come with a waiting period. The right type depends on your health and age. ### What is the difference between simplified issue and guaranteed issue? Simplified issue asks a short list of health questions and may pay in full from day one. Guaranteed issue asks none, but has a waiting period and higher cost per dollar. If you can pass the simplified questions, it is usually the better value. ### What is accelerated underwriting? It is a faster way to underwrite a regular policy. The insurer uses your application and data sources, instead of an exam, to approve eligible, healthier applicants. Some applicants are sent to a full exam. Accelerated plans are often term policies with coverage limits that vary by carrier. ### What do insurers check if there is no exam? Common checks include prescription history, the MIB database, and in some cases motor vehicle records. The MIB says member insurers contribute underwriting information and use it to confirm applications, and you can request your consumer file. You must give authorization for these checks. ### Is no exam life insurance more expensive? Often, per dollar of coverage, because the insurer takes on more uncertainty. Not always. Accelerated underwriting can be close to the price of full underwriting for healthy applicants. Compare quotes from several carriers for the same amount and health class. ### Can I get no exam life insurance with pre-existing conditions? Often yes. Simplified plans ask about specific conditions, and some conditions lead to a decline or a higher price. Graded and guaranteed issue plans accept more conditions. Which route fits depends on your history. An agent can check carriers that treat your condition best. ## Terms on this page - [Health Questions (Knock-Out Questions)](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/health-questions) - [MIB (Medical Information Bureau)](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/mib) - [Prescription History Check (Rx)](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/prescription-history-check) - [State Department of Insurance](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/state-department-of-insurance) - [MVR (Motor Vehicle Report)](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/mvr) - [Accelerated Underwriting](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/accelerated-underwriting) - [Contestability Period](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/contestability-period) - [Free Look Period](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/free-look-period) - [Life Insurance](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/life-insurance) - [Decline](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/decline) ## Sources 1. [MIB Group: Frequently asked questions](https://mib.com/mib_faq.html) 2. [MIB Group: Request your record](https://mib.com/request_your_record.html) 3. [NAIC: Life insurance consumer overview](https://content.naic.org/insurance-topics/life-insurance) 4. [NAIC: MCAS Life and Annuity handout (contestability period)](https://content.naic.org/sites/default/files/legacy/mcas_training/2018/MCAS_Life_and_Annuity-Handout.pdf) 5. [South Carolina DOI: Life insurance FAQ (free look period)](https://online.doi.sc.gov/Eng/Public/Faqs/lifefaq.aspx) Written by the Epic Life Group team and checked against the sources above on October 14, 2026. Rules and products change. Confirm details with a licensed agent or your state insurance department. ## Keep reading - [Guaranteed issue life insurance: who gets approved, what the waiting period meansGuaranteed issue life insurance accepts applicants within an age range with no health questions and no medical exam. In return, it costs more per dollar, has low coverage limits, and usually has a waiting period of about two to three years where death from illness pays back premiums plus interest instead of the full benefit.](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/life-insurance/guaranteed-issue) - [Life insurance for seniors: what you can get at 50, 60, 70, and 80Seniors can usually still buy life insurance. At 50 and 60, term, whole life, and no-exam plans are common. At 70 and 80, options narrow to whole life, final expense, and guaranteed issue, often in smaller amounts. Price and approval depend on age, health, state, and carrier, so comparing carriers matters most.](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/life-insurance/seniors) - [Term life insurance: how it works, what drives price, and when it endsTerm life insurance pays a death benefit only if you die during a set period, such as 10, 20, or 30 years. It is generally cheaper than permanent coverage, especially early on. When the term ends, coverage stops unless you renew or convert. It fits temporary needs like a mortgage or raising children.](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/life-insurance/term-life) - [Guaranteed issue vs simplified issue: which fits your health and age?Simplified issue asks a few health questions and can pay the full benefit from day one. Guaranteed issue asks none and accepts nearly everyone, but usually pays only a limited benefit for the first two to three years. If you can truthfully pass the health questions, simplified issue is usually the better value.](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/guaranteed-vs-simplified-issue) - [How much does life insurance cost, and what drives the price?Life insurance cost depends on your age, health, tobacco use, coverage amount, policy type, term, state, and carrier. Term costs the least for the same death benefit. Whole life and final expense cost more because they last for life. There is no single average that fits you, so get quotes from several carriers.](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/life-insurance/cost) - [Can you still get life insurance over 70? Options that still workYes. Many people over 70 can still buy life insurance. Options include final expense whole life, simplified issue, guaranteed issue, and sometimes term or fully underwritten whole life if health is good. Your health decides which options open to you. Price rises with age, so compare several carriers.](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/life-insurance-over-70) ## Talk to a licensed agent. Tell us what you need and request a call from a licensed Epic Life agent who compares carriers. [Get a quote](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/get-a-quote) Want to sell life insurance? [See careers](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/careers)