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Unsure if you’ll need a medical examination when applying for international life insurance? Find out when a medical might be required.
Lee Doran
Underwriting Manager
Not always! It depends on your age, how much insurance cover you’re applying for, and the information you disclose in your application form.
Different insurance providers have different requirements. Some may be specialists in ‘life insurance with no medical’.
We only require a medical once you exceed a certain level of cover and if you’re above a certain age.
Our requirements are progressive, meaning that our requirements are lesser for younger people applying for a lower level of cover and greater for older people applying for a higher level of cover.
The following table sets out what we’re likely to require from you when you apply for a life insurance policy.
Regardless of your age or level of cover, you need to complete an application form. There is a section on the form that asks questions about your medical history.
Please do not arrange a medical until we’ve received your application and we’ve confirmed our requirements!
Life insurance benefit (US$)
Age 18-39
Age 40-49
Age 50-59
Age 60-69
Typically, we don’t require a medical if you’re young and you’re applying for a low level of cover.
If you’re older and/or you’re applying for a high level of cover, it’s likely that we’ll require a medical.
We may also require a medical if you have a pre-existing medical condition, you have an unhealthy lifestyle, or if you have a high Body Mass Index.
If we do require a medical, you can have it with a doctor of your choice—provided they hold recognised qualifications and issue their reports in English.
Depending on your age and your level of cover, you medical may include any of the following:
A medical report usually involves detailed questions from a doctor and a full examination, including heart, chest, blood pressure, and urine tests. The doctor may measure your height, weight, and waist.
We will reimburse you up to US$750 for any medicals we require. You just need to send us a reimbursement request and a copy of your invoice.
We will still reimburse you if we reject your application, but we won’t reimburse you if you decide not to purchase a policy.
You have a guaranteed option to increase your level of cover by 10% each year (up to US$50,000). If you want to increase your cover by more than this, we may require a medical.
It’s best to get in touch and we’ll confirm exactly what we need from you.
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9:00am – 5:00pm
6:00am – 6:00pm
8:00am – 5:30pm
The quickest way to reach us is by email.
Still got questions about medicals? You can find answers to the most common questions here, but feel free to get in touch and speak to our team. We’d be glad to help.
We can accept blood tests you’ve received in the last 3 months and medicals you’ve received in the last 6 months. Please don’t organise fresh medicals or tests until you’ve applied and we’ve confirmed our requirements.
We show the benefit limits in US dollars, but we can also denominate your policy in pounds sterling or Euros. You won’t find complete information for our products on this webpage, nor the full T&Cs, limitations, and exclusions that would apply if you purchase a life insurance policy. You can find complete information in the policy T&Cs, which we suggest you read together with this webpage. We work hard to ensure the information we provide on this webpage is accurate and up-to-date, but inaccuracies are possible. We rectify errors as soon as we become aware of them. The terms and conditions that apply to your policy are those found in your policy T&Cs.
At William Russell, we have over 30 years’ experience of providing international life insurance exclusively for expats like you. Become a member today to enjoy worldwide coverage, giving you total peace of mind wherever you move to live and work.
Joe Holden Global Relationship Manager
If you’re ready to see prices for life insurance, click on ‘Get a Quote’ below to head on over to our online quote tool.
We’ll ask you a few details (your age, your location), and then we’ll show you prices—it only takes a few minutes!
A couple of days after you’ve received you quote, Joe will email or call you to find out how we can help you further. Joe won’t bug you, and you can opt out at any time.
It’s filled with handy information and tips for expats.
We were one of the first insurance providers to cover people living abroad, and we’ve earned a reputation for our wonderful customer service.
The insurer behind our policies is part of the Allianz group
We’re proud of our award-winning service and our members rate it highly
You will get your own dedicated adviser when you join
If you’re not happy with your life insurance policy or the service we provide, and you haven’t yet made a claim, then we’ll refund the premium you’ve paid—no questions asked.
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