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Do I need a medical?

Unsure if you’ll need a medical examination when applying for international income protection insurance? Find out when a medical might be required.

Do I need a medical when I apply for income protection insurance?Two females looking at the device together

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 ‘income protection 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.

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When is a medical necessary?

The following table sets out what we’re likely to require from you when you apply for an income protection 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!

Income protection insurance benefit (US$)

Age 18-49

Age 50-59

Up to 25,000
No medical required
No medical required
25,001 – 75,000
No medical required
Medical report, & blood tests (incl. hepatitis & PSA)
75,001 – 100,000
Medical report, & blood tests (incl. hepatitis)
Medical report, blood tests (incl. hepatitis & PSA) & resting ECG
100,001 – 144,000
Medical report, blood tests (incl. hepatitis & PSA) & resting ECG
Medical report, blood tests (incl. hepatitis & PSA), resting & exercise ECG
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How do I get income protection insurance with no medical?

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.

What happens at a medical?

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:

  • Blood tests for hepatitis and PSA
  • Medical report
  • Resting electrocardiogram (ECG)
  • Exercise electrocardiogram (ECG)

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.

“You can have your medical at a doctor near your home or place of work, and we can help you identify a suitable doctor.”
Sharon Clarkson, Medical Insurance Nurse at William Russell

Do I have to have to pay for the medical?

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.

Do I need a medical if I want to increase my cover?

If you want to increase your income benefit, you’ll need to complete a new application form and we may require you to have a medical.

It’s best to get in touch and we’ll confirm exactly what we need from you.

Need help?

Get in touch with us

The quickest way to reach us is by email.

Is there anything else I should know?

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.

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Notes on medicals

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 an income protection 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.

Wherever you go, go with total peace of mind

At William Russell, we have over 30 years’ experience of providing income protection insurance exclusively for expats like you. Become a member today to enjoy total peace of mind that you and your family will have financial support if an illness or injury prevents you from working while you’re living abroad.

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Joe Holden
Global Relationship Manager

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