In order to take out a health insurance policy, a medical examination required by the insurance company is often included among the necessary steps. There are several ways to prepare for exams, so that you are in the best possible health and can earn a lower reward. Follow the tips listed in this article to prepare yourself in the months leading up to your visit and even on the day of your appointment!
Steps
Method 1 of 13: Eat healthy in the weeks leading up to your check up
Step 1. A healthy diet can help you improve your blood test results
Strive to eat a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, whole grains, and lean meats. Avoid sugars, packaged foods, and fast foods in the weeks leading up to testing. This way you can improve your cholesterol levels, blood pressure and heart rate, thus achieving a lower insurance premium.
- Avocado can be particularly useful for this purpose: it is a fruit rich in monounsaturated fats, very healthy for the heart, which help to raise HDL cholesterol levels. HDL is often called "good cholesterol" because it helps maintain good overall health.
- Limit the amount of salt: it can cause water retention and increase blood pressure.
Method 2 of 13: Drink lots of water
Step 1. Water is essential for eliminating toxins and keeping the body healthy
Drink it whenever you feel thirsty, avoiding less healthy drinks containing sugar or caffeine, such as soda or energy drinks. Carry a bottle of water with you when you are out, at work or on the road, so you always have it close at hand.
You can also take other healthy liquids, such as coffee, tea, and fruit juices, as long as they are in moderate amounts and water remains the first choice
Method 3 of 13: Limit your alcohol intake
Step 1. Heavy alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure
Limit yourself to one drink per day if you are a woman, or 2 drinks if you are a man; this is the amount of alcohol that is generally considered safe and moderate.
- Alcohol can cause liver problems, a very important organ. Liver function is one of the values generally analyzed in this type of tests; drinking excessively before tests can compromise the results.
- If blood tests show that your body is completely free of alcohol, even better: heavy drinkers are more prone to certain health problems, so insurance companies tend to offer lower premiums to abstainers or those who drink in moderation.
Method 4 of 13: Quit smoking if you are a smoker
Step 1. Being a non-smoker can get you a lower premium
Stop smoking at least 6 months before your medical examination to be officially considered a former smoker. Urinalysis can detect nicotine in your body, so make sure you don't consume chewing tobacco or use nicotine patches or gum in the months leading up to the exam.
- If you can't quit on your own, reach out to dedicated online platforms or support groups, read books on the subject, or ask friends and family for help.
- Don't lie about your nicotine habits during your medical visit. Many people think they can simply say they don't smoke or minimize the amount of cigarettes they smoke. Doing so constitutes fraud and can lead to exclusion from an insurance plan.
Method 5 of 13: Make a morning appointment
Step 1. The body is less stressed early in the morning
Choose any date that allows you to go for the medical examination in the morning. Even if it means going on the weekend, it's the best option.
This would also allow you to undergo exams without eating anything beforehand, while it would be difficult to do so if the appointment was in the afternoon
Method 6 of 13: Get a good night's sleep the night before
Step 1. Lack of sleep can cause a build-up of stress, which in turn affects blood pressure
Try to get at least 8-9 hours of restful sleep the night before your visit. Find ways to relax before bed, such as by taking a warm bath. Avoid electronic screens in the hours leading up to sleep, as blue light can stimulate brain activity and make it difficult to fall asleep.
If after 20 minutes you still can't sleep, get up and read a book until your eyes close
Method 7 of 13: Don't take caffeine on the morning of your check up
Step 1. Caffeine intake can cause a temporary spike in blood pressure
If you're used to drinking coffee, skip your morning cup before your appointment. Also avoid other caffeinated drinks, such as black tea. instead, drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up to hydrate your body before testing.
If you have a tendency to consume a lot of caffeine, try to gradually eliminate it in the weeks leading up to your appointment. This way, it won't be so difficult to give up coffee on exam day
Method 8 of 13: Don't eat until after your medical examination is complete
Step 1. Certain foods can raise blood pressure
Skip breakfast on the morning of the tests; drink just a little water to hydrate yourself and be able to produce a sample for the urine test. Once your exams are over, go out and treat yourself to something tasty!
You can eat normally the night before, as long as it's a healthy meal. Remember to avoid foods that are high in sodium and cholesterol, such as red meat
Method 9 of 13: Don't exercise before exams
Step 1. Physical activity can increase blood pressure
Avoid exercising in the 24 hours prior to your visit; if you usually go to the gym or jog in the morning, postpone your workout to another time of the day.
You can train safely in the weeks before the visit - regular physical activity is indeed essential to stay healthy
Method 10 of 13: Wear light clothing
Step 1. Very heavy clothing can alter your weight measurement during the visit
Wear as little clothing as possible and forget about heavy accessories like jewelry. Weight is a factor that helps determine insurance premium and capital, so the measurement must be as accurate as possible.
You will also need to undergo blood tests, so wear a shirt with short sleeves or easy to pull up to make it easier for you to take your blood sample
Method 11 of 13: Bring your medical records
Step 1. During the visit they will ask you questions about your medical history
Make a list of any medications you are taking and those you have taken in the past; bring the reports relating to any pathology you suffer from or for which you have been treated previously. Also have your doctor's contact information ready.
If you hide a pathology or treatment that you are following, it is unlikely that the visit will go in your favor. Always be honest about your medical history
Method 12 of 13: Bring valid ID
Step 1. You will need to prove who you are at the time of the check up
Make sure you have your ID card, passport or other type of official document with a photo and issued by the government, keeping it handy to show when requested.
Method 13 of 13: Prepare to answer a series of personal questions
Step 1. The examiner will analyze all relevant aspects in order to determine the award
Expect a flurry of questions about your health, medical history, and lifestyle. It may seem like a bit of an invasive procedure, but remember that its purpose is to guarantee you the best policy for your particular case.
