When you take a medical examination for a life insurance policy, you usually have a blood test and urine test in addition to the health questions and vitals check.

For older people the life insurance company may ask you to complete an EKG as well a mature assessment which looks at cognitive and mobile abilities. Seniors may be asked to perform the mature assessment.

Some common things life insurers look for in these health tests may include cholesterol levels, A1C (Blood Sugar) levels which check to see if someone is diabetic or are already diabetic and have good control, liver, kidney protein levels, and whether for not here is any nicotine in your system.

In addition, insurers may look for STD's, HIV, legal and illegal drugs in your system, among other things.

If you're uncomfortable taking an medical exam, there are non-medical life insurance policies available, but you will pay a higher rate for this coverage.

Learn more about life insurance medical exams, what to expect, and how to prepare for your exam.