What happens at a life insurance exam depends on your age, the life insurance company, and the amount of life insurance for which you are applying. 

If you are young and applying for a small life insurance policy under $100,000 of coverage, it is possible that all that is needed is answering some medical questions, and maybe giving a sample of urine for testing.

For most people that apply for a medically underwritten life insurance policy over $100,000 of coverage, a blood and urine sample are usually taken; measurements, height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, and health questions are asked.

For seniors and middle aged people, a resting EKG may be added to the list of items mentioned above. For very large amounts of life insurance, the requirements may include a treadmill EKG for older people, or possibly a full physical examination by the applicant's physician.

The medical exam is paid for by the life insurance company. If you do not agree with the results of the exam, you may be able to take another exam, but that depends on the situation and the insurance company.

In addition, there are life insurance plans that offer up to $350,000 of life insurance with no medical examination required, just some health questions for you to answer. And, if you qualify, you may start your life insurance today.