A Waiting Game: The Traditional Life Insurance Approval Process

Not many people enjoy the idea of purchasing life insurance, especially when most expect to endure a series of medical tests and questioning on top of a long approval period. Of course, there are some policies out there that do not require the long approval process, but the majority of companies will use similar processes to determine the eligibility of applicants for their policies.

At TopLine Life Insurance, we understand that applying for life insurance can get stressful and frustrating. That is why we have decided to elaborate on the traditional approval process for most policies below and inform current and potential clients about a way to get around most (or all) of it.

Qualifying for Most Life Insurance Policies

  • Go Quote-Hunting
    Every life insurance purchase must begin with a little shopping around. There is no shortage of insurance companies and policies to choose from, so it is imperative that you compare rates or work with an expert broker from TopLine to make this part easier. There is no estimated time for this part, but it is important to do enough research so your decision is educated rather than spontaneous or ill-informed.
  • Paper or Electronic Application
    After you make your decision, there is usually a short application to fill out that will include health and habit questions as well as personal and beneficiary information. The premium payment schedule will also be filled out at this time. The application should take no more than a half hour to complete.
  • Medical Exam
    When the application is sent, the next step is for the insurance company to send a medical professional (usually a nurse) to your home to verify the information on the application. Usually, the nurse will ask a few questions about your medical history, lifestyle, habits, personal information, and other topics relevant to the approval process. Height, weight, family history, and blood pressure will also get scrutinized. Then, the nurse will take blood and urine samples for analysis to determine medical history, underlying medical conditions, and fact check the original application. This exam should only take 15 minutes to complete.
  • Underwriting Procedure
    This can take anywhere from four to eight weeks, making it the longest leg of the approval process. Underwriters will review your application and medical exam results and make a note of any discrepancies on the application. Along with a few other factors, the underwriters will determine your eligibility for the policy you want and the premium and benefit rate for which you qualify.
  • Approval, Adjustments, or Denial
    If you are denied the policy, don’t worry — there are other plans to consider, and our brokers can help you find the policy best suited to your situation. However, if you are approved, it usually takes up to 10 days to receive the policy. After approval, you can proceed to make on-time, monthly premium payments to keep the policy active.

The Medical Exam Bypass

The above process is more or less standard for most life insurance policies, but it is not the only option. Watch the following video to learn about Instant-Approval Life Insurance Plans:

There are so many life insurance companies and policies, which can make it challenging to figure out what you want. With TopLine Life Insurance, you can rest assured that our experienced brokers can show you a wide range of options, provide expert insurance advice, and set you up with the right insurer in our large network of local and national providers. Call us at TopLine for instant-approval life insurance today, and get approved tomorrow!






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What is the best kind of life insurance?

There are many life insurance policies from which to choose, and the best one for you might not be the best for someone else. If you need lower premiums, a term life insurance policy might be a good option. If you are looking for insurance that provides investment opportunities and does not expire until you pass away, a universal plan is an excellent choice. Speak to a TopLine Life Insurance broker to discuss your options.

What is a life insurance premium?

A life insurance premium is a regular payment you must make to your insurance company to pay for your life insurance policy. Continuous payments will keep your plan active, while missing payments could cause it to lapse. Different policies have different requirements for premium payments, so research possible policies and contact us at TopLine to find the right plan for you.

How much life insurance do I need?

This answer differs from person to person and is mostly dependant upon your finances. Typically, your minimum amount should be enough to cover your mortgage, loans, credit cards, and any other outstanding payments and debts.

Other considerations include:

  • College tuition assistance for your children or grandchildren
  • Income replacement for your spouse
  • Estate planning

Speak with a TopLine life insurance broker to avoid over or under-insuring yourself.

Should I buy life insurance before I turn 40?

Generally speaking, buying a life insurance policy when you are younger and healthier gives you a better chance of locking in a favorable policy premium. By purchasing a plan now, you can guarantee your “insurability” for the future. You won’t have to stress about higher premiums when you get older and possibly experience health issues. Talk to one of our brokers about the best available policies for you.

What is a beneficiary? Who can be one?

A beneficiary is a person listed on your life insurance policy which is the full or partial recipient of the death benefit provided by the policy. Anyone can be a beneficiary, and there can be multiple beneficiaries on the same plan. Note: No one is automatically listed as a beneficiary, including your spouse and children, so be sure to indicate your beneficiary choice(s) at the time of your policy purchase.

Your Family is Our Focus

We are a fully transparent agency, there are no secrets or surprises. We allow consumers to see the companies we represent and allow them to quote prices before they contact us. We want them to know which company offers the lowest prices as opposed to us telling them. Once a program is selected by the consumer or suggested by TopLine, our clients are amazed at the speed in which they are approved for coverage. We have a family mentality that is productive and fun. Our office has almost no turnover, which means you get to know us very well. We are an insurance family, and we treat our clients as an extension of our family, without them, there is no TopLine Insurance.

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At TopLine, we partner with some of the most reputable life insurance companies in the country. We can help you compare quotes and find the best deal.

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Our life insurance brokers are experienced and passionate about finding the best policies for our clients. If you are unsure about your options or have any questions, they are happy to help.

Instant ApprovalInstant Approval

Don’t worry about medical exams or your financial situation. With TopLine, you can get approved for a life insurance policy instantly.

Our Insurance Carriers
Accordia Life, A Global Atlantic CompanyAllianz Life Insurance Company of North America
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They said the application process would be fast. I was thinking I would be approved in a few weeks but somehow, they made sure we got approved the same day. Tracy made the approval process simple and walked me through everything.

- Tanya F.
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