Can I get life insurance without a medical?

Last updated: July 2026 

Key takeaways

• It is often possible to apply for life insurance without having a physical medical examination or blood test, depending on the insurer and the policy
• ‘No medical’ usually means you won't need a medical exam or blood tests to apply, but you may still be asked health and lifestyle questions during the application process
• Insurers assess applications differently, and they may request additional information
• Policy features, eligibility requirements, premiums and cover limits can vary, so it's important to review the policy documents before applying
• Providing complete and accurate information during your application helps insurers assess your application based on your circumstances

It’s often possible to apply for life insurance without needing to have a physical medical examination or undergoing blood tests. Instead, you may be asked questions about your health, lifestyle and medical history as part of the application process.

Understanding how this type of life insurance works can help you know what to expect before you apply. While the process may be more straightforward for some people, it's important to remember that application requirements, eligibility and policy terms vary between insurers. In some cases, additional information may still be needed before an application can be assessed.

In this guide, we'll explain what life insurance with ‘no medical’ or blood test generally means, how the application process works, how it compares with other types of life insurance, and some of the key things to consider before choosing a policy. We'll also answer some common questions Australians have about applying for life insurance without a medical or blood test.

Related: What is life insurance?

What is no medical life insurance?

No medical life insurance generally refers to a life insurance policy that does not require you to undergo a physical medical examination as part of the application process. Instead of arranging a doctor's appointment or having medical or blood tests, you'll usually be asked to answer questions about your health, lifestyle and medical history.

Related: What does life insurance cover?

How does life insurance with no medical or blood test to apply work?

Applying for life insurance without a medical or blood test is generally designed to be simpler because you don't usually need to arrange a physical medical examination. While the exact process varies between insurers and products, you'll typically complete a series of health and lifestyle questions. Your answers help the insurer assess your application and determine the terms on which cover may be offered. In some circumstances, the insurer may request additional information before making a decision.

Step 1: Complete a health and lifestyle questionnaire

The application usually starts online or over the phone. Instead of visiting a doctor for medical tests, you'll answer questions that help the insurer understand your personal circumstances and review the level of risk.

Depending on the policy, these questions may cover your:

• age
• height and weight
• smoking or vaping habits
• alcohol consumption
• occupation
• current and previous medical conditions
• family medical history

Step 2: The insurer reviews your information

Once you've submitted your application, the insurer reviews the information you've provided. In some cases, they may ask for additional details to help with your application.

The assessment process varies between insurers and policies. Not all applications are processed in the same way, and the information required may depend on your individual circumstances.

Step 3: Receive an application outcome

After reviewing your application, the insurer will let you know the outcome. They may:

• offer cover on the standard terms
• offer cover with different terms or conditions
• request further information before making a decision, or
• advise that they're unable to offer cover

Because every application is looked at on its own merit, the time taken to reach a decision can vary.

Why honest answers matter

Whether you're applying for life insurance with no medical or blood test  or a policy that includes a medical examination, it's important to answer all questions honestly and completely.

Providing incomplete or inaccurate information may affect how your application is processed or, in some circumstances, how a future claim is handled. Always refer to the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and policy documents to understand how disclosure obligations apply to your policy.

How does life insurance with no medical or blood test to apply compare with medically underwritten life insurance?

Both products are designed to provide financial protection if the insured person dies or experiences another insured event. The main difference is how the insurer assesses your application.

With life insurance without a medical or blood test to apply, a physical medical examination is not typically required. Instead, the insurer generally relies on the information you provide about your health, lifestyle and medical history. A medically underwritten policy may involve additional medical information or examinations as part of the process.

The table below outlines some of the general differences. Keep in mind that application requirements and policy features vary between insurers and products.

Neither approach is inherently better than the other. The most appropriate option will depend on factors such as the type of cover you're looking for, your personal circumstances and the insurer's underwriting requirements.

Related: How much does life insurance cost?

Common considerations before choosing life insurance

If you're considering life insurance, it's worth understanding how different policies work before you apply. While the application process may be more straightforward because a physical medical or blood isn't typically required, policy features, eligibility criteria and costs can vary between insurers.

Here are some common considerations to keep in mind.

A simpler application process may not mean fewer questions

Although you may not need to attend a medical test, you'll usually be asked questions about your health, lifestyle and medical history that you’ll need to answer honestly.

Cover and policy features vary

No two life insurance policies are exactly the same. There may be differences in:

• eligibility requirements
• available cover amounts
• premiums
• policy features
• exclusions
• waiting periods, where applicable.

Premiums depend on your individual circumstances

The cost of life insurance varies from person to person. Insurers generally consider a range of factors when calculating premiums, including your age, health, smoking status, occupation, the level of cover you choose and the insurer's underwriting approach.

Rather than focusing on price alone, it can be helpful to consider the overall features of a policy and whether it aligns with your needs and circumstances.

Take time to understand what's included

Before choosing a policy, consider reviewing:

• what events the policy covers
• any exclusions or limitations that may apply
• when benefits may be payable
• the eligibility requirements
• the PDS and other policy documents

Taking the time to understand these details can help you make a more informed decision about the type of cover that's right for your circumstances.

Types of life insurance that may not require a medicalor blood test to apply

Not every life insurance policy requires a physical medical or blood test to apply.  There are different ways cover may be offered without medical tests. The application process and eligibility requirements can vary, so it's important to understand how each option works.

The examples below provide a general overview of some common approaches in Australia.

Related: How much life insurance do I need?

Things to consider before applying for life insurance

Before applying for life insurance, it's worth taking some time to understand how the policy works and whether it aligns with your needs. While every insurer has its own application process and policy features, asking a few key questions beforehand can help you compare your options with confidence.

Understand what the policy covers

Not all life insurance policies provide the same cover. Before applying, check:

• the type of cover being offered
• the benefit amount available
• any exclusions or limitations that may apply
• the eligibility requirements
• how premiums are calculated

Answer application questions carefully

Providing complete and accurate information helps the insurer assess your application based on your individual circumstances. If you're unsure about a question, consider asking the insurer for clarification before submitting your application.

Check any existing life insurance cover

You may already have some life insurance through your superannuation fund or another policy. Before taking out additional cover, it can be helpful to understand:

• how much cover you already have
• what events your existing policy covers
• whether there are any differences in features or conditions
• whether holding multiple policies is appropriate for your circumstances

Understanding your existing arrangements can help you make a more informed comparison between policies.

Final thoughts

It's often possible to apply for life insurance without a medical or blood test, but ‘no medical’ doesn't necessarily mean there are no health questions or that every application is assessed in the same way. You'll usually be asked to provide information about your health and lifestyle so your application can be considered.

If you're comparing no medical life insurance options, take the time to understand how each policy works, what's covered, and any eligibility requirements, exclusions or other conditions that may apply.

The other important thing to keep in mind is that ‘no medical’ to apply for a life insurance policy doesn’t necessarily mean no medicals will be needed when you lodge a claim. A medical or blood test may be needed.

If you’re ready to look further into applying for life insurance without having to complete a medical check-up, consider learning more about Real Life Insurance. And when you’re ready, request a quote to explore your options.

Frequently asked questions

Can I increase my life insurance cover later if I don't have a medical examination now?

It depends on the insurer and the policy. Many insurers allow you to apply to increase your cover at a later date, but they may ask for updated health or lifestyle information as part of the assessment. Any increase in cover is generally subject to the insurer's underwriting requirements and the policy terms that apply at the time of your application.

Is no medical life insurance available if I have a pre-existing condition?

Having a pre-existing condition does not automatically mean you can't apply for   life insurance. Each insurer assesses applications according to its own underwriting guidelines, and the outcome will depend on factors such as your medical history, the condition itself and the type of policy you're applying for.

Cover may be offered on standard terms, offered with different terms or conditions, or not offered. It's important to answer all health questions accurately so the insurer can assess your application based on your individual circumstances.

Does age affect eligibility for  life insurance?

Yes. Eligibility requirements vary between insurers and products, and age is one of the factors considered when applying for life insurance.

Real Life Insurance has minimum and maximum entry ages that apply to its policies. If you're considering applying, check the current PDS or speak with the Real Insurance team to understand the eligibility criteria that apply.

What information will I usually be asked during the application?

While every insurer has its own application process, you'll generally be asked questions about your:

• age
• height and weight
• smoking or vaping status
• alcohol consumption
• occupation
• current and previous medical conditions
• family medical history, where relevant

The insurer uses this information to assess your application. In some cases, they may ask for additional information before making a decision.

Does no medical to apply mean guaranteed acceptance?

No. Life insurance without a medical examination means you may not need to undergo a physical medical examination, but it does not mean your application will be automatically accepted.

Most insurers still assess your application using the information you provide about your health, lifestyle and medical history. They may request additional information before determining whether cover can be offered and, if so, on what terms.