The idea of buying a term insurance plan without a medical test sounds tempting — quick approval, no needles, no clinic visits. In a world where we want everything instant, insurers have started offering “no medical test” term plans online.
But here’s the catch — what seems easy at the start may cause trouble later. In 2025, with stricter claim settlement norms from the IRDAI, skipping the medical test could increase the risk of claim rejection. Let’s break down whether a no-medical-test term plan is worth it for you
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | With Medical Test | Without Medical Test |
|---|---|---|
| Premium Cost | Lower (accurate risk assessment) | Higher (risk factored in) |
| Claim Approval Rate | Higher | Lower (more disputes possible) |
| Sum Assured | Up to ₹3–5 Cr | Usually capped at ₹25–50 L |
| Buying Process | Slower (medical check-up needed) | Faster (instant approval possible) |
Why Do Insurers Offer No Medical Test Plans?
Insurers know that many customers hesitate to buy term insurance because of the health check-up step. To attract more buyers, they use your age, income, and self-declared health to approve small-cover policies instantly.
However, because they can’t verify your health upfront, they limit the sum assured and add stricter terms in the fine print.
When Skipping the Medical Test Works
- Young, Healthy Individuals with no medical history, non-smokers, active lifestyle.
- Small Sum Assured Needs (₹25–50 lakh) for short-term financial cover.
- Urgent Needs where coverage is required within hours (e.g., bank loan condition).
When a Medical Test Is Better
- If you want high coverage (₹1–5 crore or more).
- If you have lifestyle risk factors (smoking, high BMI, family illness history).
- If you want to minimise future claim disputes — a medical test locks in proof of your health at the time of buying.
Case Example
Priya, 32, non-smoker, bought a ₹40 lakh no-medical-test term plan online. Two years later, she was diagnosed with diabetes. If she passes away, the insurer may investigate whether she had undiagnosed symptoms earlier. If medical records suggest she did, the claim could be challenged — something a medical test at purchase would have prevented.
Expert Tip
Always remember — the medical test is not for the insurer’s benefit alone. It’s your proof that you were honest and healthy when you took the policy, which strengthens your nominee’s case at claim time.
Why It Matters
Skipping the medical test can save time today but may cost your family tomorrow. If your goal is long-term, high-value financial security, take the medical test and secure a solid, dispute-free cover.
Fast doesn’t always mean better when it comes to life insurance. Share this eBharat.com guide so more people understand the real cost of skipping a medical test.
Internal Links:
- What Happens If You Miss a Term Plan Premium?
- 7 Mistakes Indians Make While Choosing Riders
- Best LIC Plans for Middle-Class Families (₹20K–₹50K Income)
