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Requirements

What is it?

Who does it?

How long does it usually take?

Application with non-medical (health information)

Fully completed application including health information and any applicable questionnaires.

Advisor

20-30 minutes depending on product and client's history.

Vitals
(Vital Statistics)

Measured height & weight, 3 blood pressure readings.

PM nurse from an approved vendor. Done at client's home or office at client's convenience.

10-15 minutes - the Underwriter may request BP readings to be taken at 10 minute intervals for a more balanced average reading.

Paramed/PM
(Paramedical Exam)

Client is asked questions similar to the non-medical questions on the application form. Vitals and a urine sample are also collected.

PM nurse from an approved vendor. Done at client's home or office at client's convenience.

25-35 minutes depending on client's health history.

- 45 minutes for PM + BCP
- 1 hour for PM + BCP + ECG

    Med
    (Medical Exam)

    Client is asked questions similar to the non-medical questions on the application form. Vitals and a urine sample are also collected. The doctor will do a traditional physical examination and listen to the client's heartbeat.

    Physician from an approved vendor. If not specified, this can be done by a general practitioner (GP) but the Underwriter may specifically ask for an internist (special doctor for adults) to do the exam. Physician may delegate the Paramed duties to an RN but will always perform the examination. Usually done at vendor's or doctor's office.

    25-35 minutes depending on the client's history.

    Urinalysis/HOS
    (Head Office Specimen)

    Urine sample. Some of the tests done may include: nicotine, cocaine, medications, diabetes but does not include HIV testing.

    PM nurse from an approved vendor. Done at client's home or office at client's convenience.

    5 minutes

    UHIV
    (Urine HIV)

    Urine sample. Some of the tests done may include: nicotine, cocaine, medications, diabetes.

    PM nurse from an approved vendor. Done at client's home or office at client's convenience.

    5 minutes

    BCP
    (Blood Chemistry Profile, Full Blood Profile)

    2-3 vials of blood. Must be forwarded to our approved laboratory. Some of the tests done may include cholesterol, liver & kidney function, diabetes, hepatitis and HIV. Also includes urine collection as part of the kit.

    PM nurse from an approved vendor. Done at client's home or office at client's convenience.

    10-20 minutes

    MVR
    (Motor Vehicle Report)

    Summary of client's driving record

    Professional from an approved vendor. 

    Due to provincial regulations, clients living in Alberta must obtain a copy of their own MVR.

    Approximately 15 days to obtain.

    IR
    (Inspection Report)

    Usually done by telephone with applicant. Client may also be asked to provide references such as accountant, employer or banker. This provides third-party verification as well as detailed information regarding the client's income, net worth, investments and job function.

    Consumer Reporting Agency specializing in insurance reporting

    10-30 minutes depending on the client's history

    Personal History Tele-Interview
    (PHI)

    Inspection done by telephone.

    Client is asked questions similar to the non-medical questions on the application form.

    Professional from an approved vendor, or an underwriter.

    20-30 minutes depending on client's history.

    MLSI
    (Mature Lifestyle Interview)

    Telephone interview as a supplement to the application.

    Nurse from an approved vendor.

    25-35 minutes depending on the client's history.

    ECG/EKG
    (Electrocardiogram)

    An ECG is a record of the heart's electrical activity. Ten sensors are attached to arms, legs and chests. Electrical impulses associated with heart contractions and relaxations are recorded. The ECG is completely painless, no electricity goes into body and there is no chance of electrical shock.

    PM nurse or ECG technician from an approved vendor. Can be done on a mobile basis but is often done at the vendor's office.

    20-30 minutes

    Stress ECG/ST
    (Stress Electrocardiogram)

    An ECG done while riding a stationary bicycle or running on a treadmill. It measures the heart's activity before, during and after exercise.

    PM nurse or ECG technician from an approved vendor. Done at the doctor's or vendor's office.

    20-30 minutes

    CXR
    (Chest X-ray)

    A CXR provides a radiongraphic picture of client's chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs and diaphragm. Two views are usually taken: one from the front to back (posterior-anterior view) and one from side-to-side (lateral view).

    Usually perfomed by an x-ray technician. Cannot be done on a mobile basis but will be arranged at a location that is convenient for the client.

    10 minutes

    APS
    (Attending Physician's Statement)

    Summary from client's physician outlining medical history as well as documentation of recent consultations.

    Ordered by Empire Life head office via an approved vendor.

    Average turnaround is 19 business days.

    Disclosure Comparison Form (Disclosure Statement, Replacement Form) or LIRD (Life Insurance Replacement Declaration)

    Government approved form required for internal and external replacement situations. The form illustrates the implications of replacing a policy and allows the policy owner to make an informed decision. A separate disclosure form must be completed for each policy that is replaced. *This form is not a cancellation request!

    Advisor

    5 minutes

    Cancellation Request

    Letter or form signed by the client requesting cancellation of an existing policy.

    Advisor

    5 minutes