Have you ever studied hard for an exam? Even though you might not have been paying close attention all semester, cramming at the last minute can still be worthwhile. You can apply the same tactic to your life insurance exam. While it’s better to be healthy all the time, there are things you can do right now to improve your medical exam results.

There are commonly two options if you’re thinking about getting life insurance. You can either buy a policy that doesn’t require a medical exam or one that does. The second option is significantly less expensive if your exam goes reasonably well. Taking steps to improve your results is a worthwhile effort.

Pass your exam and get your best rate with these strategies:

1. Avoid drinking alcohol for at least 48 hours before the appointment. While alcohol feels relaxing, it also tends to increase blood pressure. Blood pressure that is a little high can increase your rate by 20%. If it’s too high, you can be out of luck altogether.
2. Avoid caffeine for 48 hours. Like alcohol, caffeine can raise blood pressure. It can also increase your heart rate and temporarily create an irregular heartbeat.

• Remember that it’s not just coffee that contains caffeine. Tea, soft drinks, pain relievers, and cold medications can also have caffeine. Even a tiny amount can have a significant effect on some people.

1. Drop excess weight. This tactic requires more time than the previous two, but it’s essential. Obesity is a risk factor for many common causes of death. Just a few pounds can potentially move you into the next rate category. Lose some weight and save a lot of money.
2. Stop smoking. Interestingly, if you’ve smoked for the last 30 years but have stopped for the last few months, you’re considered a non-smoker. This is perhaps the most important tip. Smoking can increase your premium by 200%. That’s a three-fold increase. Eliminating your smoking habit can cut your premium by two-thirds.
   • If you’re going to continue to smoke, avoid smoking for at least an hour before the exam. Your blood pressure and pulse will be improved.
3. Avoid the health club for 24 hours. Over-training can result in unusual blood pressure, pulse, and other blood values. Any exercise shortly before your appointment can also have adverse effects. Avoid working out for 24 hours, and give yourself a longer break if you’ve been pushing yourself hard at the gym.
4. Eat very healthily for at least a couple of meals leading up to the appointment. Even one meal of fatty meat can raise lipid and cholesterol levels quickly.

• Ideally, eat well for at least three weeks before your exam. According to research, any diet will show maximal improvement in blood results after just three weeks.

1. Rest and relax. A good night’s sleep will lower your pulse and blood pressure. Give yourself plenty of time to arrive at your appointment. Being late is likely to increase your level of anxiety.

• If your blood pressure is high, ask to have it rechecked toward the end of the appointment. It will likely have improved.

Most of these tips only require a day or two to put into action. A few require more time but are likely to affect the cost of your life insurance premiums profoundly. Cram for your life insurance medical exam and lower your rates. You can also enjoy a genuine increase in your health.