life assurance: faqs

Where exactly are Medmark's Dublin offices?
What are the office opening hours?
Why have I been asked to have a medical examination?
Who carries out the examination?
What is involved in the examination?
What if I need to have extra tests done?
How much will it cost me?
What do I need before I make an appointment?
How do I make an appointment?
What if the examination is urgent?
What if I am running late?

Where exactly are Medmark's Dublin offices?

The Dublin offices are located on the town side of Baggot Street Bridge, 50 yards from the Bank of Ireland headquarters, between the Mercy Convent and the bridge. We are a 7 minute walk from the Lansdowne Road and Grand Canal Dock DART stations, a 5 minute walk from the Charlemont Street and Harcourt Street Luas stations. Metered parking is freely available nearby on Baggot street, Herbert Street and along the canal. For more details on how to find us go to our location page»

What are the office opening hours?

The phones are manned from 8 am until 5 pm. Medicals are available from Monday until Friday from 7 am until 5.45 pm. All clients are seen by appointment and should expect to be seen on time.

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Why have I been asked to have a medical examination?

The life assurance company to which you have applied have likely asked you to have a medical examination for one of the following reasons:

The type of cover you have applied for;

The amount of cover you have applied for, combined with your age;

The answers you have given on your application for cover, for example, your height and weight, smoking habits, medical history and so on.

Thousands of people every year are asked to have medical examinations so it is not unusual for you to be asked to have one.

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Who carries out the examination?

The examinations are carried out by any one of a team of over 10 experienced physicians - with nearly 100 years experience of life assurance medical examinations between them. There are both male and female doctors available - and you may select at the time of booking which doctor you would like to see.

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What is involved in the examination?

The examination usually takes from 15 to 60 minutes depending on the exact requirement of the life assurance company. Most examinations take 15-20 minutes, but if special tests such as an exercise ECG are requested then a longer appointment will be necessary.

The usual medical includes taking a detailed questionnaire concerning:

• Your past medical and surgical history including details about any current illnesses or medical complaints.

• Your family's medical history.

• Your personal habits - smoking, drugs, alcohol.

You will then undergo a physical examination, which will include:

• Measurement of your height and weight and blood pressure.

• Examination of your heart and cardiovascular system.

• Examination of your lungs/respiratory system, your abdomen and any other relevant system.

• You will then be asked to produce a sample of urine for testing. Please do not empty your bladder prior to the assessment!

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What if I need to have extra tests done?

Sometimes you will be asked to have additional tests done. These investigations will all be done on-site – you will not need to go elsewhere.

The sort of tests that are commonly requested are the following:

• HIV blood test – Results available immediately – no preparation required.

• Blood Biochemistry tests – This includes lipids (cholesterol), liver function, kidney function, blood sugar etc., Results available within 24 hours.

• Haematology tests – Results available within 24 hours.

• Other blood tests – Results available within 24 hours.

• Pulmonary function tests – Results available immediately.

• Resting ECG – Results available immediately.

Tests requiring preparation:

• Fasting lipid profile – Ideally should fast – water only allowed for 14-16 hours prior to the test. Results available on the same day.

• Blood Glucose – Blood should be taken after an overnight fast. Results available within the hour.

People requiring these fasting blood tests above are usually booked in early in the morning to save them from fasting all day.

Resting and exercise ECG (stress test):

For this test you must allow one hour for the entire assessment. As part of the test you will be required to exercise on a treadmill. You will likely work up quite a sweat. For comfort please wear or bring either tracksuit bottoms or a pair of shorts and a pair of runners.

There are shower facilities and towels available for clients in the changing area after this test. As you frequently may have to fast before hand for a lipid profile - in this event please bring a small snack with you such as a bar of chocolate or a banana to eat. A snack can be eaten once the blood sample is taken and prior to the exercise ECG, so that you do not have to exercise on an empty stomach.

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How much will it cost me?

You will not pay a fee for the medical examination. The life assurance company will cover the costs involved.

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What do I need before I make an appointment?

Ideally you should know the name of the insurance company who have asked you to have the medical, your application or reference number if available, the name and contact details of your broker/financial advisor and be able to let us know if any special tests have been requested. Often this information will have been given to us by the life assurance company or your financial advisor in advance.

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How do I make an appointment?

Phone the office any time between 8.00 am and 5.00 pm. Have your diary with you!

Email us with your details if you have difficulty contacting us by phone at info@medmark.ie or admin@medmark.ie and we will call you directly to arrange the appointment.

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What if the examination is urgent?

If the assessment needs to be done urgently please let one of our secretaries know when you make contact. We use a courier system to a private laboratory so that blood results are available within 24 hours – some are available immediately. We can arrange to have the completed examination form couriered or picked up by the company as soon as it is ready.

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What if I am running late?

Please arrive at the building about 5 minutes before your appointment time. It is important not to be late or the doctor may have difficulty seeing you. If you know beforehand that you cannot make the appointment or if you are going to be late please cancel/call the office to reschedule the appointment. The doctor will see those who arrive on time – on time. They will endeavour to see anyone who arrives late – but this is not always possible and sometimes you may have to be rescheduled.

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