Actually, it will depend on your age, health, amount of life insurance, and the insurer's underwriting guidelines.
Usually, if you are over age 30, or you smoke or heave health issues, or you need more than $50,000 of life insurance - you will likely be required to take a parade exam.
A paramed exam is paid for by the insurer. A nurse comes to your home and checks your vitals and ask you some questions about your health, and your health history.
In addition, you may need to give a blood or urine sample for testing by a medical laboratory to confirm your health, and that you have no serious health issues.
However, there are term life policies available that do not require a physical examination. These are usually available for healthy individuals between the age of 20 to 60.
Here's how to get term life insurance without taking a physical exam.