Can I Get Life Insurance After Having a Heart Attack?

Feb. 22, 2017

Suffering a heart attack can make you re-evaluate your need for life insurance . While it is more difficult to get approved for coverage after a heart attack, the good news is that it isn't impossible.

When and how to apply

Generally speaking, you may not qualify for life insurance immediately after suffering from a heart attack. Some carriers want at least 1-2 years to have passed since your heart attack, and will likely need to review medical documentation, such as chest x-rays, EKG or stress test results. Most people who apply for coverage after this period will be able to obtain life insurance. Although many of those who have suffered from this unfortunate health condition will not qualify for "preferred" rates, "standard" rates are possible.

When you apply for life insurance after having a heart attack, be as open and honest with your agent as possible. You'll need to provide the date(s) of the attack(s), a list of medications you're taking and other information that could help improve the odds of being approved for coverage. For example, if you've lost weight, stopped smoking or taken other action to reduce stress and improve your health, a letter from your doctor could be helpful.

Factors that Could Raise Your Premium

When an insurance company evaluates an application for coverage, they are trying to determine the risk they're assuming by issuing a policy. If you've had a heart attack and they agree to issue a life insurance policy, the policy may be "rated", meaning you'll pay higher premiums, for multiple reasons including:

  • Recurring or ongoing chest pain
  • More than one heart attack
  • Heart attack at a relatively young age
  • Obesity
  • Use of tobacco products
  • Diabetes
  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • Poor lipid control
  • Persistent arrhythmias
  • Decreased left ventricular function
  • Kidney disease
  • Other cardiovascular or coronary artery disease

It may be helpful to have medical records or results from your doctor available when you shop for life insurance after a heart attack, as that can take much of the guesswork out of the process for the life insurance underwriters.

Of course, nobody knows when a serious health event will take place, or when we'll actually need life insurance to be there for us. The best time to buy life insurance is when you're young and healthy, because the premiums you pay are based on your attained age and overall health. However, if you've suffered a heart attack or other medical emergency, you may still qualify for life insurance coverage.

Symmetry Financial is Here to Help

At Symmetry Financial Group , we work with people who need insurance coverage after heart attacks and other serious medical issues. While we cannot promise any specific results, we can tell you we'll work hard on your behalf to obtain quotes from reputable insurance companies to protect your loved ones so that, in the event the worst happens, you will have provided for them financially.

We have access to insurance products from multiple insurance carriers, so we have the ability to shop around to get you the right coverage for your situation. To learn more, and to get quotes today, call us toll-free at (877) 285-5402 or in NC locally at (828) 581-0475.


 

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