We know getting life insurance after a heart attack can be really stressful.
It’s a tough time, and dealing with insurance on top of that can feel overwhelming.
Just know, you’re not alone.
Lots of people go through this and have the same worries.
We’re here to help you through it and find an insurer who understands your situation.
Can You Get Life Insurance after a Heart Attack?
Like most health issues, the answer is “Yes, it’s possible, but it depends on a number of factors.”
I’ll run through the most important ones.
The insurer
Different insurance companies have varying guidelines and risk assessments.
Some may have stricter criteria and longer waiting periods, while others might offer more lenient terms.
Our job is to find the most suitable insurer for your situation.
Date of the heart attack
If you’ve had a heart attack in the last three months, insurers will wait until this period has passed.
They also need you to complete any follow-up tests before offering coverage.
Age
Younger people will find it more difficult to get life insurance after a heart attack.
If you’re under 40 and have suffered a heart attack, I’m afraid it’s going to be almost impossible to get cover.
Frequency of attacks
Two or more heart attacks will usually result in a decline.
Other health issues
If you have other health conditions such as diabetes, stroke, circulatory problems or other heart problems such as valvular heart disease or cardiomyopathy, the insurer will refuse cover.
The Severity of the Heart Attack:
Mild heart attacks may result in shorter waiting periods, while severe ones often lead to longer waiting periods.
Current Health and Recovery:
A well-documented, smooth recovery with no ongoing complications can shorten the waiting period.
Ongoing health issues or complications can extend it.
Follow-Up Care and Compliance:
Regularly following up with your cardiologist and sticking to prescribed treatments and lifestyle changes can shorten the waiting period.
Medical Evaluations and Tests:
Positive results from recent medical tests, such as EKGs, stress tests, and other cardiac evaluations, can shorten the waiting period.
How Much Does Life Insurance after a Heart Attack Cost?
You’re looking at a loading of between 100% and 300%.
If someone in perfect health pays €50 per month for their cover, you’ll pay between €100 and €200 per month for the same cover.
Can You Get Income Protection or Serious Illness Cover after a Heart Attack?
Unfortunately not, but Multi Claim Protection Cover and Cancer Only Cover are possible.
Over to you…
Are you worried you or a loved one won’t get covered because of a heart attack?
The most difficult part of getting coverage is trying to find the most understanding insurer.
That’s where we come in:
If you’d like me to check with my insurers, please complete this questionnaire.
Or, if you’d prefer a call first, please book a time that suits you here
Thanks for reading
Nick
Editor’s Note: We published this blog in 2017 and have regularly updated it