Heart disease has a way of giving you perspective. Goals that once seemed important fade to the background, and you focus on what really matters: caring for your family and preparing for the future. For many people, this means laying a solid foundation with life insurance with heart disease to protect your loved ones financially. If the worst happens, a life insurance payout could replace lost income or fund your children’s college savings accounts. It could even finance a legacy gift to a charity or alma mater.
However, having a heart attack or a diagnosed heart condition can limit your life insurance options, creating a Catch-22: The reason you need coverage is the reason you can’t find it.
Life Insurance with Heart Disease: Can You Get Coverage?
People with heart disease often wonder if they can even get life insurance with heart disease. The good news is, in most cases, it’s still possible. Life insurance providers assess risk based on the type and severity of your condition, as well as other factors like age and overall health. Learn more about high-risk life insurance here.
Heart Disease and Why It Matters to Insurers
Heart disease affects men and women almost equally and remains the leading cause of death in America, contributing to approximately 1 in 5 deaths in 2024. With advancements in medical care, survival rates have improved, but heart disease continues to pose a significant challenge for those seeking affordable life insurance with heart disease. Due to the associated risks, people diagnosed with heart conditions often face higher premiums or find it more difficult to obtain quality coverage.
Types of Life Insurance with Heart Disease Patients
Understanding your options for life insurance with heart disease is crucial if you have heart disease. Here are the most common types available:
- Term Life Insurance: Offers coverage for a specific period, often 10 to 30 years, and tends to have lower premiums. If you are healthy aside from your heart condition, term life could be an option.
- Whole Life Insurance: Provides lifetime coverage and accumulates a cash value. The premiums are higher but may offer more stability for those with heart conditions.
- Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance: A last-resort option for those who cannot qualify for traditional coverage. No medical exam is required, but premiums are significantly higher. Learn more about guaranteed issue life insurance.
Reduce Your Risk of Future Heart Problems
When you seek the help of an independent insurance agent, they should give you access to a wide variety of carriers. However, reducing your risk to underwriters is equally important. Here’s how:
Improving Your Overall Health for Life Insurance
Even when you have heart disease, insurance underwriters consider a variety of other factors when you apply for life insurance with heart disease:
- Body-Mass Index (BMI): Lowering your BMI can reduce your premiums. A BMI below 25 is ideal.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity, even walking or using the stairs, can improve your health and reduce premiums.
- Healthy Eating: Tracking calories and opting for plant-based proteins can lower your risk.
- Avoid Tobacco: Smokers pay significantly more for life insurance, so quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways to lower your premiums.
Other Insurance Options for Heart Patients
If you have multiple chronic health conditions or need coverage immediately, consider these options for life insurance with heart disease:
- Guaranteed Issue: Available to almost everyone but comes with higher premiums and graded payouts.
- Simplified Issue: No medical exam required, but you’ll answer a series of health questions.
- No-Exam Life Insurance: Coverage up to $350,000 without a medical exam, though you’ll need to be in reasonably good health aside from your heart condition. Learn more about no-exam life insurance here.
Do You Need Insurance?
Some older people who have saved money and built a variety of financial assets may be able to provide for their loved ones in other ways. However, if you don’t have much in savings and have financial dependents, life insurance with heart disease offers an efficient way to plan for the future. Learn more about final expense life insurance here.
FAQs
Can you get life insurance if you have heart disease?
Yes, it is possible to get life insurance with heart disease. The type of coverage and premium you qualify for will depend on the severity of your condition and other health factors.
What is the best type of life insurance for heart disease patients?
Term life and guaranteed issue policies are common choices. However, working with an independent agent can help you find the best options for your specific situation.
Will a heart attack affect my life insurance rates?
Yes, having a heart attack can increase your premiums. However, consistent management of your health and regular follow-ups with your doctor can improve your insurability.
How do life insurance companies assess risk for people with heart disease?
Insurers look at factors such as your heart condition’s severity, your age, medical history, and how well you manage your health. Regular check-ups and tests help provide a clearer picture of your risk.
What factors can improve my chances of getting affordable life insurance with heart disease?
Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and following your doctor’s advice can all help improve your chances of getting affordable coverage.
Conclusion
Finding life insurance with heart disease can feel overwhelming, but it’s not impossible. Independent agents who specialize in high-risk cases can guide you toward the best options available. By taking care of your health and working with the right insurer, you can find coverage that protects your family and fits your budget.
