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Getting Life Insurance with Heart Disease: A Secure Future for You

Insurance Quotes 2 Day Team

Written By Doug Mitchell

Doug Mitchell, CLU holds a BA degree in Finance from Auburn University as well as having obtained a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation from The American College in Bryn Mahr, PA.  Doug has spent close to 30 years in the insurance and financial planning industry and has held licenses to sell securities, long-term care insurance, health.  Doug is also a financial blogger addressing the topics of life insurance, annuities and retirement income planning.

Holly Mitchell  &

Holly Mitchell’s background in life insurance insurance goes back to 1985 when she worked for her father who was a New York Life agent. Holly has a marketing degree from Auburn University and has had a life insurance license since 2008. In addition to advising life insurance for customers all around the country, Holly is our website fact checker.

Rob Pinner   &

Rob Pinner is the founder and CEO of Pinner Financial Services servicing all 50 states. Rob started his insurance career in 2002.

Louis LaBash

Results-driven and innovative life insurance professional with 30 plus years of life insurance industry sales and marketing experience. Recognized as a pioneer in the field, leveraging phone and internet channels to exceed personal sales of over $100 million during the first decade of the 21st century. Creator of a highly effective intuitive IUL life insurance sales software that facilitated the sale of millions of dollars of indexed universal policies by numerous life insurance agents. Proven track record as a Managing General Agent (MGA), Life Agent, IUL Life Insurance Sales Software developer, and leading-edge creator of insurance marketing tools, educational content, and delivery systems.

 17 minute read

Heart disease is a common health problem that affects not only Americans but millions of people around the world as well.

Actually, heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States today and it is also a crippling health problem that can take away your ability to enjoy many of the activities that most of us take for granted.

If you have been diagnosed with heart disease, one of your most important concerns is obtaining a life insurance policy, which will provide your family with a more secure future.

However, a lot of people wonder – is getting life insurance with heart disease possible? The answer is YES!

Through life insurance, you will be able to protect your family, yourself, and your investments.

You can be sure that your family will be taken care of financially if you were to become unable to provide for them in the future due to premature death caused by your heart disease.

Getting life insurance with heart disease can be tough but it will minimize the uncertainties of the future that confronts you. It can provide you with peace of mind and a sense of financial security.

Having a heart problem does not automatically disqualify you from being eligible to buy life insurance.

We help people every day find reasonable life insurance coverage.

You will need to be patient during the process. You will definitely learn from the experience which may also help you establish new habits of healthy living.

Getting life insurance with heart disease might be a lengthy process, but at the end of the day, it will be worth it once you know that your family will be taken care of in the event of your passing.

 

 

getting life insurance with heart disease An Overview of Heart Disease

Before we proceed with our discussion of getting life insurance with heart disease, it is important to first review some basic knowledge about this condition and how it is affecting many Americans, which might just convince you to get a life insurance policy after reading this.

Heart disease is recognized as one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Nonetheless, while heart disease can be deadly, it is also important to emphasize the fact that if you have heart disease, it does not necessarily mean that it will be the death of you.

Death from heart disease is entirely preventable, which is why it is important to live a healthier lifestyle.

Proper medication and treatments will also be required in order to improve your heart health. Life insurance companies want to see how well you are responding to treatment and medications.

Detailed medical records from your physicians will be needed in order for the insurance companies to make a decision as to your rate class. The better that you are taking care of yourself and following your doctor’s orders, the easier it will be for a life insurance company to consider you for a life insurance policy.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 600,000 Americans die annually because of heart disease.

One in every four deaths in the country is because of a cardiovascular problem. This condition can lead to heart attacks, which can be prevented if you just know how to recognize one. In this case, some of the main symptoms of heart attack that you should watch out for include pain in the chest, cold sweats, nausea, shortness of breath, and upper body pain.

Once you know that you do not have a healthy heart, aside from seeking proper medical care and adopting a change in lifestyle, one of the first things that you should do is get life insurance. Getting life insurance if you have heart disease will help you to be prepared for the financial uncertainties that can possibly confront your future.

This should not be seen as an unnecessary expense. Rather, it should be viewed as an investment for your future. We can help you find the coverage that fits your budget.

Qualifying for Life Insurance With Heart Disease

As I mentioned earlier, getting life insurance with heart disease is possible.

By now, you are probably wondering how you are going to qualify. You may have already been told by your insurance agent that you will not qualify. We work with many carriers that will insure people that suffer from heart disease.

Nonetheless, it is important to keep in mind that there are several things that will have an impact on your qualifications for life insurance. Among others, the following are some of the factors that will have an influence on the insurance that can be offered to you:

  • What type of heart problem do you have?

Not all types of heart problems are the same. We can have an underwriter take a look at your medical records and see the specific problem, which will help us determine what companies will be a good fit.

  • What is the severity of your heart problem?

Generally speaking, if it is not severe, you can still qualify for cheaper insurance rates because it means that the condition is still not that bad. Nonetheless, even if you had a heart attack in the past, you can still be qualified.

  • How much time has elapsed since your heart attack?  

If you are applying for life insurance after a heart attack, the length of time since your heart attack will affect your qualification rate. Obviously, the greater the timeframe, the easier it will be to secure a policy.

  • How stable is your overall health?

Your current state of health will also be influential in getting life insurance with heart disease. If your medical records can prove that you are in a good state of  health, you will be viewed by insurers as being low-risk, and hence, you can take advantage of cheaper premiums.

  • What is your lifestyle?

If you know that you have heart disease, you should adopt a healthier and fitter lifestyle, which will increase your chances of living a long life. Insurance companies will consider this to determine the likelihood of risk in the future.

  • Have you been following your doctor’s treatment recommendations?

Underwriters want to see that you are trying to get better. You are more likely to qualify for life insurance if you can show that you are not skipping your exercise and treatment.

Here are some other tips to remember when purchasing life insurance after a heart attack or diagnosis of a heart condition:

  • Document everything. We will need to know the date and time of the events as well as what led up to it. Be open about procedures and the outcomes.
  • Be honest. It is best to be up front from the beginning so we can get you the best possible coverage and the best rates.
  • Have your doctor write a letter on your behalf. Nobody knows your heart history better and nobody else can advocate for you quite like your doctor can.
  • Have you quit smoking or lost weight? Let us know. Any programs you have completed that help you on your way to better health are important – both to you and us!

 

life insurance with heart disease

 

 

Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States, but there are ways to reduce your risk for future problems. The American Heart Association has numerous suggestions for preventing heart disease and staying healthy.

Undergo a medical exam

Expect a basic medical examination and be prepared. Much of this information will have been covered by your life insurance agent during the application process. The insurance company will hire a physician who will:

  • ask about your medical history including any other medical conditions, surgeries or any prescription medications you are currently taking or have taken in the past
  • ask about your family’s medical history
  • take your blood pressure and check your heart
  • check your height and weight
  • take a blood and urine sample
  • ask about lifestyle choices that may affect your health. Do you exercise? Do you smoke? Do you drink alcohol?
  • Do you use recreational drugs?

There may be additional tests depending on your age, the type of policy you want, the amount of coverage you’re applying for and the type and severity of your heart disease. Additional tests could include an EKG, a chest X-ray or a treadmill test.

It only takes 3-5 minutes to find out what you qualify for.

 

What about the different types of heart disease?

More often than not, we see clients with the following types of heart disease qualify for life insurance. We can discuss your situation and talk with underwriters to make sure that you apply to the right company.

Stents

life insurance with stents

According to WebMD, “Unlike coronary bypass surgery, stenting is considered minimally invasive because it involves no major incisions.” This is still heart surgery, but it is usually done with local anesthesia and mild sedation, taking around an hour if only one stent is required.

At Ogletree Financial Services we deal with clients with impaired risk every day. If you have been concerned that your stent surgery will put life insurance out of reach, give us a call. Even if you have already been turned down, we can help.

The details of your surgery are very important to your life insurance agent when preparing your application for an underwriter. Knowing this information about your condition and being able to share it with your agent is key to getting the life insurance you need with the lowest possible premium.

Here is some important information about your stent surgery your agent will probably want to know about:

  • Did you have just one, or more, stents placed?
  • What problem caused you to need stents?
  • When did you have your stent surgery?
  • What are your stress test results?
  • Are you making lifestyle changes to alleviate your condition?
  • What medications are you taking?
  • Have you experienced chest pain since your surgery?

Life insurance companies always look hard at a clients recovery program with any health problem they feel “impairs” your risk. Clients will generally have to wait for six months after their stent surgery to be approved for coverage and WebMD lists the following as important in your recovery:

  • Ask your doctor what medicines you should or shouldn’t take before the procedure.
  • Take all medications as instructed and don’t stop them before you’re told to do so.
  • Tell your doctor if you notice any signs of infection such as pain, swelling, or redness at the spot where the catheter was inserted.
  • Avoid intense exercise or lifting heavy objects afterward. Your doctor will tell you when it’s safe to do so again.
  • Go to all of your follow-up appointments.

The first step is in buying the life insurance you and your family need is to get in touch with the professionals at Ogletree Financial Services. Request a quote to the left on this page, leave a message through our contact page, or call us at 1-800-712-8519.

Heart Valve Repair or Replacement

heart disease heart valve replacement As serious as heart valve repair or replacement may be, getting the life insurance you want after this procedure is not as formidable a task as you may imagine. We insure people every day who have had heart valve surgery.  We know how to guide these individuals to the life insurance company that will provide the best policy for their situation.

The insurance companies that will most economically insure clients who have had heart valve surgery will be interested in all the details of your surgery and any other complicating medical issues. Knowing these details, in addition to following your physicians’ advice for proper recovery and treatment, and also living a healthy lifestyle to support your goal of better health, are the keys to getting the absolute best rates for the life insurance you and your family need.

At Ogletree Financial Services, we have access to all the top life insurance companies and know which insurers to turn to with your unique risk profile, including your heart valve surgery. No matter the severity of your condition, we can secure the best life insurance rates available to you.

One important aspect of your surgery underwriters will consider is whether you have had open heart surgery where a surgeon opens your chest to access your heart and problem valve, or a procedure that lets “the surgeon get to the damaged valve through a small incision in the “breastbone” (sternum) or under the right pectoral muscle in your chest are called minimally invasive procedures.” www.medtronic.com

According to Medtronic, an organization that works to improve lives through medical technologies and solutions, “recent advances in technologies and procedural techniques, more cardiac surgeons are using minimally invasive procedures to repair heart valves.”

Consequently, more and more heart valve surgery patients are getting the life insurance they need with a premium they can afford, many with the help of Ogletree Financial Services.

Arrhythmia

heart disease arrhythmia Getting life insurance with an arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) can be difficult and depends on a wide array of health and lifestyle factors. Still, the mildest conditions can sometimes qualify for a standard risk rating. Don’t let this condition keep you from protecting your families financial future. Even if you do not qualify at a standard risk class, you may be surprised by the affordability of the life insurance you need.

According to the American Heart Association, the “heart pumps blood to the lungs and to all the body’s tissues by a sequence of highly organized contractions of the four chambers. For the heart to function properly, the four chambers must beat in an organized way.” Arrhythmia refers to “any change from the normal sequence of electrical impulses, causing abnormal heart rhythms. Arrhythmias may be completely harmless or life-threatening.”

Here are a few questions you can count on underwriters and your agent to ask when apply for a life insurance policy:

  • What type of arrhythmia do you have and is it related to another condition?
  • How long have you had an arrhythmia?
  • How often do you experience an irregular heartbeat and how long does it last?
  • Have you had any complications?
  • Have you been hospitalized or been to the emergency room because of your arrhythmia?
  • What is your cardiologist’s opinion of your arrhythmia?
  • What medications are you taking or have you taken for your arrhythmia?
  • Are there any contributing personal behaviors such as smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol or even caffeine excessively?

The risk class that underwriters will assign you to will depend on these and other factors. With Ogletree Financial Services in your corner, you can count on our knowledge of the life insurance marketplace and impaired risk expertise to get you and your family the life insurance you seek. And at the lowest premium available.

Cardiomyopathy and Congestive Heart Failure

heart disease cardiomyopathy WebMD states that cardiomyopathy “is a disease that affects the heart muscle and the way it pumps. There are different types of cardiomyopathies. And these types have different causes. Cardiomyopathy may occur as a result of damage to the heart, such as from a heart attack, or a person may inherit the tendency to develop it.”

Congestive heart failure is when a heart condition such as cardiomyopathy has caused the heart to begin to fail, leading the kidneys to cause the body to retain water and salt which can build up in the arms, legs, ankles, feet, lungs or other organs.

If you have cardiomyopathy, insurers will be interested in every aspect of your condition, including:

  • When you were diagnosed with cardiomyopathy.
  • If you experience any of the symptoms commonly associated with cardiomyopathy? (e.g. fainting, dizziness, heart palpitations, shortness of breath or chest pains)
  • The results of you EKG (echocardiogram).
  • If you have had any type of heart surgery.
  • If you now, or have ever, smoked cigarettes.
  • If there are any complicating medical issues.

If you have congestive heart failure, your life insurance agent will be interested in many of these same things. The underlying condition that is causing your symptoms, possibly cardiomyopathy, will have to be diagnosed before an underwriter can properly assess your risk. For this reason, if you have only recently been diagnosed with congestive heart failure, your coverage may be postponed until the extent of your health issues is known.

No matter the severity of your heart condition, Ogletree Financial Services can get you the lowest premium for the life insurance you need. Even if you have been turned down in the past, do not give up. Your family’s financial security is among the top priorities in your life. We understand this and will work hard to make sure you get the peace of mind you are seeking.

Coronary Artery Disease

coronary artery disease Getting life insurance with any health condition that life insurance companies feel “impairs” your risk can be a difficult and complicated process. Coronary artery disease is no different, but if your condition is under control, getting the life insurance you need is generally not a problem.

You may pay slightly or possibly substantially higher rates with coronary artery disease, but do not despair. Even if you have been declined in the past, get in touch with Ogletree Financial Services. We work with impaired risk clients everyday and no matter the severity of your condition we are confident that we can secure a life insurance policy  that addresses your families most important issues of financial security at a premium that will not wreck your budget.

WebMD describes coronary artery disease as “a result of plaque buildup in your coronary arteries — a condition called atherosclerosis — that leads to blockages. The arteries, which start out smooth and elastic, become narrow and rigid, restricting blood flow to the heart. The heart becomes starved of oxygen and the vital nutrients it needs to pump properly.”

As with any health risk, life insurance companies will want to know that you are properly treating you coronary artery disease. Some common sense measures that will enhance your risk rating:

  • If you smoke, quit smoking.
  • Adopt a healthy diet.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Follow your doctor’s medication recommendations.

Even if you have a more serious condition requiring surgery, such as angioplasty, stent placement, or coronary artery bypass surgery, life insurance is not out of reach. While a standard risk rating may not be possible, at Ogletree Financial services we know how to get you the best rating available to you and your unique risk profile.

Artificial Pacemaker

It is not uncommon for our clients with pacemakers to find coverage. Generally speaking, you will see a slightly higher premium. However, if it is less than three months since you received the pacemaker, you will probably be postponed, but you can get a graded death benefit policy right away.

Aortic Aneurysm

life insurance if I have had an aortic aneurysm If it has been detected and treated from its early stage, you are in the best situation to qualify for life insurance. On the other hand, if it has been less than six months since your operation and there are still complications that are apparent, the best chance of being approved would be for a rated policy or a graded policy.

Heart Bypass Surgery

You can easily qualify for life insurance if an elective, rather than an emergency, heart bypass surgery has been performed. This means that the problem has been detected early, and hence, an initiative has been done taken before it gets worse.

Heart Attack

If you had a myocardial infarction, or what is also known as a heart attack, you can still be eligible for life insurance. If it has been a long time since the heart attack and your condition has been well-managed to avoid further complications, you will have a higher likelihood of qualifying for life insurance.

What Are Your Options?

Among others, one of your options is a guaranteed issue policy, which is the easiest and quickest type of life insurance to obtain. Since it is guaranteed issue, all applicants within the specified age bracket will qualify, and a medical exam  is not required. Depending on the chosen carrier, you can be eligible to receive $5,000 to $50,000 of coverage.

How Much Life Insurance Should You Buy?

how much life insurance Aside from ensuring that you have life insurance coverage, you need to understand that focusing on how much life insurance to buy is also key component of the process. Below we’ll give you a start on things to consider while you determine the amount that will benefit you best.

First, be sure that your life insurance plan is large enough to pay off your mortgage, student loans, and every other final expense that your family would have to pay off. Also calculate in other debt you’ve incurred over the last few years and funeral expenses too.

The secondary goal of your life insurance plan it to give your loved ones the money that they need to replace your paycheck if you were to pass away. If you’re one of the main income earners in your house, your family would suffer financially if something were to happen to you. Your life insurance will give them the money that they need without having to sacrifice their standard of living.

The preferred option when getting life insurance, with or without heart disease, is fully underwritten life insurance. This will require a medical exam.

We can have a medical examiner visit your home or office to complete the exam which includes medical questions, body measurements, blood and urine samples and an EKG, at no charge to you. Once your records have been assessed, an underwriter will then determine what specific class you will be assigned to.

How Much Does It Cost?

When getting life insurance with heart disease, for sure, your primary concern will be the cost. Well, the rates will differ from one insurer to the other, which is why it is important to let us shop around for you. We can get multiple quotes from various companies, and in the end, help you choose the policy that will work best for you at a premium that you will find reasonable.

 

Generally speaking, there are rate classes that are offered by different insurance companies.

The specific class you qualify for will determine your premium, which will also vary from one company to another. More often than not, you will qualify for the standard rate class if you have heart disease and your medical records show that your condition is improving. If you would like to get a quote, just click on the quote request to the left on this page, and we will help you to shop around for the best rates.

How do I Find Affordable Life Insurance With Heart Disease?

If you have heart disease and are interested in getting life insurance at a rate that is affordable, the following are some of the things that you should keep in mind:

  • Shop around. As mentioned earlier, it will be good if you can request quotes from different companies. This might be a hassle if you have a busy schedule. As such, we are here to extend a helping hand. Fill out the quote form on this page or get in touch with one of our representatives at 1-800-712-8519 and we will help you to compare quotes.
  • Obtain your medical records. When getting life insurance with heart disease, we will want to examine your medical records. If you can secure a copy from your doctor that will help save some time. Otherwise, we will get them for you.
  • We specialize in life insurance for clients with heart disease. When choosing an insurance company, make sure to work with one that is specifically experienced in dealing with people who have heart problems. They will likely provide you with a premium that comes at a reasonable rate.
  • Live a healthy life. If you know that you have a heart problem, this should be an eye-opener for you and should motivate you to live a healthier life. This will also make it more likely that your rate will be more reasonable because you are viewed as low-risk compared to those who have heart problems and are still living an unhealthy life.

How Does It Work?

The first thing that you should do is gather all information about your condition. This will allow us to have a detailed conversation with underwriters. We can help determine the specific type of insurance that will work best for your situation, including the face amount that is needed. To make things easier, we are here to help.

Not All Life Insurance Carriers are the same

When getting life insurance with heart disease, one of the most important things that you should keep in mind is that not all insurers are the same.

Just like in other industries, competition is high. But insurance companies are out to make profits. Some companies know how to underwrite heart disease better than others.

Some carriers just stay away from those conditions so it is important to make sure you are applying with the right ones. It is important to be a well-informed when shopping for life insurance. We are here to do the leg work for you.

Getting a quote only takes 3 to 5 minutes.  All you have to do is complete the questionnaire here

If you are clueless about the best option for getting life insurance with heart disease, don’t worry. Let us help. Many of our clients had the same problem. Making an intelligent decision may seem an almost impossible feat. You can rely on our expertise. Getting life insurance with heart disease should never be difficult! Allow us to extend a helping hand and we will make it easier for you to compare your choices.

You can use the calculator on this page to get started with a quote.