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Life Insurance after a Stroke

Licensed Life Insurance Agent/Marketing Manager
March 30, 2020

There are many factors that can affect both whether you get approved for a life insurance policy and what your rate will be. Health is a key factor that life insurance companies look at when determining your rate and approval. 

If you have had a stroke and are looking to apply for life insurance there are probably things you would like to know such as:

  1. Can I get life insurance after a stroke?
  2. What will life insurance cost if you’ve had a stroke?
  3. What is the process of applying for life insurance after having a stroke?

Can I get life insurance after a stroke?

The quick answer is, Yes.

Ultimately, approval will depend on the severity of the stroke, the damage done, how long it has been since your last stroke, your lifestyle, what medications you are taking, and what the medications are treating.

Typically the longer it has been since you had a stroke the more likely you are to be approved for a life insurance policy. 

If you had a stroke recently or have a history of strokes there are other options that may not consider your health as much as a typical life insurance policy. 

A no exam life insurance policy could be an option to get coverage. This type of policy will allow you to not take a medical exam, though it may still ask you medical questions and consider your health history. 

With a guaranteed issue life insurance policy there isn't a medical exam or a questionnaire so your health isn't a huge factor in getting this policy. This could also be a good option, but it is important to note that typically guaranteed policies are only available for lower amounts of coverage. 

How much will life insurance cost if you've had a stroke?

That is going to be dependent on the life insurance company. Each company has what they call rate classes. Rate classes are the tier that you are put in based on your age, health, lifestyle and a variety of other factors. Each life insurance company has multiple rate classes and those will assist in determining the actual rate you will pay for the policy. 

Generally, the best case scenario for someone who has not had a stroke for 10 years and who has an excellent record of treatment, who has no further medical history, and whose cholesterol levels and blood pressure are well controlled without the use of medications, would be a standard rate class. This means that they would qualify for life insurance and while it wouldn't be for the cheapest rate, they are typically very affordable. 

Once again, if you had a recent stroke or have a history of strokes then you would want to consider a guaranteed issue life insurance policy where there is no exam and no health questions.

What is the process for applying for life insurance?

As mentioned earlier you have a couple of different options. You can choose to take a medical exam or consider options that either have no medical exam or that have no exam and no questionnaire. 

If you aren't sure if taking a medical exam is right for you, learn more about a life insurance medical exam and what it is looking for. 

If you opt to take the medical exam. The medical examiner typically comes to your home and checks your height and weight and takes a small blood and urine sample. Your lab results are then processed. The carrier will request physician statements and look into your medical records. The carrier will also do a prescription database check to see what medications you are currently taking and have taken in the past.

Then the life insurance company will use all their information to determine your eligibility for a life insurance policy along with your rate. 

The process will be handled by your life insurance agent. They will let you know if you are approved along with the rate for the policy. 

What if I'm denied life insurance coverage?

If you are denied life insurance coverage from one company, you have the option to apply for coverage with other life insurance companies. 

There are going to be companies that are better suited in helping you get coverage after a stroke. A life insurance agent can help guide you through the process and help you find the right policy and rates for your needs. 

Written by
Chelsie Ball
Chelsie is fixated on developing innovative ways to present complex ideas and maneuvering people to the information they need. She has worked in digital marketing for the past eight years and has been a licensed life insurance agent since 2010. When she isn’t looking out for the user, you can find her watching Netflix or desperately trying to find a real hobby.