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Getting Life Insurance after a Heart Attack

Licensed Life Insurance Agent/Marketing Manager
March 30, 2020

Qualifying for life insurance after having a heart attack may be easier than you think. While having a heart attack can categorize you as needing high risk life insurance, there are still plenty of options out there. 

Can I get life insurance after a heart attack?

The quick answer is, Yes.

You do have options for different companies you can receive a life insurance policy from. They will be looking at things such as: 

  • severity of the heart attack,
  • the damage done to your heart,
  • how long it has been since you had the attack,
  • what medications you are taking, and
  • what the medications are treating.

Typically, the best case scenario for someone who has had no heart issues for 7-10 years and who has an excellent record of treatment, including stress tests and EKGs, would be a standard rate class, which means that you would qualify for life insurance. It wouldn't be at the lowest rate available, but it can still be affordable.  Typically the longer it has been since your heart attack, the better chance you have of receiving a standard rate class.

If you had a recent heart attack or have a history of heart disease then you may want to consider a no exam life insurance policy. This would mean no medical exam and in some cases no medical questionnaire. 

You could also consider a guaranteed issue life insurance policy. This life insurance policy typically doesn't take health into much consideration, however, it is typically for lower coverage amounts. 

Your best bet is to speak with a licensed life insurance agent, who can help guide you to the right life insurance company and policy for your needs. 

How much does life insurance cost after having a heart attack?

Life insurance companies have about 16 different rate classes. This is determined based on your age, health, lifestyle and a variety of other factors. What rate class you qualify for will also determine your life insurance cost.

What is the process to apply for life insurance?

There are two main types of life insurance: term life and permanent life insurance. Some require an exam, while others offer no medical exam life insurance.

If your type of policy requires a life insurance medical exam, the 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.

They will then assess your application to determine if you qualify for life insurance with that specific life insurance company. They will then assign you a rate class, which will determine your rate. 

The entire process is handled by your life insurance agent.

What if I'm denied life insurance coverage?

If you are denied life insurance coverage from one life insurance company, you still have other options. 

You have the ability to resubmit your application to a different company for approval. 

There are some life insurance companies that will be better than others for your unique needs. Working with a licensed life insurance agent can help you save time in finding the right life insurance rates and company. 

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.