The information on this page should not be considered as financial advice. If you are unsure what’s right for you, please make sure you speak to a financial adviser.
If you suffer a heart attack you may still be able to purchase life insurance to protect your family and loved ones.
While you may pay more in premiums, life insurance is widely available and affordable after a heart attack, particularly if it occurred several years ago and your health is generally good.
This guide to life insurance after a heart attack will provide useful information to help you to safeguard the future of your dependents and chosen beneficiaries.
Yes, you can buy life insurance after a heart attack, and you’re likely to find several providers who will sell you a policy.
If you require life insurance after a heart attack, your application will generally be considered once at least 12 months have passed with no further symptoms since the event.
If you’re worried that life insurance won’t be available to you or too expensive after a heart attack, you may find numerous options are open to you.
Your insurance provider will likely follow the standard procedure of writing to your GP to confirm the details of your heart attack and any other medical conditions you may have. If you don’t suffer from any other significant health conditions, your life insurance application could still be accepted.
After a heart attack, your life insurance cover may be offered at non-standard terms which could mean an exclusion placed on your policy and/or an increase in premiums.
If you are suffering from other health conditions such as diabetes, you may require a specialist provider that will offer life insurance after a heart attack.
Finding life insurance after a heart attack can be a challenge, but policies are often readily available and more affordable than you may think.
If you suffer a heart attack, having life insurance can protect your family’s future and provide financial stability should you pass away. Therefore, it’s important to consider all options available to you and consult a financial adviser which can speed up the application process and make a significant difference to how much you pay.
Many people ask if life insurance covers future heart attacks if you’ve suffered one in the past.
Any pre-existing conditions you have are likely to be covered by life insurance as long as you tell your insurance provider when you apply.
If you choose to hide something as serious as heart attack from your insurance provider, your policy could become invalid, and your beneficiaries won’t get a payout should you pass away.
Considering life insurance?
You might believe that life insurance is something you can’t afford after a heart attack. However, you’re likely to find that life insurance is still widely available from numerous providers and will cover passing away from any future heart attacks or heart-related issues.
In truth, there is no strict answer to the cost of life insurance after a heart attack as it also depends on several other factors like your age, any other health conditions you may have and any ongoing medical treatments you may be having.
However, one of the main advantages of life insurance policies is their flexibility and you’re likely to find various options and levels of cover at affordable prices. If you feel you need more support, a financial adviser will help you in sourcing and comparing quotes to get the best cover for your needs within your budget.
Applying for life insurance is straightforward even after a heart attack. People can apply directly through an insurance provider, an experienced broker, a price comparison site, or talk to a financial adviser.
When applying for life insurance after a heart attack you may be asked about:
You must be upfront with your insurance provider and tell the full truth about your medical history when applying for life insurance after a heart attack. Failure to do so could invalidate your policy, and you won’t receive a payout if you die during the chosen term of the policy.
Once you have given your life insurance provider the information they need, your application will be assessed, and a decision will be made. If successful, your cover will start, and you’ll pay a monthly premium for your policy.
Some life insurance companies may look deeper into your medical background before approving your application. This will usually involve a report from your GP. For higher levels of cover, you may be asked to attend a medical screening with a nurse or doctor, but this is usually due to the level of cover you’ve applied for, rather than your history of heart attack.
You can determine whether life insurance is something you might consider for you by weighing up your financial obligations. Who would become responsible for any debts in the event of your death? What financial impact would this have on those you leave behind? Could they maintain the same standard of living, keep up with mortgage payments, or even pay for energy bills if the income you provide is suddenly taken away?
LV= offers a range of life insurance options for people who have suffered a heart attack and can help you to find the right cover for your needs. Contact us or get a life insurance quote.
Should you feel you need more support, we’ve chosen to partner with LifeSearch to offer you independent advice on which protection products are right for you. They'll offer you independent professional advice based on your individual needs.