Life Insurance Approval With an Irregular Heartbeat

For anyone with a health complication, like an irregular heartbeat, finding affordable life insurance coverage can be a painful task, but it doesn’t have to be.  Regardless of your health, you can find affordable insurance coverage.

One of the scariest conditions that an individual can deal with is issues with the heart.   As an independent life insurance agent, we work with several clients that have high-risk conditions and heart disease is no exception.

We’ve been able to work with clients who have had heart attacks, bypass surgeries, and in this case irregular heartbeats.

Before you apply for life insurance coverage, it’s important to understand what the insurance companies will be looking at in regard to this condition.

Here’s what you need to know regarding applying for life insurance with me would be.

In working with applicants who are seeking life insurance and have a previous health issue, we can’t stress enough how important it is to be upfront with the underwriter.

Applying for Life Insurance With Irregular Heartbeat

We have many applicants when applying for life insurance omit certain facts hoping that the insurance company won’t find out about it.

Newsflash: The insurance company will find out about it as they will request your medical records and an APS (known as an attending physician statement). If you’ve been treated for any type of heart condition in the past, it will certainly come up, so if you are applying for life insurance and have some sort of heart condition, be ready to spill the beans.

At the end of this post, you’ll see a sample questionnaire that the insuring underwriters will want to know regarding your irregular heartbeat.

In short, be prepared to share the date it was diagnosed, any treatment you’ve had since the date of diagnosis, and also what medications you may take.

They will also want to know how the condition affects you on a day-to-day basis.

• Has the condition improved since your original diagnosis or has it worsened?

• Also, what steps are you taking to take care of that condition?

• Are you exercising?

• Are you eating right?

The big fear from insurance companies is not just the lone heart condition, but also how that might transfer over to other areas.

For example, we had an applicant who had an irregular heartbeat but also had high cholesterol, diabetes, and on top of that was a tobacco user. (Here’s more information regarding life insurance for smokers). The irregular heartbeat on its own would have made the life insurance coverage affordable but by having the other conditions on top of the smoking the life insurance premium ended up being fairly pricey even so, we were able to get him coverage.

Irregular Heartbeat Questionnaire:

1. Date or frequency of episodes of irregular heartbeat.

• Date of first episode
• Recent frequency of episode
• Date of the most recent episode.

2. The irregular heartbeat has been diagnosed as-
   1. Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (or flutter)
   2. Premature supra ventricular (atrial) contractions (TPACs)
   3. Chronic atrial fibrillation (or flutter)
   4. Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)
   5. Other
3. Provide dates of any of the following tests or procedures that have been done to evaluate the irregular heartbeat-

• Resting EKG
• Stress EKG
• Thallium Stress EKG
• Echocardiogram
• Holter Monitor
• Chest X-Ray
• Other

4. Please check the cause for the irregular heartbeat, if known-

•  Unknown
• Heart disease —- type:
• Thyroid disease
• Alcohol use
• Other

5. Are there any symptoms that accompany episodes of irregular heartbeat?  If yes, check all that apply-

1. Dizziness or lightheadedness
2. Blackouts
3. Chest pain
4. Palpitations
5. Other
6. Do you currently take any medications, yes or no?

1. If so, please name details.
2. Name of medication, dates used, quantity taken, frequency taken.
3. Has a pacemaker been installed to control irregular heartbeat?  If yes, date of installation

These are only a few of the questions the insurance agent is going to ask you, and your answers will impact whether you are accepted or not. They are also going to be used to calculate your monthly premiums. As we mentioned earlier, the insurance company isn’t only concerned with your irregular heartbeat, but your overall health as well.

Want to improve your chances of being accepted? Start walking! Cardio exercises can improve your health. It will help you lose some of the extra weight that you’ve been packing for years. Losing weight will not only help you feel better but will decrease your risk of health problems later in life. Both diet and exercise are going to lower your weight, lower your cholesterol, and lower your blood pressure.

Additionally, if you have an irregular heartbeat, smoking can cause your rates to go through the roof, drastically increasing the chances of you being denied coverage. If you’re looking for the most affordable term life insurance, you’re going to have to kick the cigarettes. When dealing with a heart condition, companies are going to look for anything that could increase the risk of further heart complications, and smoking is one of them.

Don’t let your family be stuck under all of your final expenses. Having quality life insurance is the best decision you can make for your family. Make that decision today.

Not having life insurance is one of the most selfish things you can do for your family members. They are your debts, don’t let them become someone else’s responsibility.

It’s not impossible to get affordable life insurance with an irregular heartbeat. You just have to know how to approach it. 

Impact of Lifestyle Choices on Your Insurance Approval

Your lifestyle choices significantly influence your eligibility and premium rates when applying for life insurance. These choices paint a picture of your overall health, helping insurers assess the level of risk associated with your policy. Here’s how various lifestyle aspects can impact your insurance approval:

• Diet and Nutrition: A balanced diet can improve your overall health, making you a less risky candidate for insurers.

• Exercise and Physical Activity: Regular physical activity demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a healthy body, which is looked upon favorably by insurance companies.

• Smoking and Alcohol Consumption: These habits could raise red flags, possibly increasing your premiums or affecting eligibility.

• Stress and Mental Health: Insurers also consider mental health. Engaging in activities that reduce stress portrays a well-rounded, healthier individual.

• Chronic Conditions Management: Proactively managing conditions like diabetes or hypertension by adhering to medication and check-ups is viewed positively.

Aligning your lifestyle with healthier choices not only enhances your well-being but also makes a notable difference in the eyes of insurers, potentially leading to more favorable terms and lower premiums in your life insurance policy. Make thoughtful lifestyle choices to pave the way for smoother insurance approvals.

Bottom Line: Securing Life Insurance With an Irregular Heartbeat

obtaining life insurance with an irregular heartbeat is undoubtedly challenging, but not unattainable. Transparency is crucial; providing detailed, accurate medical history allows for a more tailored policy, improving the likelihood of approval. The involvement of independent agents, who represent various highly-rated companies, can help find the most suitable, affordable coverage. Lifestyle choices act as a significant determinant in the approval process.

Proactive management, incorporating regular exercise and a healthy diet, mitigates risks associated with heart conditions. Avoiding detrimental habits such as smoking further enhances eligibility, making premium rates more affordable.

A comprehensive, candid approach, paired with a conscious effort to maintain a healthier lifestyle, improves the prospects of securing a favorable life insurance policy, ensuring that your loved ones are not burdened by unforeseen financial obligations in the face of adversity.