Life Insurance Options For Angina Patients

Angina is a common medical condition in the UK, and it is often possible to get life insurance if you have been diagnosed with it. However, it can make it more difficult and expensive to obtain life insurance, as insurers may perceive individuals with angina as having an increased likelihood of making a claim. The severity of angina symptoms varies from person to person, and the price of life insurance will depend on the insured's health and lifestyle. It is important to be transparent about your diagnosis when applying for life insurance, as concealing or misrepresenting health information may result in the policy's invalidity or denial of claims.

Angina diagnosis and insurance premiums

Angina is a cardiovascular condition that affects over 2 million people in the UK. It is caused by the narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart, and it can be a warning sign of something more serious. Angina typically occurs in males over 40 and in people with other cardiovascular risk factors.

If you have been diagnosed with angina, you may be wondering how it will impact your life insurance premiums. Here are some key factors that will determine your insurance rates:

Type of Angina:

Angina is classified into four categories: stable angina, unstable angina, variant angina, and microvascular angina. Stable angina is the most common form and is typically caused by an overworked heart. Unstable angina is more serious and indicates a high risk of a sudden heart attack. Variant angina is rare and occurs at rest, while microvascular angina affects the small coronary vessels. The type of angina you have will impact your insurance rates, with unstable angina likely resulting in higher premiums.

Root Cause of Angina:

Insurance companies will want to know the underlying cause of your angina. It is usually caused by coronary artery disease (CAD), where arteries become clogged with cholesterol and plaque. Less commonly, it can be due to coronary artery spasm (CAS), which can be triggered by smoking. The root cause will impact your insurance rates, as it affects the severity and treatment of your condition.

Severity and Frequency of Angina Attacks:

The severity and frequency of your angina attacks will also influence your insurance premiums. If you have mild angina that is well-controlled with medication, you may qualify for a standard rate. However, if you have severe and frequent attacks, you may be charged higher premiums or even be declined for traditional life insurance.

Treatment Plan and Medication:

Insurance companies will consider your treatment plan and any medications you are taking to manage your angina. They will look favourably upon those who are actively managing their condition and following their doctor's treatment plan. This includes making lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, improving diet, and managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Medical History and Related Complications:

Your medical history and any related complications will also be taken into account when determining your insurance rates. Insurance companies will assess your overall health and look for other cardiovascular risk factors such as family history, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, etc. They will also consider any surgical procedures you have undergone related to angina, such as angioplasty or the implantation of a cardiac defibrillator.

Age and Gender:

Your age and gender will also impact your insurance premiums. Angina is more common in males over 40, and younger individuals with angina may have higher premiums as chest pain at a young age could signal more serious heart conditions in the future.

In summary, while a diagnosis of angina may result in higher insurance premiums, it is still possible to obtain life insurance. The key factors that will determine your rates include the type of angina, its root cause, the severity and frequency of attacks, your treatment plan, your medical history, and your age and gender. Adopting a healthier lifestyle and effectively managing your condition can potentially reduce insurance costs. It is important to be transparent about your angina diagnosis when applying for life insurance to avoid issues with your policy or claim denials.

Specialist insurers for angina patients

Angina patients can get life insurance from a wide range of the UK's top life insurance companies. However, certain insurance companies are better suited to people with heart conditions, so it's a good idea to shop around to ensure you get the right level of cover for the right price.

If you have variant angina, this can be more difficult to insure, but you should follow the information for unstable angina as a guide. In this case, you will need to speak to a specialist who can search the whole market for you and select the insurance company that will provide the best and cheapest life cover.

If your angina symptoms are more serious or you have multiple medical conditions, a specialist insurance company will often be the best choice for you. They will normally be able to offer lower prices as they are more understanding of people with medical conditions.

• Type of Angina: The type of angina you are suffering from will play a significant role in the insurance company's decision. Stable angina is the most common form and is generally considered less severe. Unstable angina, on the other hand, indicates a higher risk of a sudden heart attack and requires immediate treatment. Variant angina and microvascular angina are rarer forms that can be more challenging to insure.
• Root Cause: Insurance companies will want to understand the underlying cause of your angina. Is it due to coronary artery disease (CAD) or coronary artery spasm (CAS)? Angina caused by CAD is more common and results from clogged arteries. CAS, also known as Prinzmetal angina, is less common and occurs when the arteries go into spasm.
• Severity: The severity of your angina symptoms will also be assessed. Mild angina is generally easier to insure, especially if you are over 50 years old and do not have other complicating cardiac conditions. More severe or frequent symptoms may result in higher premiums or a postponed application.
• Treatment: Insurance companies will want to know about your treatment plan and whether you are taking prescribed medications to control your angina. They will also look favourably upon lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, improving your diet, and managing your blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Surgical Procedures: If you have undergone or are waiting for surgical procedures related to angina, such as angioplasty or the implantation of a cardiac defibrillator, the insurance company will consider this in their evaluation.
• Other Risk Factors: In addition to angina, insurance companies will evaluate your overall health and consider other cardiovascular risk factors, such as family history, hypertension, smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes, and age.
• Decide on the type of policy and the amount of cover you need, considering your outgoing expenses and the needs of your family.
• Research and compare different insurance companies, especially those that specialise in covering people with heart conditions or medical conditions.
• Start the application process by contacting the insurance company directly or using a price comparison site or an experienced life insurance expert.
• Answer all questions about your health and lifestyle honestly, including details about your angina diagnosis, treatment, and any related conditions.
• Provide any additional information or medical reports requested by the insurance company, such as a GP medical report or details of surgical procedures.
• Wait for the insurance company's decision on your application, which may include approval, postponement, or decline.

Remember, it is essential to be honest and transparent when providing information to the insurance company. Failing to disclose relevant medical information may invalidate your policy.

Critical illness cover

Critical illness insurance is particularly useful in the event of a major health emergency, as the costs of treating life-threatening illnesses are usually more than what a standard health insurance plan will cover. Critical illness insurance provides additional coverage for medical emergencies, paying out cash to help cover the overruns when traditional health insurance falls short. The money can also be used for non-medical costs related to the illness, such as transportation, childcare, and retrofitting homes or vehicles.

The cost of critical illness insurance varies depending on the age, sex, health, job, and lifestyle of the insured. The older one is when taking out the policy, the more they will likely pay, as the risk of getting ill increases. Men tend to make more claims than women, so may pay more. Those in good health will pay less for this type of insurance. Additionally, those with riskier jobs or those who participate in dangerous hobbies will pay more for coverage.

It is important to note that critical illness insurance does not cover every type of illness, and even for the illnesses that are covered, the insured usually has to be extremely ill or totally disabled before they can make a claim. Some policies may also not cover certain illnesses that the insured or their family members have had in the past. Thus, it is crucial to carefully review the insurance policy to understand what it covers and what exclusions there may be.

Income protection

If you have angina, the amount of time you have taken off work due to your condition will be a significant factor in determining whether you can obtain income protection insurance. Insurance companies will also consider your overall health, including the frequency of your angina symptoms, any medications you are taking, and your treatment plan. It is important to note that not all insurance companies that provide sick pay insurance will offer coverage to individuals with angina. However, working with a specialist adviser can increase your chances of finding suitable coverage.

When applying for income protection insurance with angina, be prepared to provide detailed information about your condition, including the date of diagnosis, treatment history, medications, and any related health complications. The insurance company may also request a report from your GP to better understand your health status and how angina impacts your daily life.

While obtaining income protection insurance with angina may come with increased premiums or exclusions related to pre-existing conditions, it is still possible to find coverage that suits your needs. Additionally, adopting a healthier lifestyle and effectively managing your condition can potentially reduce insurance costs over time.

If income protection insurance is not a suitable option for you, there are alternative policies available, such as accident, sickness, and unemployment cover. This type of policy does not require medical underwriting, and while it may not cover claims related to pre-existing conditions like angina, it can provide a monthly income replacement for a specified period if you are unable to work due to long-term injury, disability, or voluntary redundancy.

Accident, sickness and unemployment cover

Accident, sickness and unemployment (ASU) insurance is a short-term income protection policy that replaces your income for up to 12 months should you be unable to work due to accident, sickness or involuntary redundancy. Unemployment protection insurance can also be bought as a standalone product, as can accident and sickness protection.

ASU insurance covers you for:

• Involuntary redundancy (being made redundant)
• Losing your job through no fault of your own
• Becoming too ill to work
• Not being able to work because you're injured

ASU insurance does not cover you for:

• Taking voluntary redundancy
• Being dismissed for misconduct or fired
• Leaving your job through your own choice
• Getting ill due to a pre-existing condition
• Any accident, illness or redundancy during the 'waiting period' at the start of the policy
• Any accident, illness or redundancy during the 'deferral period' at the start of the policy
• Other exclusions vary from provider to provider, so check the terms and conditions. For example, you might not be covered if you've been on furlough in the last six months, or if you work in certain occupations or industries.

To be eligible for ASU cover, you must:

• Be over 18 and below 65
• Be working and earning an income
• Be a UK resident and taxpayer
• Have been employed as a permanent employee in one job for a minimum period specified by the policy, e.g. 12 months
• Meet the minimum hours of employment given in your policy, typically 16 hours a week

When you apply, you will be asked for details about your job, as well as your health, height, weight, hobbies and previous illnesses and injuries.

ASU insurance is available for self-employed people, but the terms may be a little different to regular ASU policies.

Frequently asked questions