Life Insurance After A Stroke: What You Need To Know

It is possible to obtain life insurance after having a stroke, but the options available to you will depend on the type, severity, and recency of the stroke, as well as your overall health and medical history. Life insurance companies typically view individuals with a history of stroke as high-risk applicants and may charge higher premiums or offer limited coverage options. However, there are steps you can take to improve your chances of obtaining affordable life insurance, such as investing in your recovery, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and working with a knowledgeable insurance agent or broker.

Life insurance companies view strokes as a risk

The type of stroke you have had will determine how insurance companies view your application. A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or "mini-stroke" is a temporary blockage of an artery that causes impaired neurological activity and symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, and speech impairments. Since there is no permanent damage, a TIA is considered a lower risk than a full stroke, and those who have experienced a TIA can usually qualify for better rates.

On the other hand, a Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA) or "full stroke" occurs when one or more blood vessels in the brain are blocked or ruptured, leading to some level of permanent brain damage. Underwriters consider this a substantial risk and adjust health ratings accordingly, resulting in higher premiums.

The likelihood of having another stroke is also a factor that insurance companies consider. More than 25% of stroke victims suffer a second stroke, and the risk of a stroke within five years of the first episode is about 40% higher. This tendency for strokes to repeat increases the risk for insurance companies, which may lead to higher rates or a decline in coverage.

In addition to the type of stroke and the risk of recurrence, insurance companies will also consider the severity of the stroke, the time since the stroke occurred, the presence of ongoing symptoms, and the overall health and lifestyle of the applicant. All of these factors will determine the availability and cost of life insurance coverage for stroke survivors.

The type of stroke matters

The type of stroke you've had will have a significant impact on your life insurance options and rates. Insurers will want to know the specifics of your stroke, including the type, severity, and any ongoing symptoms or treatment. Here's a breakdown of how different types of strokes are viewed by insurers:

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or "Mini-Stroke"

A TIA occurs when there is a small temporary blockage in an artery, causing temporary neurological impairment. While a TIA does not result in permanent damage, it is still considered a risk factor because it can lead to a more severe stroke in the future. Those with a history of TIA are generally viewed more favourably by insurers than those who have experienced a full stroke. TIA survivors can often qualify for better rates and are more likely to be approved for traditional term life insurance.

Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA) or "Full Stroke"

A CVA occurs when one or more blood vessels in the brain are blocked or ruptured, leading to some level of permanent brain damage. Insurers consider this a substantial risk and will typically offer lower health ratings and higher premiums for those who have experienced a CVA. The likelihood of securing traditional term life insurance is lower for CVA survivors, and they may need to explore alternative options such as guaranteed issue, simplified issue, or employer-sponsored life insurance.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

A hemorrhagic stroke is caused by bleeding in the brain due to a ruptured blood vessel. It is considered the most severe type of stroke and carries the greatest risk of permanent brain damage and other long-term side effects. Insurers will request extensive information about the severity, treatment, and current symptoms of a hemorrhagic stroke. Survivors of hemorrhagic stroke may still be eligible for term life insurance with certain companies but will likely receive a substandard health classification, resulting in higher premiums.

Ischemic Stroke

An ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke and is caused by a blockage in the blood vessels supplying blood to the brain. While it can have long-term effects, it is generally viewed as less severe than a hemorrhagic stroke. Most people who have experienced an ischemic stroke will be able to obtain term life insurance but may receive a substandard health classification, resulting in higher premiums.

When applying for life insurance after a stroke, it is crucial to be transparent and provide detailed information about your health history. This includes disclosing the type of stroke, the date of occurrence, age at the time, symptoms, treatment, and any ongoing effects. The more time that has passed since the stroke, especially if coupled with stable health and positive lifestyle changes, the better your chances of obtaining life insurance at more favourable rates.

Life insurance after a stroke is more expensive

Life insurance after a stroke is possible but it can be challenging and more expensive. A stroke is a critical illness that increases your risk profile, making it difficult to obtain affordable coverage. The increased risk is due to the possibility of developing other dangerous conditions and the high chances of having another stroke. This means that insurance companies will view you as a high-risk applicant and may charge higher premiums or offer limited policy options.

The cost of life insurance after a stroke depends on several factors, including the type of stroke, the severity and recency of the stroke, your age, your overall health, and your rate of recovery. The older you are when you have a stroke, and the longer you've shown stable health history following the stroke, the better rates you'll be eligible for.

If you've had a mini-stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), you may qualify for better rates than someone who has experienced a full stroke or cerebrovascular accident (CVA). This is because a TIA is less severe and does not cause permanent damage, whereas a CVA can lead to some level of permanent brain damage.

To get life insurance after a stroke, you will need to undergo a medical examination to assess your current health status and the impact of the stroke on your insurability. The insurance company will ask you detailed questions about your stroke and recovery, including the date of occurrence, your age at the time, the type of stroke, any symptoms or lingering effects, your treatment and recovery progress, and any underlying medical conditions.

While life insurance after a stroke can be more expensive, there are ways to reduce your rates. Investing in your recovery, keeping good records, and maintaining open communication with your doctor and insurance agent can help. Additionally, making healthy lifestyle choices, such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, exercising regularly, and improving your diet, can lower your risk profile and lead to lower insurance rates.

It's important to work with a knowledgeable insurance agent who can guide you through the process and help you find the best coverage options at the most competitive rates. They can also assist you in comparing quotes and ensuring you provide all the necessary information for your application.

The application process after a stroke

If you've had a stroke, the life insurance company will require you to get a medical exam before offering you a policy. The exam will record your physical details and post-stroke vitals, such as your weight, height, blood pressure, and pulse. It will also cover details beyond your immediate health condition, such as your family's medical history, your lifestyle choices, and any medications you're currently taking.

• What year did you have your stroke(s)?
• Did you have a stroke, or was it a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or "mini-stroke"?
• What tests did you have after your stroke(s)?
• What were the symptoms you experienced?
• Did you experience any long-term neurological problems or other side effects?
• Do you have other health issues that could lead to another stroke, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or heart disease?
• What medications are you currently taking for your health?

The insurance agent will need to know the answers to these questions to determine your eligibility and insurance rates. It's important to be as transparent as possible during the application process.

The type of stroke you've had will also impact your application process. A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or "mini-stroke" is typically caused by a temporary blockage in blood flow to the brain and doesn't result in permanent damage. On the other hand, a Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA) or "full stroke" involves the blockage or rupture of blood vessels in the brain, leading to some level of permanent brain damage. Since a CVA is considered a more substantial risk, it will generally result in higher insurance rates.

The timing of your stroke will also play a role in the application process. Some insurance carriers may require a waiting period of 3 to 12 months after a stroke before considering your application. The longer the time since your stroke, the better your chances of securing coverage and more favourable rates. Additionally, the age at which you had the stroke matters, as strokes at a younger age may indicate more serious accompanying health problems.

If you've had multiple strokes, obtaining life insurance can be more challenging. Survivors of multiple CVAs are likely to face a decline, while those with multiple TIAs may still be able to obtain coverage with certain carriers. The critical factors in this decision will include the time elapsed since the most recent occurrence, the number of strokes, the presence of ongoing symptoms, and whether the cause of the strokes has been addressed.

While having a stroke in your medical history won't prevent you from getting life insurance, it will impact the type of insurance you're eligible for and the cost of your policy. It's important to work with a knowledgeable broker who can guide you through the application process and help you find the most suitable coverage at the best possible rate.

How to get lower rates after a stroke

After a stroke, it is important to know that you can still get life insurance, but your options will be limited and the rates will likely be higher. Here are some ways to get lower rates:

• Reduce the chance of additional strokes: According to Johns Hopkins, about a quarter of stroke victims suffer a second stroke. You can reduce this risk by sticking to a recovery plan, changing your habits, and improving your diet.
• Speed up recovery: Keep all your medical and therapy records up-to-date and available for your insurance provider. The longer you've shown stable recovery, the more confident insurers will be in giving you a more favourable rating.
• Address contributing factors: Talk to your doctor about any underlying health conditions that may have contributed to your stroke, and work together to reduce the risk of future strokes.
• Improve your lifestyle: Making good lifestyle choices, such as regular exercise and a healthy diet, can speed up your recovery and reduce health risks.
• Choose the right life insurance company: After a stroke, it can be challenging to find the right life insurance company. Consider working with a knowledgeable broker who can help you navigate the underwriting process and find a company that is more lenient with strokes.
• Work with a licensed agent: A licensed agent can help you find the right coverage for your specific needs and situation. They can guide you through the application process and help you compare quotes to get the best rates.
• Be transparent: When applying for life insurance, be as transparent as possible about your stroke history and current health status. This will help the agent find the best coverage and rates for you.
• Consider term life insurance: In most cases, term life insurance will be your cheapest option, as long as you are eligible. It is typically more affordable than other types of life insurance because it only lasts for a set period and doesn't accumulate cash value.

Frequently asked questions