Jane Dotson
Life insurance is a crucial financial product that provides peace of mind and security for individuals and their loved ones. However, certain medical conditions, such as having stents, can impact the approval process and the cost of premiums. Stents are small mesh tubes placed in weakened arteries to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of blood clots, heart attacks, or strokes. While stents can be lifesaving, they may raise concerns for life insurance providers due to potential complications and underlying health issues.
The presence of stents can lead to higher life insurance costs, with the number of stents being a significant factor. Insurance providers typically wait for at least six months after stent surgery to assess the patient's recovery and manage their heart health. Underwriters carefully scrutinize applications, considering factors such as the patient's overall health, ejection fraction, lifestyle habits, and the reason for stent placement.
Despite these considerations, it is important to note that affordable life insurance coverage is still attainable for individuals with stents. Working with the right insurance providers and independent agents who have access to multiple carriers can help individuals find the best rates and policies suited to their specific circumstances.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of stents | The more stents, the higher the insurance costs. |
| Reason for stent surgery | If the stent surgery was due to a heart attack or stroke, the applicant will likely qualify for a "substandard rating". |
| Time since stent surgery | The longer the time since the stent surgery, the better. |
| Health status | Applicants who are in good health, regularly exercise, eat a healthy diet, and manage their weight, cholesterol, and blood pressure will get lower insurance rates. |
| Type of stent | Medicated stents release medicine into the blood and the artery. |
| Type of insurance | Term life insurance and mortgage protection are possible. Income protection and serious illness cover are more difficult to obtain. |
| Age | If the applicant is under 40, insurers are likely to postpone offering cover. |
| Complications | If there have been complications since the surgery, insurers are likely to postpone offering cover. |
| Lifestyle changes | Applicants who have taken steps to address the cause of the narrowing arteries will get lower insurance rates. |
| Vessel stented | The cost of insurance depends on which vessel was stented. |
| Overall condition of the heart | The cost of insurance depends on the overall condition of the heart. |
| Other medical factors | High BMI, family history of health issues, and other cardiovascular risk factors like blood pressure and cholesterol will increase insurance costs. |
What You'll Learn
- Life insurance companies will want to know the health problem that led to the stent procedure
- The number of stents you have will affect your life insurance costs
- Your ejection fraction (the amount of blood released during each contraction of the heart) will be taken into account
- You will need to share a list of medications you are taking
- The type of life insurance you are applying for will affect your chances of approval
Life insurance companies will want to know the health problem that led to the stent procedure
They will also want to know if your stent procedure was a medical emergency or used as a protective measure to prevent a future health crisis. This is because the event that led to your angioplasty will affect your insurance rates. If it was performed as a preventative measure, you could still qualify for standard premiums and classification. However, if a heart attack or some sort of chest pain led to the stent, it will make life insurance approval more difficult. Your case will be rated and priced based on the more serious event.
In addition, insurance companies will want to know about the specific type of stent used in the procedure. For example, if you have a drug-eluting stent, they will want to know about the medication on the stent and how it may affect your health.
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The number of stents you have will affect your life insurance costs
If you have only had one stent installed and no other events are related to it, you will most likely be able to get a standard life insurance rate with most carriers. If there are other health events connected to your stent surgery, this could impact your premium.
The number of stents you have will also determine your health classification. With only one stent, you could still qualify as a standard risk with many insurance companies. If you have two or more stents, you may still qualify for life insurance, but it will mean higher table ratings and a lower health classification. More than one stent usually results in mildly substandard rates, though coverage is still very affordable.
The number of stents you have will also determine your risk category, which will affect how much higher your premium is. If you have had more than one stent installed, the insurers are likely to postpone offering cover.
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Your ejection fraction (the amount of blood released during each contraction of the heart) will be taken into account
Your ejection fraction, or the amount of blood released during each contraction of the heart, is a crucial factor that life insurance companies will consider when determining your eligibility and rates.
Ejection fraction (EF) refers to the amount of blood pumped out of the heart's lower chambers (ventricles) with each contraction. It is a measure of your heart's ability to pump oxygen-rich blood out to your body and is a key indicator of your heart's overall health and functioning.
A healthy ejection fraction typically falls within the range of 50% to 70%. The higher the percentage, the better, as it indicates a stronger and more efficient heart. A lower EF can be a sign of heart failure or an increased risk of heart failure.
When applying for life insurance, especially after a cardiac event like a stent procedure, insurance companies will want to assess your heart's health and functioning. They will likely request information about your EF, including any recent test results such as an echocardiogram or EKG.
Most life insurance carriers will look for an EF of at least 45% or greater, considering anything below 40% as a red flag. An EF of 55% or higher is generally required to qualify for the best rates and coverage options.
If you have had a stent procedure, your EF will play a significant role in determining your eligibility and rates. A higher EF can improve your chances of obtaining life insurance and may even lead to more favourable rates and coverage options. It demonstrates that your heart is functioning well and reduces the insurer's risk perception.
On the other hand, a lower EF may result in higher rates or more limited coverage options. It is important to provide complete and accurate information about your EF when applying for life insurance, as it is a critical factor in the underwriting process.
In addition to your EF, insurance companies will also consider other factors related to your heart health and overall health. These may include your medical history, diagnostic test results, lifestyle habits, and any complications or health issues following the stent procedure.
While a stent procedure may impact your life insurance options, it is still possible to obtain coverage. Working with an independent underwriting expert who has access to multiple top-rated life insurance carriers can help you find the best rates and coverage options for your specific situation. They can guide you in determining the right time to apply and navigating the application process.
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You will need to share a list of medications you are taking
When applying for life insurance after having a stent procedure, you will need to share a list of medications you are taking. This is because the insurance company will want to assess your overall health and determine the likelihood of future complications.
After a stent procedure, you will likely be prescribed antiplatelet medication such as clopidogrel (Plavix), prasugrel (Effient), ticagrelor (Brilinta) or aspirin, and in some cases, both. These medications are designed to prevent blood clots from forming at the site of the stent, which could result in a stroke or heart attack. In addition, you may be prescribed statins to lower your cholesterol levels and heart medications such as beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers to help keep your arteries open.
It is important to be transparent about all the medications you are taking, as this will impact the insurance company's assessment of your eligibility and rates. They will want to see that you are taking your prescribed medications as directed and that your condition is stable.
Furthermore, the insurance company will also want to know about any other medications you are taking for pre-existing conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. These conditions can impact your overall health and increase the risk of complications, which is why it is crucial to provide a comprehensive list of all your medications.
By sharing a detailed list of your medications and following your doctor's recommendations, you can improve your chances of obtaining life insurance at favourable rates, even after a stent procedure.
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The type of life insurance you are applying for will affect your chances of approval
The number of stents you have had installed will also impact your chances of approval. If you have had multiple stents installed, you will likely be considered a "sub-standard" risk and may have your application declined. If you have only had a single stent installed and no other health events are connected to it, you will most likely be able to get a standard life insurance rate with most carriers.
Additionally, the timing of your application is crucial. Many insurance companies prefer to wait for a period of six months to a year after the stent procedure to see how well you are recovering and managing your heart health. If you apply for life insurance with a stent fitted less than six months ago, or if you are under 40, your application will likely be postponed. However, if you are over 40 and are applying more than six months after having a stent fitted, you can increase your chances of approval by ensuring there have been no complications since the surgery and that you have taken steps to address the cause of the narrowing arteries.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to wait at least six months after stent surgery before applying for life insurance. This is because insurance companies want to see if your stent was successful and if you will need more treatment.
You will need to provide information about your overall medical history, including the reason for the stent placement, which vessel was stented, your current health status, and any lifestyle changes you have made.
Yes, the cost of life insurance will typically be higher if you have had stent surgery due to the increased risk associated with your heart condition. However, this will depend on various factors, such as the number of stents fitted and your overall heart health.
Yes, it is possible to get life insurance with multiple stents, but it may be more difficult and expensive. You will likely be considered a "sub-standard" risk, and some insurance carriers may decline your application.
To improve your chances of getting affordable life insurance after stent surgery, it is recommended to make positive lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, improving your diet, and increasing your physical activity.
