Life Insurance After a Heart Attack – How to Get Covered

Surviving a heart attack is a life-altering event, and one that often prompts people to think seriously about securing life insurance for their loved ones. But can you get life insurance after a heart attack? The good news is: yes, you can.

Having helped hundreds of clients with complex medical histories over the years, I’ve seen firsthand that life insurance is still within reach, even after a serious cardiac event. In this guide, we’ll explore what to expect, how to improve your chances of approval, and how to find the most affordable policy for your situation.

If you’ve had a heart attack, getting life insurance is still possible—but it’s more complicated. Insurers apply stricter guidelines and will assess several factors, including how long it’s been since your heart attack, your current health, and any ongoing treatments or medications.

Most traditional life insurance policies will require a medical exam and an in-depth look at your medical records. Be ready to answer detailed questions about your condition, recovery, and lifestyle. Some insurers may not offer coverage at all, but others may offer alternatives like guaranteed issue or simplified issue policies that don’t require a medical exam.

How Does A Heart Attack Affect My Life Insurance Eligibility?

A heart attack will definitely affect your life insurance eligibility, but it doesn’t mean coverage is off the table. Insurers will look closely at several factors during underwriting, including:

1. Waiting Period: Most insurers require a waiting period—typically 6 to 12 months—after a heart attack before you can apply. This allows time to assess your recovery and treatment progress.

2. Medical Records: Underwriters will thoroughly examine your medical history, including test results, medications, lifestyle changes, and follow-up visits. Demonstrating that you’re managing your condition well works in your favor.

3. Severity and Recovery: A mild heart attack with strong recovery and proactive health management may improve your chances of getting approved and potentially lower your rates.

Life Insurance Underwriting Process After A Heart Attack

Once you find a provider that covers heart attack survivors, you’ll need to go through a more rigorous underwriting process than most applicants. Here’s what insurers typically evaluate:

• Time Since the Heart Attack: Many insurers require a waiting period of 6–12 months before applying.
• Number of Heart Attacks: A first-time incident with a strong recovery generally has better prospects than multiple heart events.
• Medical Treatment & Compliance: Underwriters will look at your current treatments, follow-up visits, and whether you’ve stuck to your prescribed medications and therapies.
• Lifestyle Changes: Making and documenting changes like quitting smoking, improving your diet, exercising regularly, and reducing stress can significantly improve your odds of approval.

Other factors—like your age, weight, family history, alcohol use, and even occupation—will also be considered. Life insurance is all about assessing risk, and the more you show you’re managing your health proactively, the more likely you are to qualify for coverage.

What Do Life Insurance Companies Consider When You’re Applying After A Heart Attack?

When applying for life insurance after a heart attack, life insurance companies will take a detailed look at your overall health and history to assess your level of risk. The most important factors include:

• Time Since Your Heart Attack: The longer it’s been without recurrence, the better your chances of approval and affordable rates.
• Age & Overall Health: Younger applicants with no major complications are viewed more favorably.
• Medical Test Results: Recent cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and lipid panels will be reviewed.
• Current Medications: Insurers want to see that you’re following prescribed treatment, especially for heart health.
• Smoking History: Smoking significantly raises your risk profile, especially after a heart attack.
• Chronic Conditions: Diabetes, hypertension, or a history of stroke can make approval harder.
• Family Medical History: A strong family history of heart disease or cancer may increase perceived risk.
• Lifestyle Choices: Your weight, diet, alcohol use, and physical activity all influence underwriting decisions.
• Driving Record & Criminal History: These help insurers gauge overall risk and personal responsibility.

One of the most important things to a prospective insurer is how long it has been since you had a heart attack. The more time that has gone by without you experiencing another heart event, the more likely you are to get life insurance at a lower premium.

Best Type Of Life Insurance If You Have Had A Heart Attack

After a heart attack, life insurance is still possible, though your options may depend on your health, age, and how much time has passed since the event. Here are some of the most suitable policy types:

No Medical Exam Life Insurance

No medical exam life insurance policies skip the medical exam and relies on a health questionnaire. While it’s easier to qualify for, expect higher premiums and lower coverage limits.

Guaranteed Issue Whole Life

Ideal for individuals between 45–85 who may not qualify elsewhere. No health questions or exam required, but premiums are higher and coverage amounts are typically capped around $25,000–$50,000.

Term Life Insurance

Term life insurance is often the cheapest form of coverage, even after a heart attack, if you’re otherwise in good health and several years have passed since the incident. Approval depends on age, treatment history, and recovery.

Universal Life Insurance

Universal life insurance offers lifelong coverage with flexible premiums and the ability to build cash value. Can be a strong fit if you’re managing your heart health and want long-term protection.

Whole Life Insurance

This permanent policy builds guaranteed cash value and never expires. Premiums are higher, especially after a heart attack, but you get lifelong security.

Group Life Insurance

Often offered through employers or associations. These policies typically require no medical underwriting, making them one of the most accessible options for people with heart conditions.

How Much Does Life Insurance Cost If You Have Had A Heart Attack?

If you’ve survived a heart attack and are now shopping for life insurance, expect to pay more than average. Most providers will classify you under “substandard” risk tiers, meaning higher premiums due to elevated health risks.

Below is a look at the average monthly cost for a $100,000, 20-year term life policy—assuming substandard rates, which can be around 100% higher than standard policies.

How To Qualify For Life Insurance After A Heart Attack

Getting life insurance after a heart attack is possible—but insurers will want to see that you’re managing your health responsibly. Most companies require a waiting period of 6 to 12 months after the event before you can apply.

To improve your chances of qualifying and getting a better rate:

• Adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and getting regular physical activity.
• Follow your doctor’s treatment plan. Take all prescribed medications, attend follow-up appointments, and manage other conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
• Undergo regular heart health monitoring. An up-to-date EKG, blood pressure records, and cholesterol levels can demonstrate stability.
• Reduce stress. High stress levels can increase your risk of another cardiac event and negatively affect your application.

Can Insurance Companies Deny Coverage Because You Had A Heart Attack?

Yes, life insurance companies can deny coverage to individuals who have had a heart attack—especially if the event was recent, severe, or if other health conditions are present. Insurers evaluate risk closely, and in some cases, they may decide the applicant poses too high a risk to insure.

Denial can also occur if the applicant fails to disclose their medical history or provide requested documentation during the underwriting process.

However, it’s not all bad news. Thanks to advances in medicine and longer life expectancies for heart attack survivors, some insurers are now more open to offering coverage—especially if you’ve made lifestyle changes, are following treatment plans, and your heart health is stable.

What Will Insurers Ask About Your Condition?

If you’ve had a heart attack, insurers will ask detailed questions about your recovery and how well you’re managing your heart health. Be prepared to answer the following:

• Have you had a recent stress test to evaluate how your heart performs under physical exertion?
• Have you undergone bloodwork to check cholesterol, blood sugar, and inflammation markers?
• Have you had an echocardiogram to assess the structure and function of your heart?
• Have you recently completed an electrocardiogram (EKG) to monitor your heart’s electrical activity?

In addition to medical tests, insurers may ask:

• Are you taking prescribed medications?
• Have you made lifestyle changes like quitting smoking or improving your diet?
• Do you regularly see a cardiologist?

Life Insurance Options If You Are Denied Coverage After A Heart Attack

If you’ve been denied traditional life insurance after a heart attack, don’t give up—there are still several routes to explore:

1. Shop Around

Not all insurers assess risk the same way. Compare quotes from multiple companies—some may be more lenient with heart attack survivors. Use online tools or contact insurers directly for prequalification info.

2. Work with an Independent Agent or Broker

Insurance agents who specialize in high-risk applicants can connect you with providers more likely to approve your application. This service usually comes at no cost to you.

3. Document Your Health Improvements

If you’ve quit smoking, lost weight, started exercising, or improved your cholesterol, ask your doctor to document your progress. Submitting this during the application can strengthen your case.

4. Consider Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance

This type of policy doesn’t require a medical exam and you can’t be denied coverage. However, it comes with higher premiums and lower coverage limits—typically $25,000 or less.

5. Explore Employer Group Life Insurance

Group policies often don’t require medical underwriting, making them a great option for heart attack survivors. Plus, premiums are often subsidized by your employer.

Tips For Choosing The Right Policy

Here are three essential tips to help you find the best life insurance policy for your needs:

1. Understand Your Coverage Needs

Calculate how much life insurance you need by factoring in debts (like your mortgage), future expenses (like college tuition), and income replacement for your family. This helps you avoid being underinsured or overpaying for coverage you don’t need.

2. Explore Specialized Policy Types

If you’ve had a heart attack, traditional policies might be difficult to get. Consider:

• Guaranteed issue life insurance – no medical exam required.
• Graded death benefit policies – provide partial payout during the first few years.
• Group life insurance – often available through your employer with no medical questions.

3. Compare Quotes from Multiple Providers

Use a comparison tool like Insuranceopedia to get quotes from several insurers at once. Rates and eligibility vary widely between companies, so shopping around can save you thousands over the life of your policy.

Information About Heart Attacks

Heart attacks are one of the most common medical events that concern life insurance companies—primarily because they often signal underlying, ongoing cardiovascular issues.

What Causes Heart Attacks?

The most common cause of a heart attack is coronary artery disease (CAD). This condition occurs when plaque (a fatty substance) builds up in your arteries and restricts blood flow to your heart. Over time, this reduced blood flow can damage the heart muscle, increasing the risk of serious complications or death.

Heart Conditions That May Impact Life Insurance

Life insurance providers typically flag any cardiovascular diagnosis as high risk. Some common conditions that insurers take seriously include:

• Heart attack
• Coronary artery disease
• Cardiomyopathy
• Atrial fibrillation (AFib)
• Stroke
• Tachycardia (fast heart rate)
• Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
• Mitral valve disorders
• Congestive heart failure

Having one or more of these conditions doesn’t automatically disqualify you—but it will usually mean a more detailed underwriting process and potentially higher premiums.

The American Heart Association’s “Life’s Essential 8”

The American Heart Association (AHA) uses a framework called Life’s Essential 8 to define optimal heart health. These are the key metrics insurers may indirectly assess through your medical records:

1. Healthy diet
2. Regular physical activity
3. Maintaining a healthy body weight
4. Blood sugar control
5. Cholesterol management
6. Normal blood pressure
7. Not smoking
8. Sleep health

Other Health Concerns That Can Affect Your Life Insurance

When you make an application to purchase life insurance, insurance carriers will evaluate your health status in order to determine the risk of insuring you. Here is a list of seventeen common health conditions that can have a significant impact on  your life insurance policy:

• Cancer: Depending on the type and stage, cancer might affect insurability
• HIV/AIDS: With modern advancements in treatment, numerous insurers now offer policies to HIV-positive individuals
• Substance Use Disorders: A history of drug or alcohol abuse can affect insurability
• Asthma: Depending on the severity, asthma may affect insurance premiums
• High Blood Pressure: Well-managed high blood pressure might have less impact on your policy
• Heart Disease: A common condition that can mean higher premiums or even denial of coverage
• High Cholesterol: High cholesterol could lead to higher premiums if not well-controlled
• Liver Disease: Conditions such as cirrhosis might affect your life insurance policy
• Diabetes: Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes might increase premiums
• Depression: Mental health conditions such as depression can affect coverage
• Obesity: High BMI could result in higher insurance costs
• Sleep Apnea: Might lead to higher insurance rates if it isn’t well-managed
• Stroke: A history of stroke might increase premium rates
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: This chronic condition can cause increased premiums
• Kidney Disease: Chronic kidney disease might lead to higher insurance costs
• Alzheimer’s/Dementia: These conditions may greatly affect insurability
• Lung Disease: Chronic conditions such as COPD may increase premiums