How to Buy Life Insurance After A Heart Stent Procedure
Any cardiac event can be life-changing, and we often are contacted by new clients after such a scare.
One question we’re regularly asked is how to buy life insurance after a heart stent procedure.
New clients are often worried that they missed their chance to buy life insurance or the cost will be out of reach once faced with the reality that they need it.
We’re always happy to tell people that it’s possible to buy life insurance after a heart stent procedure and then go out and find them the best coverage at the best possible rates.
The challenge of this is to know is how, when, and where to apply.
The application process may sound complicated but we’re here to make it easy for you. With the advances in medical care that are helping people live healthier lives and our experience in getting coverage for clients with medical problems, we can determine your eligibility with various insurers.
One important thing you need to know is, after a heart stent procedure or coronary angioplasty; life insurance underwriters will carefully scrutinize your application. The best way to find affordable coverage is to work with experts who have access to many top-rated life insurance companies and apply only to those companies who will view your application most favorably.
You’re here to learn how to buy life insurance after a heart stent procedure so let’s get started by taking a look at why the life insurance underwriter will examine your application so carefully.
What is a Heart Stent?
Heart stents are small mesh tubes that are placed in the coronary artery using a balloon catheter, often after coronary angioplasty. They are inserted in narrowed or clogged arteries to increase blood flow and reduce the chance of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke.
Stents help keep a healthy supply of blood flowing to the heart. They are most often inserted in arteries narrowed by plaque, to reduce chest pain, or to prop open an artery after a blockage. They can also be used to prevent aneurysms.
The first 6 months after a stent will be difficult to get life insurance. Outlook improves afterward.
Coronary stents are used in people who have a history of:
- Coronary Heart Disease
- Atherosclerosis
- Angina
- Carotid Artery Disease
- Heart Attack
- Stroke
Since the underlying medical conditions that often lead to a stent procedure can be serious, life insurance companies will want to know what health problem contributed to your need for a stent. Some common health problems they are looking for include: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, arrhythmia, obesity, family history, smoking, drinking, and an unhealthy lifestyle. They will also want to know if your stent procedure was a medical emergency or used as a protective measure prevent a future health crisis.
They are also concerned about the risk of complications following a stent procedure. Some possible complications they’ll be looking for include:
- Blood clots
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Blood vessel damage
- Irregular heartbeat
- Allergic reactions
- Restenosis or reoccurrence of narrowing
Questions You’ll Be Asked about Your Health History
When you consider the underlying medical conditions that often lead to stent procedures and the risk complications involved, it may seem impossible to buy life insurance – but fortunately, it’s not. However, you can expect to answer a lot of questions about your current and past medical history. It’s important to answer all questions completely. Leaving out an important detail may complicate the application process or even lead to a denial.
The questions about you’ll be asked will include:
- Age
- Height/weight
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol
- Date of your stent procedure
- Have you had a heart attack or stroke
- How many stents you have
- What diagnostic tests you’ve had (EKG, ECG, stress test, etc.)
- Current ejection fraction
- Medical conditions
- Current symptoms
- Any complications you’ve had
- If you’ve had chest pain since the stent procedure
- Lifestyle habits you’ve changed
- If you smoke or drink
- All other medical conditions
This will also be your opportunity to shine and explain how well you’ve managed your health since your stent procedure. Your life insurance application will be looked at more favorably if you’ve kept your medical appointments, are eating a heart-healthy diet, following a prescribed exercise regimen, have lowered high cholesterol, and are managing your weight and blood pressure.
When to Apply for Life Insurance After A Stent Procedure
Knowing when to apply is just as important as knowing where.
Due to the risk of complications, most life insurance companies will postpone your application for six months following a stent procedure. The theory being, after six months, your doctor should have a good idea of how successful your procedure was and if you’ll need more treatment.
If you’re in a rush to purchase life insurance, it may be possible to qualify for substandard or high-risk rates but it will be harder to qualify and will be more expensive. On the other hand, if you wait six months after your stent procedure or angioplasty, you may save money. Either way, please contact us so we can give you an idea of how much you’ll be paying for life insurance now and in the future.
Where to Apply for Life Insurance After A Coronary Stent
Knowing which company will view your health status after a coronary stent most favorably is probably the most important aspect of obtaining the best coverage at the lowest rates possible. Your past and current health status will determine which rate class you’ll be assigned to and ultimately determine how much you’ll pay for insurance.
For example, you may have one stent and take medication that would cause you to receive a substandard rate class at one company while another might place you in a standard rate class, thus saving you money.
Typically, the rate classes you’ll be looking at include:
The best or preferred rates: Not possible
Preferred: Not possible
Standard: One stent, non-emergency, no complications
Table Rating (Substandard): More than one stent, previous heart attack or stroke
Decline: Current chest pain, complications, taking nitroglycerin, current smoker
If you’ve had any serious medical problems or have a history of a heart attack or stroke, it’s best to contact us right away. We’re experts at helping high-risk clients and we’re happy to assist you too.
The bottom line is…
that all life insurance companies view health conditions differently. Even if you’ve previously been denied, it may still be possible to get the coverage you need. Knowing when and where to apply after a stent procedure is the most important tactic to prevent denials and sky-high premiums.
We are independent agents and work with over 55 top rated life insurance companies. We specialize in helping people with medical problems find the best company to fit their individual needs. We’d love to help you too. There is no charge for our service. To get started or ask a question, please feel free to contact us today.
