Suffering a heart attack changes how insurance companies view your risk, but it doesn’t mean you can’t get affordable coverage. The key is knowing how underwriters think, what policy types work best, and how to navigate the application process with the right help.
At Maple Valley Insurance Group, we specialize in helping heart attack survivors secure life insurance coverage. This guide is your pillar resource — comprehensive, consumer-friendly, and insider-driven.
Can You Get Life Insurance After a Heart Attack?
Yes — but the type of coverage, the price you pay, and when you apply all matter.
Insurance companies evaluate heart attack history based on:
- When the heart attack happened (time since event is critical)
- Your treatment and follow-up care (stents, bypass, medications)
- Current heart function (ejection fraction, stress test results, doctor notes)
- Other health factors (diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure)
Pro tip: Most insurers won’t consider you until at least 6 months after a heart attack, and some require 12 months with favorable test results. The longer you’ve been stable, the better your chances.
Timeline: Getting Coverage After a Heart Attack
0–6 Months Post-Heart Attack:
- Most insurers will postpone your application.
- Your focus: recovery, follow-ups, and stabilizing your health.
- Only guaranteed issue life insurance may be available.
6–12 Months Post-Heart Attack:
- Some carriers will start considering applications.
- Approval depends heavily on test results (especially stress test and ejection fraction).
- Expect substandard or table-rated offers.
12+ Months Post-Heart Attack:
- Best time to apply — stability improves your odds.
- Standard or near-standard rates possible if tests look good and lifestyle changes are documented.
👉 See Which Carriers Are Right for Your Timeline
What Underwriters Look At After a Heart Attack
When you apply for life insurance, underwriters dig deep. Here are the key factors they examine:
- Age at time of attack – Younger applicants usually face stricter reviews.
- Number of heart attacks – Multiple events increase risk significantly.
- Procedures – Stents, angioplasty, or bypass history will be reviewed.
- Medications – Blood thinners, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, statins, or nitroglycerin.
- Follow-up care – Consistent doctor visits, cardiologist notes, and test results.
- Lifestyle changes – Quitting smoking, weight control, exercise, and cardiac rehab improve your file.
Typical Underwriting Questions:
- When did your heart attack occur?
- What procedures have you had?
- What medications are you taking?
- When was your last stress test or EKG?
- What was your ejection fraction?
- Do you have other conditions like diabetes or COPD?
Red Flags vs Green Lights for Approval
| Helps Your Case | Hurts Your Case |
|---|---|
| Stable ejection fraction (50%+) | Ejection fraction <40% |
| Regular cardiology checkups | Missed follow-ups |
| No hospitalizations in past 2 years | ER visits since event |
| Non-smoker, healthy weight | Active smoker, obesity |
| Documented cardiac rehab | No lifestyle improvements |
Life Insurance Options After a Heart Attack
Your options depend on your health, age, and how long it’s been since your heart attack. Here’s what’s available:
1. Term Life Insurance
Best if your heart attack was years ago and you’ve had normal follow-up tests.
- Coverage for 10, 20, or 30 years.
- Lowest cost if you qualify.
- Example: A 55-year-old non-smoker, 5 years post-heart attack with clean follow-up tests, may qualify at Standard or Table 2 rates.
2. Whole Life Insurance
Permanent coverage with smaller death benefits.
- Easier approval than term.
- Builds cash value.
- Works well for final expenses or small legacy planning.
3. Guaranteed Universal Life (GUL)
Like term insurance that lasts for life.
- Premiums never increase.
- Cheaper than whole life, more flexible than term.
- Excellent option if approved at substandard rates.
4. Final Expense Insurance
Simplified issue, designed for seniors.
- Small coverage amounts ($5,000 – $40,000).
- No medical exam, just health questions.
- Many carriers accept heart attack history after 12 months.
5. Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance
Last resort if you’re declined elsewhere.
- No health questions, no exam.
- Age 50–80 (most carriers).
- 2-year waiting period before full benefits.
👉 To compare guaranteed issue policies, just use the instant quoting tool on this page and select “Poor” in the “Health Class” drop down menu.
Case Study: John vs. Linda
John, 58 — Non-smoker, had a heart attack 5 years ago. Clean stress test and very good follow-up care and healthy weight loss. He secures a 20-year term policy of $100,000 for $109+/month.
Linda, 63 — Smoker, had a heart attack 9 months ago, inconsistent follow-ups with extensive damage to function. Only whole life insurance, a permanent lifetime policy is available, costing $93+/month for $20,000 coverage.
While whole life insurance for final expense planning was what Linda was looking for, she would be declined for the same policy that John was able to obtain.
👉 The lesson: Stability and lifestyle changes save serious money and give you more options.
What If You’re Declined?
Being declined once doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Common reasons for declines:
- Recent heart attack (within 6–12 months)
- Multiple events or ongoing symptoms
- Very low ejection fraction
If this happens:
- Don’t panic — declines happen.
- Don’t reapply blindly — too many applications can hurt you.
- Work with an independent broker — we use anonymous case submissions to shop your health profile to different life insurance companies without creating a record in your name.
👉 Talk to an Independent Agent/Broker
How to Improve Your Approval Odds
Insurance companies love stability and documentation. To strengthen your case:
- Stay consistent with medications — lapses raise red flags.
- Go to regular follow-ups with your cardiologist.
- Request a copy of your most recent stress test or EKG to provide upfront.
- Stop smoking (at least 12 months tobacco-free opens far better rates).
- Join cardiac rehab or maintain exercise routine.
How Much Will Life Insurance Cost After a Heart Attack?
Costs depend on age, time since event, and health status. Here’s a rough example for a male, age 60, non-smoker:
| Policy Type | Death Benefit | Estimated Monthly Cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Term (20-year) | $250,000 | $225 – $350 |
| GUL (to age 90) | $100,000 | $150 – $250 |
| Whole Life | $25,000 | $125 – $180 |
| Final Expense | $15,000 | $70 – $120 |
*Rates vary by company, underwriting class, and state.
Does Life Insurance Cover Heart Attacks?
Yes. Once your policy is active, death caused by a heart attack is covered just like any other natural cause — unless you lied on your application. The only exception is the 2-year waiting period on guaranteed issue policies, which only return premiums if death occurs during that window.
Carrier Behavior: Who’s Friendlier to Heart Attack Survivors?
Some companies are stricter than others:
- Lenient carriers: Often smaller mutual companies or those specializing in high-risk underwriting.
- Strict carriers: Big-name brands like State Farm, Allstate, and Globe Life with limited product menus.
- Middle ground: National carriers that rate based on recent test results and overall profile.
Frequently Asked Questions Regardin Life Insurance With Heart Issues
What is life insurance after a heart attack?
Life insurance after a heart attack is coverage available to individuals with a history of heart disease. Working with a high-risk life insurance specialist can help you secure affordable options based on your recovery and current health status.
How long should I wait after a heart attack to apply?
It’s generally best to wait 3–6 months after recovery before applying. This gives your heart time to stabilize and allows insurers to review updated medical results, which can lead to better rates and approval odds.
Can I get preferred rates after a heart attack?
Preferred rates are uncommon after a heart attack, but standard or table-rated approvals are possible depending on your recovery, follow-up care, and lifestyle improvements. Each company evaluates heart history differently.
Do I need to disclose all medications?
Yes, you must fully disclose all medications and treatments. Being upfront helps the underwriter make an accurate assessment and prevents issues later, including potential claim denials or policy rescission.
What type of life insurance is best after a heart attack?
Simplified issue whole life or graded benefit life insurance is typically easiest to qualify for, especially for applicants between ages 50–85. Some term or guaranteed universal life options may also be available after your condition stabilizes.
👉 Read More in Our High-Risk Life Insurance Guide
Why Work With an Independent Agency
Big-name insurers (State Farm, Globe Life, Allstate) have limited options. If you don’t fit their box, you either pay too much or get declined. Independent agencies like Maple Valley Insurance Group:
- Shop 30+ carriers for you.
- Know which companies are friendlier to heart attack survivors.
- Use underwriting expertise to match you with the right policy the first time.
Final Thoughts
Getting life insurance after a heart attack isn’t always easy, but it’s possible with the right strategy. Whether you’re looking for term, whole life, or final expense coverage, the most important step is working with an independent broker who knows the underwriting landscape.
Don’t overpay for coverage—explore what trusted independent agents can offer. We’ll help you find the right coverage at the best available rate — no matter your health history.
Call Now Get Instant Quote Get Personalized Quote