If you’ve been diagnosed with congestive heart failure (CHF), cardiomyopathy, or another serious heart condition, you may have already discovered that getting life insurance is far from straightforward. Many people are told “no” by traditional agents or carriers, leaving them unsure of their options.
At Maple Valley Insurance Group, we specialize in high-risk life insurance for clients with CHF, dilated cardiomyopathy, and other complex cardiovascular conditions. We work nationwide, helping people navigate carriers that most companies shy away from. Our goal is simple: make sure you don’t fall through the cracks just because of your health history.
Understanding Congestive Heart Failure and High-Risk Heart Conditions
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) occurs when the heart cannot pump blood efficiently, leading to fluid buildup and organ strain. There are two primary types:
- Systolic heart failure (reduced ejection fraction) – the heart muscle weakens and cannot contract effectively.
- Diastolic heart failure (preserved ejection fraction) – the heart muscle stiffens, preventing proper filling.
Other heart conditions that may complicate life insurance eligibility include:
- Dilated, hypertrophic, restrictive, and ischemic cardiomyopathies
- Arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, or other irregular heart rhythms)
- Heart valve diseases (stenosis or regurgitation)
- Coronary artery disease (including prior stents or bypass surgery)
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Congenital heart defects (corrected or stable)
- CHF with pacemaker or defibrillator
- History of heart attack or cardiac arrest
These conditions are considered high-risk by insurers because they increase the likelihood of premature mortality, which directly impacts underwriting and premiums.
Can You Get Life Insurance With CHF or Heart Conditions?
Yes — but it is rarely straightforward.
Approval and rates depend on factors like:
- The type and severity of the heart condition
- How long ago the condition was diagnosed
- Current stability and treatment adherence
- Medications and other health issues
Many traditional carriers will automatically decline CHF applications, but specialized carriers and underwriting strategies can make coverage possible. This is why working with an experienced independent broker is crucial — they know which carriers will consider high-risk cases and how to present your profile to maximize approval chances.
Life Insurance Options for CHF and Related Heart Conditions
✅ Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance
For those with severe, recent, or terminal heart conditions, guaranteed issue life insurance is often the only available option.
Pros:
- No health questions or medical exams
- Builds cash value
- Lifetime premiums and fixed benefits
Cons:
- 2-year graded period before full death benefits
- Higher lifetime premiums than underwritten policies
We help clients avoid overpriced options from carriers like Colonial Penn or Globe Life, instead finding more affordable guaranteed acceptance plans with real value.
✅ Final Expense Life Insurance
Final expense (or burial) insurance is ideal for clients over 50 with stable heart conditions.
Benefits:
- Coverage up to $40,000
- Available even if you take Lasix, ACE inhibitors, or insulin, or have a history of stents, bypass surgery, or pacemakers
- Lower premiums than guaranteed issue policies and often better long-term value
This option ensures your loved ones aren’t burdened with funeral expenses, while still providing some flexibility for high-risk applicants.
✅ Term Life Insurance
Term life insurance is the most difficult to qualify for with complex heart conditions, but it is not impossible. CHF is commonly declined by 99+% of carriers offering term insurance.
- Requires full underwriting, including medical exams in many cases
- Rates depend on ejection fraction (EF%), age, stability, and other health factors
- Some carriers specialize in high-risk heart cases
Even conditions like arrhythmias, valve disease, or prior heart attacks do not automatically disqualify you — the key is current stability, treatment adherence, and medical history.
✅ Other Specialized Policies
Some carriers offer:
- Graded whole life – partial benefits during the first 1–2 years if the condition is recent or severe
- 1st-day whole life – full benefits immediately for select high-risk applicants
Your eligibility depends on the specific carrier and your overall health profile, which underscores why an independent broker is necessary.
How Underwriters Evaluate CHF and Related Conditions
Insurance companies want to understand risk factors thoroughly. Key areas include:
- Diagnosis date and type of heart condition
- Ejection fraction (EF%) for CHF or cardiomyopathy
- Arrhythmia type and control
- Treatment plan: medications, pacemaker, ICD, surgeries
- Hospitalizations or ER visits
- Smoking history
- Other comorbidities: diabetes, COPD, kidney disease, obesity
Preparing this information in advance helps your broker match you with carriers most likely to approve your application at favorable rates.
Medications and Lifestyle Impact Approval
Underwriters closely review prescriptions, including:
- Diuretics (Lasix, Bumex)
- ACE inhibitors / ARBs (Lisinopril, Losartan)
- Beta-blockers (Metoprolol, Carvedilol)
- Antiarrhythmics (Amiodarone, Sotalol)
- Blood thinners (Warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto)
Lifestyle factors — such as adherence to your treatment plan, diet, and exercise — can positively affect rates and approval chances. Noncompliance or uncontrolled conditions typically result in higher premiums or declined applications.
Overcoming Prior Declines
Being declined by one company doesn’t mean all insurers will say no.
Many clients previously declined for CHF, cardiomyopathy, or arrhythmias later qualify at lower cost when guided to the right high-risk niche carriers. Independent brokers know which companies:
- Evaluate heart conditions more favorably
- Consider stability, compliance, and medication history
- Can issue coverage with graded or full benefits
Without an expert, applicants often apply to the wrong insurer first, increasing the chance of being declined and delaying coverage.
Why Work With Maple Valley Insurance Group
- Licensed, real agents, not a call center
- Experts in high-risk cases since 2001
- Free consultations with no sales gimmicks
- Access to top-rated carriers who understand CHF, cardiomyopathy, and complex heart conditions
- Guidance on obtaining the best coverage at the most affordable premiums
High-risk life insurance requires strategic planning and expert knowledge — working with Maple Valley Insurance Group increases your chances of approval and better benefits.
Step-By-Step Process to Apply
- Gather your medical history – diagnosis dates, EF%, arrhythmia details, surgeries, hospitalizations.
- Compile your medications – doses, start dates, and purpose.
- Answer health questions honestly – underwriters cross-reference prescriptions and medical history.
- Discuss your profile with an independent broker – they match you with the right carrier.
- Choose a policy type – term, graded whole life, guaranteed issue, or final expense.
Following this process maximizes approval chances while minimizing premium costs.
Take-Home Messages
- Guaranteed issue policies are available without health questions but often come with higher premiums and limited benefits.
- Answering health history questions may qualify you for better policies at lower costs.
- Time matters: younger applicants get lower lifetime rates.
- Working with an independent broker is essential for navigating high-risk cases.
Protecting your loved ones starts now — securing life insurance today ensures coverage when it’s needed most.
FAQ For Those With Heart Related Issues
Next Steps
Use the mobile Get an Instant Quote CTA at the bottom of this post, or call us at 269-244-3420 for a free consultation.
You’ll speak with a high-risk life insurance expert who understands CHF, cardiomyopathy, and other complex heart conditions — no pressure, no gimmicks.
