Trying to get life insurance after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure (CHF) or cardiomyopathy can feel impossible. If you’ve already heard “no” from a few agents or companies — you’re not alone.
At Maple Valley Insurance Group, we specialize in high-risk life insurance for people with CHF, dilated cardiomyopathy, and other complex heart conditions. We work with clients nationwide, and our job is to make sure you don’t fall through the cracks just because you’ve had health challenges and maybe heard that getting life insurance is very, very difficult with medical problems.
Can You Get Life Insurance with Congestive Heart Failure?
Yes — but it depends on the type of CHF you’ve been diagnosed with, how severe it is, and how long ago you were actually diagnosed, the treatment protocol etc. Many traditional life insurance companies will decline applications outright, but there are still paths to coverage.
We’ve helped clients obtain life insurance with the following:
- Systolic heart failure (reduced EF)
- Diastolic heart failure (preserved EF)
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Ischemic cardiomyopathy
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Congestive heart failure with pacemaker or defibrillator
- CHF caused by prior heart attack or coronary artery disease
If any of this sounds like you, we can help. And if you’ve been told “you only qualify for guaranteed issue,” that might not be true — not with the right underwriting strategy and independent agent/broker who knows their “stuff.”
What Kind of Life Insurance Can I Get with CHF?
Depending on your specific medical history and current treatment, here are the most common options:
✅ Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance
If your CHF is severe, recent, or terminal, a guaranteed issue policy may be your only option. There are no health questions and no medical exams, but there’s a 2-year graded period before full benefits kick in.
We’ll help you avoid overpriced policies from companies like Colonial Penn or Globe Life, and instead find a more affordable guaranteed acceptance plan with real value.
✅ Final Expense Life Insurance
For clients over 50 with stable CHF or cardiomyopathy, final expense life insurance (also called burial insurance) can be a great fit. Many carriers will issue up to $40,000 in coverage even if you’re insulin-dependent, taking Lasix, or have a history of stents, bypass surgery, or cardiomyopathy.
✅ Term Life Insurance with CHF
This is the hardest to qualify for — but not impossible. If your CHF is mild, has been stable for several years, and your ejection fraction (EF) has improved, we may be able to secure a fully underwritten term life insurance with a specialized carrier. Your medical condition will have a large impact on your rates if approved for term insurance.
Every case is different. That’s why it helps to work with an independent agent who understands high-risk life insurance and won’t push you toward a one-size-fits-all solution.
What Underwriters Look at with CHF or Cardiomyopathy
Here’s what life insurance companies typically need to know if you’ve been diagnosed with congestive heart failure or cardiomyopathy:
- The date of diagnosis
- Cause of the heart failure (e.g. heart attack, valve disease, hypertension, etc.)
- Ejection Fraction (EF%)
- Treatment plan (medications, pacemaker, ICD, surgery)
- Hospitalizations or any ER visits
- Smoking history
- Other comorbidities like diabetes, COPD, or kidney disease
We can walk you through what to expect and find a carrier that fits your health profile.
Can I Get Life Insurance if I’ve Been Declined Before?
Yes. Just because one company said no doesn’t mean they all will.
In fact, many of our clients with CHF or cardiomyopathy who were previously declined end up qualifying for coverage — often at a lower cost — when we match them with the right underwriting niche company. Some companies are just better at evaluating heart disease risk than others.
Why Work with Maple Valley Insurance Group?
We’re not a call center, period and we don’t sell your information. We’re a team of real, licensed agents and brokers who have a forte in hard-to-place life insurance cases. Since 2001, we’ve helped thousands of clients nationwide find coverage despite medical conditions that other agencies run from.
We’ll work to find you a policy that fits your needs — whether that’s a final expense plan, guaranteed acceptance policy, or fully underwritten term life insurance.
And we never charge you a nickel. Just honest advice, personal service, and access to top-rated carriers who understand heart conditions.
Ready to See Your Options?
Call us at 269-244-3420 or use our free online quote request form. You can speak with a high-risk life insurance expert who understands your condition and will walk you through your options — no pressure, no gimmicks.
You’ve lived through harder things than shopping for life insurance. Let’s make this part easy.
FAQs
Can I get life insurance with dilated cardiomyopathy?
Yes, some carriers do insure people with dilated cardiomyopathy, especially if it’s been stable, you have regular follow-ups, and your ejection fraction has improved. Final expense and guaranteed issue are the most common types available.
What if I have a pacemaker or defibrillator?
You can still qualify for life insurance. Pacemakers and ICDs may increase your risk class, but they don’t automatically disqualify you — especially if they’ve helped stabilize your CHF.
Will I need a medical exam?
Not always. Many policies are available without a medical exam, especially final expense and guaranteed issue plans. Some term life policies also offer non-med options depending on age and condition.
What are my options if my CHF was caused by a heart attack?
If your heart attack happened several years ago and your CHF is under control, you might qualify for simplified issue or even level term life insurance — especially if you’ve completed cardiac rehab and follow-up testing.
