If you have suffered a stroke, you may wonder if you are still eligible for life insurance. The good news is that applicants may still be eligible for coverage, but the process can be a little more complicated. This guide will discuss the eligibility requirements for life insurance after a stroke and what you need to do to get coverage.
What is a Stroke?
There are two types of strokes. Each kind happens when the blood flow to the brain is cut off, and the brain cells don’t get enough oxygen. When this happens, people can lose abilities controlled by the affected part of their brain. This might include things like memory and muscle control.
Since life insurers base their rates on the age and health of the applicant, people who have had a stroke are likely to pay more than healthy applicants. However, independent insurance agents who understand high-risk conditions like a stroke can offer applicants a better chance of getting affordable rates.
Underwriting Questions For Stroke Survivors
When you apply for life insurance, the insurance agent will ask you many questions about your stroke and recovery. They will want to know how you are doing now and what the long-term effects of the stroke might be.
- What year did you have your stroke or strokes?
- Did you have a stroke, or was it a TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack)?
- What tests did you have after your stroke or strokes?
- What were the symptoms you experienced when you had a stroke?
- Did you experience any long-term neurological problems or other side effects?
- Do you have other health issues that could lead to another stroke, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or heart disease?
- What medications are you currently taking for your health?
The most common medications after a stroke include aspirin, Plavix, Anticoagulants, Hypertension Meds, and Statins. The medications you take after a stroke shouldn’t affect your rating, depending on your symptoms.
Your insurance agent needs to know all the answers to the questions on your application so that your insurance company will be sure you are telling them everything. If you don’t tell them everything, it might affect how much your rates go up or whether you are approved.
How A Stroke Affects Your Life Insurance Rates
One of the most critical factors for your life insurance application is whether you had a stroke. A full stroke is different than a mini-stroke.
A mini-stroke is a temporary problem with the brain that causes the same symptoms as a full stroke. But unlike a full stroke, a mini-stroke does not cause permanent damage. This makes it easier to get insurance coverage if you have had a mini-stroke.
A full stroke and a TIA can make it more likely for you to have other strokes. This means that it can be harder to get life insurance. Your rating will depend on your answers to questions about your stroke, and each company has different guidelines for who they will insure.
What if I’m Declined?
Even if an insurer declined your life insurance application, you could still purchase life insurance through a guaranteed issue policy.
What Is A Guaranteed Issue Policy?
A guaranteed issue policy is life insurance that does not depend on your health. This means you can get life insurance even if you have had a stroke and have been declined. However, there are a few drawbacks that you should consider before getting this type of policy.
Many insurers that offer guaranteed issue life insurance policies have a limit on the death benefit. This amount is usually between $25,000 and $30,000, depending on your age.
If you die from natural causes, your family will have to wait for two or three years before the company will pay the full death benefit. Most companies, however, will pay a benefit equal to the total premiums paid plus 5 to 10 percent.
Since the insurer is unsure how healthy you are, they will charge you more for your life insurance policy than someone healthier.
Although there are some disadvantages to guaranteed issue life insurance, it is still a better option than asking your loved ones to pay your final expenses.
Life Insurance Companies For Stroke Survivors (We Recommend)
Forresters whole life insurance is an excellent option for those who have recently had a stroke.
- If the stroke was more than one year ago and you have had less than two strokes in your lifetime, you can get whole life insurance without a waiting period at death.
- Forresters may be the best option for you, depending on your other health history.
- Forrester’s was founded in 1874 and is Rated “A” with A.M. Best.
You can be assured that you are in good hands with Forresters.
Disclaimer: We are licensed life insurance agents for Forresters. If you need a quote or want to apply, contact us below. There is no charge for the service. We strongly discourage applying without the assistance of an agent because if you apply on your own and get declined coverage, for whatever reason, no other life insurance company will consider you for coverage for approximately two years.
Need Help Getting Life Insurance Coverage?
If you have a preexisting medical condition and want to buy life insurance, you will need help from an expert. This person can help ensure you get coverage, so you don’t get declined.
Warning: Applying for life insurance without a medical exam can be risky. If you are declined coverage, it could be at least two years before you can get any life insurance.