If you’ve been diagnosed with a severe health problem, like atrial fibrillation, there are some things you should know before you try and buy coverage.
A severe health problem will make life insurance more difficult but not impossible. There are some special considerations you need to account for.
You can improve your rate by planning and putting together an intelligent application. To help you prepare, we’ve outlined the underwriting rules for someone with atrial fibrillation.
Table of Contents
- Life Insurance Underwriting With Atrial Fibrillation
- Life Insurance Quotes With Atrial Fibrillation
- Managing Atrial Fibrillation for a Healthier Life
- The Importance of a Comprehensive Medical Record
- Atrial Fibrillation Life Insurance Case Studies
- Securing Lower Premiums
- The Bottom Line – Life Insurance With Atrial Fibrillation
Life Insurance Underwriting With Atrial Fibrillation
As an agent with atrial fibrillation, the agent is going to ask you a lot of questions about your condition:
- When were you diagnosed with atrial fibrillation?
- Is your atrial fibrillation chronic (permanent) or paroxysmal (intermittent)?
- What is causing your condition (coronary artery disease, heart valve issue, etc.)?
- Do you have any other issues with your heart?
- Do you have other high-risk life insurance factors for heart disease like high cholesterol, smoking, or a family history of heart disease?
- Are you receiving any treatments or taking any medications for your condition?
Common medications for Atrial Fibrillation include Amiodarone, Dodecarone, Propafenone, Digoxin, Beta Blockers, and ACE Inhibitors.
Insurance underwriters get nervous about incomplete applications, especially when you have a condition like atrial fibrillation. If your application is missing information, there’s a good chance you’ll be denied or will receive a bad rating.
Life Insurance Quotes With Atrial Fibrillation
On its own, atrial fibrillation isn’t a fatal condition. However, it’s a problem for life insurance because this condition increases the chance of a stroke or more severe heart issues. When reviewing your application, underwriters will want to know if your condition is chronic or paroxysmal.
Paroxysmal fibrillation is when you have an irregular pulse less than 10 times a year. If you have more incidents per year, your condition is chronic. Chronic atrial fibrillation is a more significant issue for life insurance.
Beyond your atrial fibrillation, underwriters will also consider whether you have any other heart issues and your overall health. Every company is going to view your fibrillation differently; some of them are going to offer you better rates than others:
- Preferred Plus: Impossible for an applicant with atrial fibrillation. There is just too high a risk of other health issues from this condition.
- Preferred: Usually impossible for someone with atrial fibrillation. In rare cases, an applicant with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and otherwise perfect health may qualify for a preferred rating.
- Standard: Best possible rating for most applicants with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Applicant should be in good health otherwise and not have any signs of heart disease.
- Table Rating (Substandard): Most likely rating for applicants with atrial fibrillation and the possible best rating for applicants with chronic atrial fibrillation. Insurance companies will base your rating on the severity of your condition, whether you have other health issues, and whether you are taking care of your condition.
- Declines: Applicants who have other heart issues like coronary artery disease in addition to atrial fibrillation will likely be denied. There is just too high a risk that the two problems will make each other worse. Also, applicants are at high risk for heart disease, like someone who is overweight or has high blood pressure.
Managing Atrial Fibrillation for a Healthier Life
Living with atrial fibrillation presents certain challenges, but it’s essential to know that with the right approach, you can lead a fulfilling and healthy life. The first step is understanding the condition and knowing how to manage it effectively.
Atrial fibrillation, also referred to as AFib, is an irregular and often rapid heart rate. It can lead to a higher risk of strokes, heart failure, and other heart-related complications. Daily management of AFib involves regular monitoring, taking prescribed medications, maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in appropriate physical activity, and avoiding triggers like excessive caffeine or alcohol.
By adhering to the prescribed treatment and following a healthy lifestyle, you not only reduce the symptoms and risks associated with atrial fibrillation, but you also put yourself in a better position when applying for life insurance. The more in control you are of your condition, the more favorable your application will appear to insurers.
The Importance of a Comprehensive Medical Record
Insurance companies appreciate detailed medical records. As someone with atrial fibrillation, it’s crucial that you keep an up-to-date and comprehensive record of your health. This includes all your doctor’s visits, test results, medications, and any changes in your condition.
A comprehensive medical record serves a dual purpose. First, it gives insurers a complete picture of your health, showing them that you are proactive about managing your condition. When an insurance company sees regular check-ups and consistent medication intake, it often interprets this as a sign that the applicant is less of a risk.
Second, having detailed medical records can be beneficial for your healthcare. In emergencies or when consulting a new physician, having a full history of your condition can facilitate more informed decisions about your care. It eliminates the guesswork and ensures continuity in treatment, which is essential for chronic conditions like atrial fibrillation.
Atrial Fibrillation Life Insurance Case Studies
Your life insurance application makes a difference when you apply with atrial fibrillation. Let’s show you some of the stories of previous clients we’ve worked with.
Case Study #1: Male, 67 y/o, non-smoker, had paroxysmal atrial fibrillation at age 64. No heart issues and in good health.
This applicant was diagnosed with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation when he was 64. The problems weren’t due to any underlying heart issues. Beyond this incident, he was in excellent health.
He only received rated policies. We felt that insurance companies were putting too much weight on his condition. We recommended this client go for an EKG to show that his heart was in good shape and to mail in the results with another application.
With this extra information, the client received a Preferred rating, an excellent result for this condition.
Case Study #2: Female, 72 y/o, former smoker, started having chronic atrial fibrillation at 69, taking ACE Inhibitors and statins for cholesterol
This applicant wasn’t in great health. She was overweight, smoked, and didn’t take the medications her doctor prescribed. This eventually led to heart trouble and chronic atrial fibrillation.
She quit smoking and taking her medication, which improved her condition. However, when she applied for life insurance, insurance companies rejected her application. We recommended she get a note from her doctor vouching for her better lifestyle and explaining that her condition was improving.
With this extra information, she received a Substandard Level 2 policy.
Securing Lower Premiums
Always follow all of the orders and prescriptions that they give you. It’s essential that you do everything that your physician tells you. Not only will this improve your health, but having regular doctor visits will show the insurance company that you’re dedicated to improving your health.
The next thing you should do is get in shape. It’s time to make some improvements in your day-to-day life. Maybe you’ve been meaning to start going to the gym; now is the perfect time to start.
After you’ve lost your weight, it’s time to drop those bad habits. Smoking is terrible for your health and your life insurance rates. You can enjoy those rates, but you’ll have to suffer from life insurance premiums, which are twice as high.
The Bottom Line – Life Insurance With Atrial Fibrillation
Navigating the intricacies of life insurance with atrial fibrillation can be complex, but with the proper preparation and understanding, it’s feasible to secure a policy that meets your needs.
Remember, every individual’s situation is unique; what’s paramount is proactively managing your health, maintaining detailed medical records, and approaching insurance companies with a well-prepared application.
Insurers appreciate applicants who show dedication to their well-being and a keen understanding of their condition. While challenges are inherent in securing life insurance with medical conditions, it’s heartening to know that many have successfully done so before.
With thorough research, consultation with professionals, and a proactive approach to your health, you can confidently step forward, ensuring your loved ones’ financial security. Taking the first step, armed with knowledge and determination, brings you closer to achieving peace of mind.
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