Stents have become quite common these days to treat cardiovascular disease. In fact, almost 1 million stents are placed each year in the US. If you’ve had a stent or multiple stents placed, you probably think that you can’t get life insurance. The good news is that you may qualify for affordable life insurance rates if you’ve had a stent procedure. But before you apply for life insurance with a stent, make sure you understand exactly what the life insurance company needs to know in order to make a decision on your case. Here is everything you need to know about life insurance for people with stents.
How Will I be Evaluated by the Insurance Company?
Many different factors go into determining your health class rating for life insurance with stents. The underwriters will need to know the following information to assess your risk.
- Did you have a heart attack or stroke that triggered the need for a stent?
If you’ve had a heart attack or stroke that required a stent procedure, you can expect a substandard rating.
- What was the date your stent(s) were placed?
Most life insurance companies usually won’t consider your case until you’ve had your stents for at least 6 months. The longer it’s been since your stent surgery, the more data the insurance company will have to evaluate your situation.
- How old were you when you had your stent(s) placed?
Some insurance companies will automatically decline your case if you’ve had a stent procedure at a young age. If you are in your 30’s when you had a stent procedure, you will most likely be declined. The older you are when you have your stent procedure, the better the rating will be in most cases.
- How many stents do you have?
Obviously, one stent will be more favorably viewed compared to multiple stents.
- Have you had any stress tests or EKGs since your stent(s) were placed? What were the results?
After you’ve had a stent procedure, follow up with your cardiologist is key. Taking medications, blood tests, stress tests, EKGs and some form of cardiac rehabilitation are important after you’ve had a stent procedure. The results of these tests will be assessed closely by the insurance company.
- Are you on any medications?
After your stent procedure, you will be required to take multiple medications such as blood thinners, blood pressure medication and more. Compliance with your medication is key.
- How has your health changed since your stent(s) were placed?
A positive lifestyle change is important after you’ve had a stent procedure. If you quit smoking, lose weight and make other positive lifestyle changes, it will be looked at favorably by the life insurance underwriters.
- What is your current ejection infraction ?
Ejection infraction measures the amount of blood that is pumped out of your heart each time it beats. At a minimum, your ejection infraction should be greater than 50% to 55% to be considered for the best ratings.
What Can I Expect for a Health Rating?
When it comes to health class ratings, it will come down to the specifics of your situation and the underwriting guidelines of the life insurance company. Keep in mind that each company has its own underwriting guidelines, so it makes sense to find the company that will give you the best rating based on your particular situation. Some companies are a bit more lenient when it comes to underwriting applicants with stents.
As a general guideline, a realistic expectation for best case scenario would be ‘Standard’ for younger stent recipients ages 50-70. This is assuming one stent and all subsequent testing (EKG, blood tests, ejection infraction >50-55% etc.) come back positive. In most cases though, you can expect a substandard or table rating. As mentioned earlier, the older you are when you receive your stent, the better in terms of qualifying for a better health class rating. Applicants over the age of 70 who have received a stent can qualify for ‘Standard Plus’ with some companies. This is assuming that subsequent testing (EKG, blood tests, ejection infraction >50-55%) all comes back with positive results.
The examples above are simply a guide. It is important to understand that each company has its own underwriting guidelines and your particular situation is unique. It is best to work with an experienced independent agent who can shop your case to match you with the company that will give you the best rating.
What are My Life Insurance Policy Options?
There are two main life insurance options you have for life insurance with stents. If you have one or two stents, you have been compliant with follow up treatment and you are otherwise healthy (no other major health issues), your best bet would be to go with a fully underwritten policy. We can help you fill out one of our questionnaires which will allow us to give you an idea if you will qualify for a fully underwritten policy as well as your potential health class rating.
If you have multiple stents and other health issues, your only option might be guaranteed issue life insurance. With this type of product, you are guaranteed coverage but the death benefit is graded. This means that your beneficiaries will not receive full death benefits if you die within the first 2 years of the policy. Most fully underwritten policies have smaller face amounts.
Life Insurance for People with Stents
If you’ve had a stent procedure and you are looking for life insurance, let us help you find the right policy. We know which carriers offer the most competitive rates for applicants with stents. Feel free to email or call us with any questions about life insurance for people with stents.
About Us
Archstone Insurance Services, LLC is an independent agency that shops over 40 of the top life insurance carriers to provide huge savings on life insurance coverage for our clients. We are happy to answer any questions you might have about any of the insurance products we offer, your planning needs or your existing coverage. Feel free to call us directly at (888) 687-9444 or email us at info@archstoneagency.com.
