01-08-2022 |
Life insurance policies are designed to offer financial protection to the family and loved ones in the event of the death of the policyholder. Life Insurance Companies assess the risk of insuring a policyholder by seeking medical information and even requesting a complete medical check-up. Usually, people with critical illnesses or conditions that increase the possibility of death find it difficult to get approved for a life policy cover.
If you have suffered a heart attack and decide to buy a life insurance policy after recovering, then you must prepare for premium rates and even rejection of your application. In this article, we will talk about life insurance for heart patients and how they can get one in a hassle-free manner and at affordable rates.
Understanding Heart Conditions
Heart attacks are one of the major causes of death in India. People suffer from a range of heart-related conditions like coronary heart disease, acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, arrhythmia, valve disease, and congenital and inherited heart conditions. While there are many things that can lead to a heart condition, here are some factors that increase the chances of a heart attack:
- Men over 45 and women over 55 years of age are more prone to a heart attack
- High bad cholesterol levels
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Stress
- High blood pressure
- Sedentary lifestyle, etc.
Life insurance for Heart Patients
An insurance company will determine the life policy cover and premium based on the risk of insuring the policyholder. Hence, people with a history of heart attacks will be perceived as high-risk candidates.
Here are some things that need to be kept in mind while looking for life insurance online after a heart attack:
- The age when you got the heart attack
People who get a heart attack at a younger age are considered to have a higher risk of developing health problems as they age. Hence, if the applicant had a heart attack after 50, then the impact on the premium will not be high.
- How long ago was the heart attack?
Many people recover from heart attacks by adopting a healthier lifestyle, taking regular medicines, and managing their health better. Hence, it is prudent to allow a few months to go by before you start looking for life insurance after a heart attack.
- Was the heart attack mild or severe?
Heart attacks can be mild when only one artery has a blockage. Many insurers consider such cases for standard life insurance policies. However, if the blockage is severe and/or across multiple arteries, then your chances of getting a life insurance policy will be minimal. In simpler terms, the higher the percentage of blockage of your arteries, the lower the chances of receiving a cost-efficient life insurance policy quote.
- Ejection Fraction
One of the most trusted indicators of the health of a heart is the Ejection Fraction of the left ventricle. This indicates the amount of blood your heart pumps out with each beat. If you have had a heart attack and have an Ejection Fraction of 50%+, then you can expect better rates for the life policy cover. If the Ejection Fraction is 45% or less, insurers might decline your insurance application.
- Overall health condition
If the heart attack is the only medical condition, then it is easier to get a life insurance policy at reasonable rates as opposed to having various other ailments like diabetes, blood pressure, etc. with the heart condition.
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting The Right Rates on Life Insurance After a Heart Attack
A heart attack is a clear indication of the fact that one or more of your arteries is facing problems. While there are medicines to ensure that the arteries are de-clogged and function optimally, they are usually a result of incorrect lifestyle choices. Hence, recovering from a heart attack requires you to make some major lifestyle decisions. If you are looking for post-heart attack insurance coverage for life, then here are some tips that you can keep in mind:
- Listen to your doctor. Follow all the diet, lifestyle, and medication recommendations given. Also, make sure that you check your vitals regularly and work towards a healthier version of yourself.
- People who are overweight and have had a heart attack are considered to be at a higher risk than those who have their weight in control. Hence, make sure that you follow a diet and exercise regimen recommended by your doctor to keep your weight in check.
- Fatty foods are known to be the primary contributors to high cholesterol levels and heart attacks. Hence, change your eating habits to include a balanced diet.
- If you drink alcohol regularly or chew tobacco or smoke cigarettes, then a heart attack is usually a sign of stopping any such habit. Quitting these habits can help ensure better recovery post a heart attack and improve your chances of getting a life insurance policy.
If you find a life insurance plan at good rates despite having a heart attack, then make sure that you buy a comprehensive policy for the long term. Remember, as you age, the chances of health issues increase, and finding a good insurance policy becomes difficult.
Also, make sure that you research the market and look at different insurance policies before making a purchase. A Tata AIA Life Insurance Policy offers a range of features and benefits that can help you get the right coverage for your needs.
Conclusion
If you have suffered from a heart attack, then gather all your medical documents and approach insurers with all facts. Remember, it will be difficult finding a life insurance policy with the right rates after getting a heart attack. Keep the above-mentioned tips in mind and get the protection you need.
L&C/Advt/2022/Jul/1743