How To Get Life Insurance With a Stroke History [2024]
Finding life insurance after a stroke is not impossible, and there are many things you can do to keep your life insurance rates affordable. Find out how to find the coverage you need at a reasonable price.
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Joel Ohman
Certified Financial Planner
Joel Ohman is the CEO of a private equity backed digital media company. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, author, angel investor, and serial entrepreneur who loves creating new things, whether books or businesses. He has also previously served as the founder and resident CFP® of a national insurance agency, Real Time Health Quotes. He also has an MBA from the University of South Florida. ...
Certified Financial Planner
UPDATED: Jul 8, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right life insurance coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident life insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one life insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our life insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different life insurance companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about life insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything life insurance-related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by life insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jul 8, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right life insurance coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident life insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one life insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our life insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different life insurance companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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- Getting life insurance after having a stroke does not always have to be expensive
- Your life insurance rates will depend on how severe the stroke was and how you’re recovering
- Investing in your therapy and rehabilitation will lower your rates
A stroke can be life-changing and often impacts many aspects of everyday life. One of those challenges is getting life insurance after a stroke.
Due to the health and life-expectancy risks associated with strokes, insurance companies may view you as a high risk for life insurance, making it more difficult to qualify and often resulting in more expensive rates.
However, your life insurance rates will depend on the severity of the stroke and your rate of recovery. What you invest in the recovery process can help mitigate the cost of life insurance after a stroke. Keep reading to learn how you can save money on life insurance for stroke victims.
How to Buy Life Insurance After a Stroke
If you’ve had a stroke, the life insurance company will require you to get a medical exam before offering you a policy. The exam records your physical details and post-stroke vitals, such as:
- Height
- Weight
- Pulse
- Blood pressure
In addition, it will cover details that go beyond your immediate health condition. For example:
- Family history
- Medical history
- Lifestyle choices
These are the factors that insurance companies will use to determine if you still qualify for life insurance after a stroke.
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Does a stroke affect life insurance rates?
Although you may qualify, life insurance for those with medical conditions, including stroke survivors, often comes with increased rates. Unfortunately, there is not a straightforward increase since it depends on multiple factors, including the number of strokes you’ve had, the severity of the strokes, and the pace and extent of your recovery.
Your insurance company will also ask you about the following when determining your rates:
- When your first stroke occurred
- The diagnosed cause of stroke
- Your age and lifestyle choices
- Post-stroke medical records and lab test results
- Treatment and recovery progress
- Additional underlying medical conditions
While you can expect your rates to go up, getting life insurance after a stroke does not have to be expensive.
What can a stroke survivor do to get life insurance?
Insurance companies do business based on a risk-to-reward ratio — the less risk you present to the company, the lower your insurance rates will be.
If you’ve suffered a stroke, there is much that is out of your control. However, you can do the following to reduce your life insurance rates after a stroke:
- Reduce the chance of additional strokes. According to Johns Hopkins, about a quarter of stroke victims suffer a second stroke, but sticking to a recovery plan by changing your habits and diet can reduce this risk.
- Speed up recovery. Recovery takes time, but there are things you can do proactively to speed up your progress. For example, keep all your medical and therapy records up-to-date and available to your insurance provider.
- Address contributing factors. There may be underlying health conditions that contribute to your susceptibility to strokes. Talk to your doctor about ways to address those conditions and reduce the risk of additional strokes.
While you may not be able to reverse a medical condition or change your medical history, the area where you can exercise control is in your recovery. Making good lifestyle choices, investing in recovery therapies, and sticking to any dietary restrictions can speed up your recovery and reduce health risks.
Case Studies: Getting Life Insurance After a Stroke
Case Study 1: John’s Journey to Affordable Coverage
John, a 52-year-old stroke survivor, faced challenges when trying to obtain life insurance after his stroke. Due to the severity of his stroke and ongoing health risks, insurance companies viewed him as a high-risk applicant. However, John took proactive steps to improve his insurability.
He worked closely with his healthcare team, diligently followed his recovery plan, and maintained open communication with his life insurance agent. By investing in his recovery and demonstrating his commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, John was able to secure life insurance coverage at a reasonable price.
Case Study 2: Sarah’s Success in Lowering Premiums
Sarah, a 45-year-old woman who had suffered a stroke a few years ago, wanted to obtain life insurance coverage to protect her family’s financial future. Aware that her stroke history could impact her premiums, Sarah took several steps to mitigate the cost.
She underwent regular medical check-ups and tests to monitor her health and provide up-to-date information to insurance companies. Additionally, Sarah made lifestyle changes recommended by her healthcare professionals, such as adopting a healthy diet and exercise routine.
By actively managing her health and demonstrating her commitment to ongoing well-being, Sarah was able to secure life insurance coverage at a more affordable rate.
Case Study 3: Mark’s Persistence Pays Off
Mark, a 62-year-old stroke survivor, encountered numerous obstacles when applying for life insurance after his stroke. Insurance companies were hesitant to provide coverage due to his age and the long-term effects of his stroke. However, Mark was determined to protect his loved ones financially.
He sought the assistance of a knowledgeable life insurance agent who specialized in high-risk cases. Together, they explored different options and connected with insurers that were more open to considering stroke survivors.
Through persistent efforts and collaboration with his agent, Mark was able to find a life insurance policy that met his needs and provided peace of mind for his family.
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Life Insurance After a Stroke: The Bottom Line
As a stroke survivor, it will make it difficult to qualify for life insurance. Your rates will likely go up, and you may have to shop with high-risk life insurance companies to find appropriate coverage.
However, there is much you can do to reduce the expense. Invest in your recovery, keep good records, and maintain open communication with your doctor and life insurance agent.
Work at qualifying for life insurance first, even if quotes are a little high to begin with. Once you have a policy in force, you can work on your recovery, which can lead to lower life insurance rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get life insurance if I have a history of stroke?
Yes, it is possible to obtain life insurance coverage even if you have a history of stroke. However, the availability and terms of coverage may vary depending on various factors, such as the severity of the stroke, your overall health, and the time that has passed since the stroke occurred.
Will having a stroke history affect my life insurance premiums?
Yes, having a stroke history can impact your life insurance premiums. Insurers typically consider your medical history and assess the risk associated with it when determining premiums. If you have a stroke history, insurers may view you as a higher risk and charge higher premiums compared to someone without such a medical condition.
How long after a stroke can I apply for life insurance?
The specific time frame for applying for life insurance after a stroke can vary among insurance companies. Generally, most insurers prefer that a certain period of time has passed since the stroke occurred. This waiting period can range from six months to a few years, depending on the insurer and the severity of the stroke.
What information do I need to provide when applying for life insurance with a stroke history?
When applying for life insurance with a stroke history, you will typically be required to provide detailed information about the stroke, including the date it occurred, the severity, any residual effects, and the treatments received. You may also need to disclose other medical information, such as your current health status, medications, and lifestyle habits.
Will I need to undergo a medical examination to get life insurance with a stroke history?
In most cases, applicants with a stroke history will need to undergo a medical examination as part of the life insurance application process. The medical examination helps insurers assess your current health status and evaluate the impact of the stroke on your overall insurability. The examination may include blood tests, a physical examination, and possibly additional tests or consultations with specialists.
Your life insurance quotes are always free.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Joel Ohman
Certified Financial Planner
Joel Ohman is the CEO of a private equity backed digital media company. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, author, angel investor, and serial entrepreneur who loves creating new things, whether books or businesses. He has also previously served as the founder and resident CFP® of a national insurance agency, Real Time Health Quotes. He also has an MBA from the University of South Florida. ...
Certified Financial Planner
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about life insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything life insurance-related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by life insurance experts.