Heart complications should not deter you from getting hybrid long-term care insurance. Conditions can range from atrial fibrillation to coronary artery disease to heart attacks. Nevertheless, you may still qualify for hybrid long-term care insurance despite your history.
3 Most Common Heart Issues
In this post, we will discuss how to better your chances of getting approved for hybrid long-term care insurance if you have heart complications. Let’s consider three common heart issues Americans face today.
1. Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart rhythm. It can increase your chances of a stroke or other heart-related issues. Fortunately however, there are hybrid long-term care insurance policies you can apply for with a history of atrial fibrillation.
To improve your chances with underwriting, you must be stable and have no complications. Also, you must have no history of coexisting conditions. Underwriters look to see if you have any of the following conditions:
- Heart Conditions
- Stroke
- Carotid Artery Disease
- Circulatory Problems
- Diabetes
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
If you don’t have any coexisting history involving those medical conditions, it will reflect favorably according to underwriting guidelines.
Lastly, a history of smoking is not helpful if you want to apply for a policy with atrial fibrillation. Generally it is a good idea to eliminate smoking or tobacco usage for at least 36 months prior to applying for a policy. This can help your application’s chances of getting approved.
2. Coronary Artery Disease (Heart Disease)
Coronary artery disease or heart disease occurs when plaque builds up in the walls of your arteries. Plaque build-up causes the walls of your artery to narrow over time and results in a partial or total blockage of blood flow to your heart and body.
If you have heart disease you may feel like your uninsurable. However, the good news is there are insurance carriers that will consider you with your medical history.
History of Smoking
Underwriting guidelines are very particular when it comes to heart disease and smoking. Smoking or tobacco use is a big “No No”and can hurt your chances of approval.
I stated earlier, a good rule of thumb is to have no history of smoking or tobacco usage for 36 months if you are applying with atrial fibrillation. Well the same rule applies with heart disease.
No cigarette or tobacco use in the last 36 months will reflect favorably on an applicant who has heart disease. There are insurance carriers who only require 12 months of no cigarette usage. However, not smoking in the last 36 months will gives you more insurance options.
Onset Age, Symptoms, & Coexisting Conditions
Insurance companies may also look at the onset age of your condition and symptoms. Underwriting guidelines, for example, may require the onset age for heart disease be after age 45. In addition, they may require that the heart disease shows no symptoms in the applicant.
Underwriters also consider whether or not you have any coexisting conditions. Some of the conditions they look for are diabetes, vascular disease, as well as strokes and a transient ischemic attack (TIA).
In addition, they look to see if you have a coexisting history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as well. It may reflect favorably on you if you have none of the coexisting conditions while having coronary artery disease.
Healthy Lifestyle
Even if you were diagnosed with heart disease, a healthy lifestyle can still have its benefits. Also, its never too late to start. One benefit of a healthy lifestyle is seen when you apply for hybrid long-term care insurance.
For example, your build is very important in underwriting your application. Underwriters determine whether or not your build is favorable using what’s called Body Mass Index or BMI.
Body mass index is a measure of your body fat based on your height and weight. It helps serve as an indicator to see if your overweight or obese. Obesity and being overweight can lead to other health problems related to heart disease.
Two other healthy lifestyle factors underwriters consider are your blood pressure and your cholesterol levels. Underwriters will look to see if your blood pressure is stable and your cholesterol is normal. Both of these are important since they are related to the heart.
3. Heart Attack
One of the most common heart issues affecting Americans today are heart attacks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every 40 seconds someone in the U.S. has a heart attack. Nevertheless, getting hybrid long-term care insurance can still be within reach.
One thing to avoid if you have a history of heart attacks is applying for hybrid LTC insurance too early. Some carriers have specific guidelines as to when an application should be submitted.
For example, a carrier may require an application be submitted at least 6 months after the occurrence. In addition, some insurance carriers require that you be fully recovered and released from all medical care before you apply.
Now the way underwriters treat heart attacks is very similar to how they treat coronary artery or heart disease. There must be no history of smoking, cigarette, or tobacco use in at least the past 12 months (36 months is preferable). Also, some insurance carriers require that there are no ongoing symptoms and that the onset age be after age 50.
Coexisting conditions and a healthy lifestyle are viewed the same way for heart attacks as it is for heart disease. There must be no coexisting conditions such as diabetes, stroke, or transient ischemic attack (TIA). In addition you should reflect a favorable build, stable blood pressure, and favorable lipid levels (cholesterol).
Conclusion
Heart issues such as atrial fibrillation, heart disease, or heart attacks should not stop you from planning for long-term care. Hybrid long-term care insurance may still be an option for you.
However, choosing the right company and getting through underwriting requires the help of an experienced agent.
The right agent will do their best to find you a company that will look on your case favorably. That’s what we do here at ChapmanInsuranceSolutions.com!
Call Today For A Free Quote!
If you or your loved one has a history of heart complications and you are interested in Hybrid Long-term Care insurance, reach out to today!
Call today at (800) 498-3955 to start the conversation today! You may also schedule a call using our form below!
Disclosure: This article is for information purposes only. It is NOT an all inclusive guide of underwriting guidelines, particularly for heart complications – atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease (heart disease), and heart attacks. Approval or declination of any application is subject to the sole discretion of the insurance company and its underwriters.