Reading time: ~8 minutes | Updated: June 2026

Can You Get Life Insurance With Heart Disease? What You Need to Know in 2026

Yes, you can get life insurance with heart disease — and approval rates are better than most people expect. According to the CDC, heart disease affects nearly 1 in 3 American adults, making it the most common underwriting consideration in life insurance. — and in 2026, more carriers than ever have updated their underwriting guidelines for cardiac conditions. Yes, you can get life insurance with heart disease — but approval, pricing, and your available options depend on the type and severity of your condition, how well it’s managed, and how much time has passed since any major cardiac event. While you may not qualify for the best rates, many insurers in 2026 are more flexible than people expect.

How Insurers View Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, affecting nearly 1 in 5 adults. Because of this, life insurance companies take cardiovascular conditions seriously — but “heart disease” covers a wide range of conditions, and insurers evaluate each one individually.

Key factors underwriters examine:

• Specific diagnosis — Coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmia, valve disease, and cardiomyopathy are all rated differently
• Time since last cardiac event — The further you are from a heart attack, surgery, or hospitalization, the better
• Current medications and compliance — Consistent treatment and medication adherence signal good management
• Ejection fraction — A key measure of heart function; anything below 50% raises flags
• Lifestyle factors — Smoking history, BMI, blood pressure, and cholesterol all compound cardiac risk in underwriting
• Recent stress tests or cardiac imaging results — Favorable results significantly help your application

Which Heart Conditions Are Easiest — and Hardest — to Insure?

More insurable (standard to moderate table ratings):

• Well-controlled hypertension
• Mild or moderate coronary artery disease, stable and treated
• History of heart attack 3+ years ago with full recovery
• Successful stent or bypass with stable follow-up
• Atrial fibrillation that is well-controlled on medication

More challenging (higher table ratings or possible decline):

• Congestive heart failure
• Recent heart attack (within 1–2 years)
• Unstable angina
• Severe CAD requiring multiple interventions
• Low ejection fraction (below 40%)
• Implanted defibrillator (ICD)

What Rates Can Cardiac Patients Expect?

Rates are assigned using a “table rating” system where standard health = Table 0. Each table step up increases the premium by roughly 25%. A well-controlled hypertensive person might be Table 1–2. A heart attack survivor 5 years out with a clean bill of health might be Table 3–4. More serious conditions may be Table 6–8 or higher.

The most important insight: carrier guidelines vary enormously for cardiac conditions. One company may offer Table 4 where another declines. Working with an independent broker who knows the market is essential — and is why people with heart disease should never apply on their own through a single online quote tool. See also how diabetes compounds cardiac risk in underwriting.

When You Can’t Qualify for Traditional Coverage

If your cardiac history makes traditional underwriting impossible, you still have options:

• Simplified issue — No medical exam, short health questionnaire. Many moderate-risk cardiac patients qualify.
• Guaranteed issue — No health questions at all. Face amounts typically limited to $10,000–$25,000, but available to nearly everyone.
• Group coverage — Employer or association group plans rarely require individual underwriting.

Frequently Asked Questions: Life Insurance with Heart Disease

Can you get life insurance if you have heart disease?

Yes. Many people with heart disease qualify for life insurance. Options and rates depend on the specific condition, severity, and how well it’s managed. Well-controlled conditions with no recent events can often qualify for standard or near-standard rates.

How long after a heart attack can you get life insurance?

Most carriers require at least 6–12 months post-heart attack. The longer you are post-event with stable health, the better your rates. Some carriers require 2–3 years for preferred rates. Simplified issue may be available sooner with limited coverage amounts.

Does having a stent or bypass affect life insurance?

Yes, but not as severely as many fear. Successful procedures with good recovery and well-controlled follow-up care can still qualify for traditional coverage — typically at table ratings rather than preferred rates.

What life insurance options exist for high-risk cardiac patients?

Simplified issue, guaranteed issue, and group life insurance are all options. Contact Tom to find out which carriers are most favorable for your specific cardiac history.

See also: life insurance with other health conditions or life insurance basics with diabetes.