Life insurance with angina is possible. While some people get rated or declined, many still qualify for affordable coverage.
We’ll walk you through how angina affects underwriting, what life insurers look for, and how to get the best life insurance policy for your situation.
What Is Angina?
Angina, or angina pectoris, is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. It’s not a heart disease itself, but rather a symptom of underlying coronary artery disease (CAD).
There are two main types:
- Stable angina: Chest pain triggered by exertion or stress, relieved with rest or medication
- Unstable angina: New or worsening chest pain, often a warning sign of a heart attack
Because angina is directly tied to cardiovascular disease, life insurance underwriters view it as a high-risk condition. That said, not all cases are treated equally.
How Angina Affects Life Insurance Underwriting
Life insurers use angina as a red flag for potential heart disease, but approvals vary based on:
- Type of angina (stable vs. unstable)
- Frequency and severity of symptoms
- Cardiac test results (e.g., stress test, angiogram)
- Any history of heart attack, stents, or bypass surgery
- Time since diagnosis or last episode
- Co-existing health conditions like a cancer history, diabetes, hypertension, or obesity
- Smoking status and medication use
Are you a smoker? If you have stable angina, you will pay 50% more than a non-smoker. If you have unstable angina, your only option is a guaranteed issue policy.
How Was Your Angina Diagnosed?
If your angina was diagnosed from a positive stress test, your rate is based on those results.
If you went through an angiogram, the rating is based on the underlying severity of your coronary artery disease.
The longer you’ve been stable, the better your chances of success. Most carriers require at least one to two years of stability, with no worsening of symptoms, and favorable cardiac testing results.
Underwriting Questions for Angina
Expect life insurers to ask detailed questions such as:
- When was your angina first diagnosed?
- Is it stable or unstable?
- How often do symptoms occur?
- What triggers your chest pain (e.g., exercise, cold, stress)?
- What treatments or medications are you using (nitroglycerin, beta-blockers, etc.)?
- Have you ever had:
- A heart attack?
- Bypass surgery?
- Stents?
- Heart tests such as cardiac catheterization or stress test?
- Do you smoke or have you smoked in the past 12 months?
- Do you have other conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol?
Insurers will request copies of stress test results, EKGs, angiograms, and complete medical records.
Policy Options and Sample Pricing
Even with angina, most applicants can qualify for traditional coverage, including term, universal, whole life, and guaranteed issue policies.
If you don’t qualify for standard rates, you’ll receive a table rating. Each table typically adds about 25% to the base premium.
Below is a sample underwriting grid for angina:
| Age | Mild | Moderate | Severe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 40 | Decline | Decline | Decline |
| 40-49 | Table 8 | Table 8 – Decline | Decline |
| 50-59 | Table 6 – 8 | Table 8 | Guaranteed Issue |
| 60-70 | Table 4 – 6 | Table 6 | Guaranteed Issue |
| Over 70 | Table 2 – 4 | Table 4 – 6 | Guaranteed Issue |
Sample Pricing – Male Age 60 – Monthly Rates Table 4-6 rating
| Coverage | 10-Year Term | 15-Year Term | 20-Year Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100,000 | $98 – $121 | $133 – $165 | $173 – $215 |
| $250,000 | $212 – $264 | $281 – $349 | $361 – $449 |
| $500,000 | $380 – $473 | $508 – $634 | $713 – $890 |
| $1,000,000 | $745 – $930 | $980 – $1223 | $1400 – $1749 |
Best Life Insurance Companies for Angina
Some companies are better than others at underwriting cardiac risks, such as angina. Here are the top picks based on current guidelines:
Corebridge Financial
Known for rating stable angina cases starting at Table 2-4, declines more severe presentations, or when combined with diabetes or vascular disease.
Prudential
More flexible for applicants diagnosed via stress tests. Offers better outcomes for cases with well-managed cardiac risk factors.
Lincoln Financial
Accepts mild angina cases if the cardiac follow-up is clean, competitive rates for GUL, even at table ratings.
Principal
Suitable for applicants with a history of intervention (such as stents or bypass surgery) who have stable outcomes and clean follow-up records.
FAQ: Life Insurance and Angina
Yes. If your symptoms are mild, predictable, and stable, you may qualify with a table rating.
No. Some are much more lenient than others. Working with an impaired-risk specialist makes a big difference.
Final Thoughts
Life insurance with angina is possible, but only if you apply the right way. The key is finding a carrier that understands heart risk and working with an independent agent who understands angina and how to get you approved.
We’re here to help you find the best life insurance company for your situation.
Please submit your request for quotes today!
