Yes, you can get life insurance with atrial fibrillation. Even if you’ve been declined before, we can help.
In this guide, we’ll show you how AFib affects underwriting, what life insurance companies to consider, and how to get the best life insurance policy.
We have the life insurance underwriting expertise and experience to help with heart conditions such as AFib.
What Is Atrial Fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common heart arrhythmia in which the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat irregularly and often too rapidly. This irregular rhythm can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or other cardiovascular problems.
According to the CDC, nearly 12 million Americans will have AFib by 2030. There are three types of AFib:
- Paroxysmal AFib (Intermittent) – Starts and stops on its own
- Persistent AFib – Lasts more than 7 days or requires treatment
- Permanent AFib (Chronic) – Continuous and doesn’t go away
Most insurers view AFib as a moderate to serious risk. But if your condition is well-controlled and you apply to the right companies, affordable life insurance is still within reach.
How AFib Affects Life Insurance Underwriting
Life insurance underwriters evaluate AFib based on its type, cause, severity, treatment, and your overall cardiovascular health.
Here’s what they look at:
- Type of AFib: Paroxysmal is generally viewed more favorably than persistent or chronic.
- Age at diagnosis: Younger age often results in more scrutiny.
- Cause: If AFib is related to another heart condition like mitral valve disease or cardiomyopathy, expect higher rates.
- Treatment and control: Use of anticoagulants, rate or rhythm control meds, or procedures like ablation can affect risk class.
- Cardiac testing results: Stress tests, echocardiograms, and Holter monitors help reveal stability—or its absence.
- Other health conditions: Hypertension, cancer history, stroke history, diabetes, and tobacco use all weigh into your offer.
Underwriting outcomes typically range from Standard Plus to Table 4. A few exceptional cases may qualify for Preferred, but only with intermittent AFib and excellent cardiac workups.
Common Underwriting Questions for AFib
We’ll ask you the following questions to gain a better understanding of your medical history and to find you the best available rates for AFib.
- When were you diagnosed with atrial fibrillation?
- What type do you have?
- Paroxysmal (Intermittent)
- Persistent
- Permanent (Chronic)
- What is the cause of your atrial fibrillation?
- Have you had surgery, or has surgery been recommended? (e.g., ablation, Watchman device, pacemaker)
- Do you have any other heart conditions, such as mitral valve stenosis, heart blocks, heart attack history, angina, or high blood pressure?
- Have you ever had a stroke or TIA?
- Do you have any current symptoms?
- What types of cardiac testing have you had to diagnose and monitor your condition?
- What medications and dosages do you take?
- When was your last cardiac workup completed, and what tests were performed? (stress test, echocardiogram, cardiac catheter)
- Were any other heart issues discovered? (e.g., Angina, aneurysm, arrhythmias, aortic stenosis, or embolism)
- Do you have any other health issues? (e.g., cancer history, gastrointestinal, etc.)
Having these details ready improves quote accuracy and helps us match you to the right companies.
Real-Life Case Studies: Life Insurance Approvals with AFib
These are actual client outcomes to show what’s possible:
Case # 1
Male, Age 55 – $1,000,000
Paroxysmal Afib
Favorable cardiac workups
BP & Cholesterol Meds
Shopped our companies
Banner – Table 2
Symetra – Standard
Corebridge – Standard
Minnesota – Table 2
John Hancock – Standard
Four Declines
AIG-Corebridge at a Standard Rate
Case # 2
Male, Age 72 – $100,000
Non-valvular Afib
Two stents at 70
Watchman Device
Favorable cardiac workups
BP & Cholesterol Meds
Shopped our companies
AIG – Table 4-6
Lincoln – Table 4
Banner – Table 6
Nine Declines
Lincoln at a Table 4 Rate
Case # 3
Male, Age 66 – $250,000
Chronic Afib
Cause Unknown
Favorable Stress Test
Anti clotting meds
BP and cholesterol meds
Shopped our companies
AIG – Table 3
John Hancock – Table 3
Banner – Table 4
Prudential – Table 3
Principal – Standard
Principal at a Standard Rate
These cases demonstrate the importance of shopping with multiple carriers.
Best Life Insurance Companies for Afib
Some insurers are much more lenient when it comes to arrhythmias and heart conditions. Based on our underwriting experience, these companies tend to offer the best AFib outcomes:
AIG – Corebridge Financial
Banner Life
John Hancock
Lincoln National
Nationwide
Minnesota Life
Pacific Life
Principal
Protective
Prudential
SBLI
Symetra
United of Omaha
Most other companies will decline you or offer you a table-rated policy that you will pay more for.
Tips for Getting Approved with Atrial Fibrillation
Here’s how to improve your chances of approval and get better rates:
- Use an Independent Agent: As independent agents, we shop multiple companies for you to match you with the best one.
- Start with a Quick Quote: We summarize your health history and shop to 15+ companies for feedback – It takes about 3 days to receive all responses.
- Gather Cardiac Test Results: Have your most recent cardiac test results available as it will help us provide companies with accurate information.
- Disclose Lifestyle Improvements: If you quit smoking, lost weight, started exercising since diagnosis, let us know as it will help you with underwriting.
These tips increase your chances of approval.
FAQ
Yes, you can get life insurance with atrial fibrillation. Many companies specialize in high-risk medical conditions and can offer you competitive rates based on your individual health history and the type of AFib you have.
Yes, you’ll pay more than someone without AFib, but it may be possible for you to obtain a preferred rate (2nd best) for mild AFib history.
Being declined in the past doesn’t mean you can’t get coverage now. It’s possible you applied to companies that aren’t well-suited for individuals with AFib. At RiskQuoter, we specialize in high-risk cases and can help you find companies that are more likely to approve your application.
Final Words
Obtaining life insurance with atrial fibrillation requires a strategic approach, but it’s possible.
At RiskQuoter, we specialize in high-risk life insurance underwriting and know which companies to approach, what questions to ask, and how to present your case in the best light.
You don’t have to settle for a denial or overpriced policy.
Let us help you find the best life insurance for your history of AFib. There’s never any obligation or pressure, just expert guidance to help you get covered.
