Life insurance with an aortic aneurysm isn’t out of reach. In fact, many people with this condition can still qualify for affordable coverage with the right company.
The key is understanding how your condition is evaluated and which life insurance companies offer the most flexibility.
This guide walks you through policy options, sample rates, and approval strategies, whether you have an abdominal or thoracic aneurysm, and whether it’s been repaired or not.
What Is an Aortic Aneurysm?
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a bulge or weakening in the wall of the aorta, which connects from the heart and runs through the abdomen. If it grows too large, it can rupture, causing life-threatening internal bleeding.
- There are two main types:
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) – Found in the lower part of the aorta.
- Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA) – Found in the chest. Less common but carries more risk.
How Aortic Aneurysms Affect Life Insurance
Insurers evaluate aneurysms based on:
- Location: Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are more common, but thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) often carry a higher risk.
- Size: Under 4.0 cm may still qualify for standard or substandard rates. Over 5.0 cm often leads to postponement.
- Repair status: Post-surgical applicants with good follow-up may qualify after 6–12 months.
- Smoking status: Smokers often face automatic declines, even if the aneurysm is small or repaired.
Depending on your health history, insurers may add table ratings to your policy, but not flat extras unless you also have a history of cancer.
Life Insurance Underwriting by Aneurysm Type
Aneurysms come in several forms, according to Johns Hopkins, depending on their location and shape. Understanding the different types can help you grasp the risks and how each one may affect your life insurance options.
| Type | Typical Underwriting Outcome |
|---|---|
| Abdominal (AAA) < 4.0 cm | Standard to Table B |
| Abdominal (AAA) 4.0–5.0 cm | Table C–D or Postponed |
| Thoracic < 4.5 cm | Table B–D |
| Repaired via endovascular graft | Possible Standard after 6–12 months |
Underwriting Questions for Aortic Aneurysm
Underwriters want to know:
- When were you first diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm?
- What type of aneurysm do you have (abdominal or thoracic)?
- What is the current size (in cm) of the aneurysm?
- Has the aneurysm changed in size since diagnosis?
- How was the aneurysm discovered (routine screening, symptoms, emergency)?
- Has the aneurysm been surgically repaired? If yes, what type of repair was performed (e.g., endovascular graft, open surgery)?
- If the surgery was performed, when was it repaired?
- Are you currently under the care of a vascular specialist or cardiologist?
- How often do you undergo follow-up imaging (CT, MRI, ultrasound)?
- What were the results of your most recent imaging?
- Have you experienced any symptoms such as chest pain, back pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness?
- Has your aneurysm caused any complications (e.g., rupture, dissection)?
- Do you smoke or have you smoked in the past?
- If you quit smoking, when did you stop?
- Do you have a history of high cholesterol or high blood pressure?
- Do you have any other heart or vascular conditions (e.g., heart attack, angina, bypass surgery, aortic stenosis)?
Other Medical History
If you have experienced any of the following, please notify us, as it may impact your underwriting.
- High Blood Pressure
- Aortic Stenosis
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Bypass Surgery
- Heart Attack
- Heart Blocks
- Pacemakers
- Cardiomyopathy
- Mitral Valve
- GI Conditions – Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis, Hepatitis
Once we have your complete history, we’ll shop for underwriting offers.
Best Life Insurance Companies for Aneurysm History
The best life insurance company for you will depend on the type of aneurysm, size, and treatment received. Better outcomes are available for those who’ve received surgical repair.
| Company | Mild cases are eligible for coverage after 6–12 months if the condition is successfully treated. |
|---|---|
| Protective Life | More liberal on mild cases; open to coverage after 6–12 months if the condition is repaired. |
| Lincoln Financial | Post-surgery applicants with stable follow-up may qualify. |
| Corebridge Financial | Mild cases are open to coverage after 6–12 months if the condition is repaired. |
| Gerber Life | Guaranteed issue fallback for large, unrepaired, or high-risk cases. |
Sample Monthly Rates – Life Insurance with Aneurysm
Male, age 60 – $250,000 for a 10-year term life policy.
| Condition | Estimated Rate |
|---|---|
| AAA 3.5 cm, no surgery | $130 – $185 (Table 2) |
| AAA 5.2 cm, repaired 1 year ago | $170 – $249 (Table 4) |
| TAA 4.8 cm, smoker | Decline for traditional life insurance. |
If the traditional term, universal, or whole life is not available, a guaranteed issue policy is an option.
Using the above example, this individual could obtain a $25,000 guaranteed issue policy for approximately $203 per month with Corebridge Financial.
Real-Life Case Study
Case: 62-year-old male, AAA discovered during a routine scan at 3.9 cm. Never smoked. No surgery needed under regular follow-up.
Outcome: Approved at Table B with Protective Life. No exam required due to comprehensive cardiology notes and consistent history.
| Coverage | 10-year | 15-year | 20-year |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100,000 | $95 | $123 | $164 |
| $250,000 | $200 | $267 | $355 |
| $500,000 | $354 | $491 | $701 |
| $1,000,000 | $702 | $920 | $1354 |
Tips to Improve Approval Odds
- Provide imaging results (ultrasound, CT, MRI) from the past year.
- Maintain good follow-up with a vascular specialist or cardiologist.
- Be honest about smoking history. Quitting helps—but timing matters. Wait 12 months smoke-free when possible.
Make sure you’ve completed all required heart tests before applying for any coverage.
Underwriting Outcomes by Aneurysm Severity
The following are general guidelines.
| Severity | Possible Class |
|---|---|
| Small, stable, never repaired | Standard – Table B |
| Repaired, 1–2 years ago | Table C–D |
| Large, untreated or smoker | Postponed or Guaranteed Issue |
Let us help you even if you’ve been declined for life insurance in the past.
FAQs – Aortic Aneurysms and Life Insurance
Yes—if it’s small and monitored, some insurers may offer table-rated term or universal life coverage.
If it has been 6–12 months and follow-up imaging is clean, you may qualify for standard or substandard rates, depending on the size and location.
Possibly. However, many companies will waive the exam if you provide recent cardiac or vascular imaging from your doctor.
A prior decline doesn’t mean you’re out of options. The right company and updated records can make a big difference.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re managing a small aneurysm or recovering post-surgery, you still have life insurance options. The key is applying to the right company, one that specializes in high-risk underwriting.
We’ll help you compare policies and find the best match for your health and budget.
Request your personalized quote now.
