If you’ve survived a pulmonary embolism, you’ve already faced a life-threatening condition. Now that you’re thinking about life insurance, you may be wondering: Can I still get coverage?
The answer is yes, often with more options than you might expect.
This guide breaks down how life insurers view pulmonary embolism, what they ask for, and how to find the best insurance policy for your specific health situation.
What Is a Pulmonary Embolism?
A pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a blood clot, typically originating from the leg, travels to the lungs and blocks blood flow. It’s a serious condition that can damage your lungs, strain your heart, or even be fatal if not caught early.
Common causes include:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Long periods of inactivity (e.g., long flights or bed rest)
- Recent surgery
- Hormone therapy or birth control
- Genetic or acquired clotting disorders
Many people make a full recovery, but insurers still evaluate PE carefully during the life insurance underwriting process.
Why Life Insurers Worry About PE
From an underwriter’s perspective, pulmonary embolism poses a risk for recurrence or future complications like:
- Chronic blood clots
- Long-term anticoagulant use
- Heart strain or pulmonary hypertension
- Secondary issues (e.g., cancer, obesity, or genetic clotting disorders)
The underwriting process is all about understanding how risky you are to insure, based on your medical history and current health status.
Like deep vein thrombosis, PE underwriting varies depending on recurrence, cause, and co-existing conditions like cancer or obesity.
What to Expect From Underwriting
With our process, we ask you detailed underwriting questions upfront to get you the best and most accurate life insurance quotes.
Here’s what we need to know to find the best rates for you:
- When was your most recent PE?
- Was it caused by something identifiable (e.g., travel, surgery)?
- Have you had more than one pulmonary embolism?
- Do you have a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
- Are you currently taking any anticoagulants or blood thinners?
- Have you ever been hospitalized for a PE?
- Do you have a diagnosed clotting disorder (e.g., Factor V Leiden)?
- Have there been any complications, such as lung damage or heart strain?
- When was your last follow-up visit with a doctor?
- Are you managing any other health conditions (e.g., heart disease, gastrointestinal conditions, diabetes, etc?
Once we have the information we need, we’ll reach out to companies for underwriting feedback (quick quote). It takes about 3 business days to hear back from all companies.
Best Life Insurance Companies for PE Survivors
| Company | Why They Are a Good Fit |
|---|---|
| Corebridge Financial | Accepts anticoagulant use if stable and no recurrence. Strong for events 2+ years ago. |
| Lincoln Financial | May approve Standard Non-Tobacco for well-documented, one-time PE with no complications. |
| Protective Life | Flexible for single PE cases with no clotting disorder and documented recovery. |
| Prudential | May offer standard rates, including recurring cases, if 3+ years have passed. |
Sample Monthly Rates – Life Insurance After PE
Male – age 50 – $250,000 Term – 20 Years)
| Profile | Estimated Rate |
|---|---|
| PE 3+ years ago, off meds | $68 – $126 (Standard – Table B) |
| PE 1–2 years ago, stable on meds | $120 – $153 (Table C–D) |
| Recent PE with hospitalization | Postponed until resolved. |
A table rating is a surcharge added to your life insurance premium due to health risks. Each table typically adds about 25% to the base rate.
Real-Life Case Study
Case: 45-year-old male, PE a few years ago linked to a long flight and dehydration. Took Xarelto for 6 months, now med-free. No recurrence. Regular follow-ups.
Outcome: Approved at Standard Non-Tobacco with Lincoln Financial. No exam required due to strong physician records and a clean blood panel.
| Coverage | 10-year | 15-year | 20-year |
|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $37 | $45 | $56 |
| $500,000 | $67 | $82 | $103 |
| $1,000,000 | $99 | $130 | $165 |
| $2,000,000 | $191 | $254 | $324 |
Why it worked:
- There was a clear reason why the PE happened.
- No underlying clotting disorder.
- Off anti-coagulants for 12+ months.
- The client completed all follow-ups and cardiac testing.
In the future, we may be able to improve this offer to a standard plus, and maybe even a preferred rate.
Tips to Improve Approval Odds
- Wait at least 6 -12 months after PE before applying, unless urgent coverage is required. Most carriers won’t approve new applicants right after the episode.
- Get documentation from your physician showing recovery, the cause of the PE, and the treatment plan (especially end dates for anticoagulants).
- List all medications and their corresponding dates clearly, especially the start and end dates for blood thinners.
- Work with an independent agent who understands high-risk underwriting. Some carriers are much more forgiving than others.
FAQs
Yes, especially if it was a one-time event and you’re now stable. Expect table-rated premiums, but a standard option may be possible after two or more years.
Not usually. That’s a fallback if you’ve had multiple PEs or have other serious health issues.
It doesn’t matter if you were previously denied. We’ll gather your information and shop the companies that best understand embolisms. When we complete our work, you’ll know which companies are available to you.
We Help People with PE Get Covered
Our underwriting feedback process helps you know which company to apply with and what rate class to expect before you fill out a complete application.
Final Thoughts
A pulmonary embolism may complicate your path to life insurance, but it doesn’t block it.
Many people are approved every year, even with a history of PE, as long as the cause is understood, treatment is complete, and follow-up care is documented.
The key is working with a company that evaluates your entire health picture, not just the diagnosis on paper.
Remember:
- Timing matters. Most insurers require 6–12 months of stability.
- Documentation is powerful. A clear paper trail can be more valuable than a perfect lab result.
- Not all carriers view PE the same way. One insurer’s decline could be another’s standard approval.
If you’ve had a PE and are ready to explore your options, don’t go it alone. A knowledgeable agent can help you avoid unnecessary declines, shop the right companies, and get the coverage you need, without the guesswork.
Request your life insurance quote today.
