Can you get life insurance after a stroke?

Dealing with the aftermath of a stroke can be a challenging path, especially when it comes to financial stability. It's only natural for stroke survivors to question whether they can still get life insurance.

Though it's possible, there are complex factors that insurers consider when determining whether a person can receive cover. We'll look further at how having a stroke can affect your ability to get life insurance.

Can I get life insurance after a stroke?

A stroke can make it more difficult to qualify for life insurance, but not impossible.

Insurers will assess the severity of your stroke symptoms and the time that has passed since the stroke occurred. They will also look into any underlying health conditions, and other risk factors, before determining to offer you cover.

If you have made a good recovery from your stroke and have taken steps to manage other health concerns, you may be able to secure cover.

Does critical illness cover strokes?

Critical illness cover provides financial protection if you are diagnosed with a serious illness, such as a stroke. If you have cover in place and suffer a stroke that meets the policy's criteria, you may be eligible to receive a lump sum payment.

Upon diagnosis of a stroke, you can make a claim on your policy and, upon the claim being successful,  receive a cash lump sum. This money can be beneficial during such a difficult time, covering expenses such as:

• Mortgage/rent payments
   

• Everyday living expenses
   

• Utility bills
   

• Transportation costs for getting to work or medical appointments
   

• Debt payments, such as credit card bills
   

• Any necessary adjustments to your home to accommodate your new circumstances.

Can I get income protection insurance if I've had a stroke?

Having a stroke does not automatically disqualify you from getting income protection insurance. Most insurers have a set criteria for assessing applications, and each case is evaluated individually.

If you have had a stroke, an insurer will want to know more about your medical history, the severity of the stroke, and any ongoing health issues.

They will use this information to assess your eligibility for cover. As a result, they may offer you a policy with certain exclusions or limitations.

What about a mini stroke?

A mini stroke, also known as a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain. It typically resolves on its own within 24 hours. While TIAs are less severe than full strokes, they can still have an impact on your ability to get life insurance.

Insurers may view a TIA as a warning sign that you are at higher risk for a more serious stroke in the future. They will consider factors such as when it occurred, any ongoing health issues, and your overall risk, before making a decision on whether to offer you cover.

Do I need to tell my insurer that I’ve had a stroke?

When applying for life insurance, you will be asked about your medical history, including any previous strokes. It is essential to be honest and transparent about your health condition to ensure that you are properly covered.

If you have already taken out a policy and then have a stroke, you should also inform your insurer as soon as possible. This will allow them to assess the situation and determine if your policy covers strokes and if any claims can be made.

Will a stroke affect my premium rates?

Having a stroke can definitely impact your life insurance rates. Insurers take into account the potential health risks associated with having a history of strokes. This may result in higher premiums for stroke survivors. 

When applying, be prepared to provide detailed information about yourself. This will include your medical history, such as when your first stroke occurred, the cause of the stroke, and any lifestyle choices that may affect your overall health. 

Factors like age, occupation, and type of cover will also influence how much you pay for premiums.