Yes, you can get life insurance with an aortic aneurysm. Whether you have an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) or thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA), coverage is possible. Your options depend on the aneurysm’s size, whether it’s been repaired, and how long ago you were diagnosed. We’ve helped clients in all three situations find affordable policies.
If you’ve been diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm, you’re probably wondering if life insurance is even an option. Here’s the good news: it usually is. We’ve worked with hundreds of clients who have aortic aneurysms, and most qualify for traditional coverage. Some even get standard rates.
The key is understanding how insurance companies view your specific situation. An aneurysm that’s small and monitored looks very different to underwriters than one that ruptured and required emergency surgery. Let’s break down what you can expect based on your situation.
Understanding Aortic Aneurysms and Life Insurance
An aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of your aorta, the main artery that carries blood from your heart. There are two main types:
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Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) occurs in the section of the aorta that passes through your abdomen. This is the more common type and is often detected during routine imaging or physical exams.
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA) develops in the chest portion of the aorta. These can be trickier to detect and may require more specialized monitoring.
Insurance companies evaluate both types similarly. What matters most isn’t the location but the size, stability, and whether you’ve had surgical repair.
Three Scenarios: Where Do You Fit?
After 30+ years of placing high-risk cases, we’ve found that aortic aneurysm applicants generally fall into one of three categories.
Small, Monitored Aneurysm (Best Case)
If your aneurysm is small, hasn’t grown significantly, and your doctor is simply monitoring it, you’re in the best position. Many clients in this situation qualify for Table 2 ratings and up, which means only a modest increase above standard rates.
Underwriters want to see that the aneurysm is stable and that you’re compliant with routine surveillance testing. If you’re also managing blood pressure with medication and it’s well-controlled, that works in your favor.
Surgically Repaired Aneurysm (Moderate Case)
Had your aneurysm repaired? You can still get coverage, but timing matters. Most insurance companies want to see at least six months of recovery before they’ll consider your application. This waiting period lets them confirm that the repair was successful and you’re healing well.
There are two main repair methods: open surgical repair and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Both are viewed similarly by most underwriters, though EVAR typically has a shorter recovery period.
Expect a table rating of Table 6 and up after surgical repair. The exact rating depends on factors like your age at surgery, whether there were any complications, and your overall cardiovascular health.
Recent Diagnosis or Complications (Challenging Case)
If you were diagnosed within the last six months, had a rupture, or experienced complications like infection or bleeding after surgery, getting traditional coverage will be harder. You’re not out of options, but you may need to consider guaranteed issue policies or wait until you have more recovery time.
We won’t sugarcoat it: these situations require patience and the right carrier match. But we’ve placed coverage for clients in tough situations before. It just takes more legwork.
What Underwriters Want to Know
When you apply for life insurance with an aortic aneurysm, be prepared to answer detailed questions. Insurance companies will want to know:
Diagnosis details. When was the aneurysm discovered? What type is it (AAA or TAA)? What’s the current size?
Treatment history. Are you being monitored, or have you had surgery? If surgery, what type and when?
Compliance with surveillance. Are you following your doctor’s recommended monitoring schedule? Underwriters look favorably on applicants who stay on top of their follow-up appointments and imaging.
Current status. What did your most recent imaging show? Is the aneurysm stable, growing, or (if repaired) fully healed?
Medications. Are you taking blood pressure medication, beta-blockers, or other cardiovascular drugs? Are they controlling the condition effectively?
Other health factors. Do you have other cardiovascular conditions like coronary artery disease, high cholesterol, or diabetes? Do you smoke?
Smoking is a big deal with aortic aneurysms. It significantly increases the risk of aneurysm growth and rupture. If you’re still smoking, quitting will improve both your health and your insurance options.
How We Help You Find Coverage
Here’s where working with an independent agency makes a real difference. We’re not tied to one insurance company. We work with over 30 carriers, and each one has different underwriting guidelines for aortic aneurysms.
Some companies are more lenient with repaired aneurysms. Others specialize in applicants who are still being monitored. A few won’t touch aortic cases at all. Knowing which company to approach for your specific situation saves time and prevents unnecessary denials on your record.
Our process starts with a detailed health questionnaire. Once we understand your situation, we informally shop your case to multiple underwriters before submitting a formal application. This gives us a realistic idea of what you’ll qualify for without creating a paper trail of rejections.
How Much Coverage Can You Get?
Most clients with aortic aneurysms can qualify for the same coverage amounts as anyone else. We regularly place policies ranging from $100,000 to over $1 million for clients with aneurysm history.
Your premium will likely be higher than someone without cardiovascular history. How much higher depends on your specific situation. A small, stable aneurysm with good compliance might qualify for Table 2 (roughly 50% above standard). A repaired aneurysm with good recovery typically starts at Table 6 (roughly 150% above standard). Complex cases vary widely.
The only way to know for sure is to get quotes based on your actual health history. Generic online quotes won’t reflect your real rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get life insurance if my aortic aneurysm is being monitored but hasn’t been repaired?
Yes, and this is often the easiest scenario for approval. If your aneurysm is small, stable, and your doctor recommends monitoring rather than surgery, many insurers will offer coverage. You’ll need to provide recent imaging results showing the aneurysm hasn’t grown significantly. Staying compliant with your surveillance schedule is important.
How long after aortic aneurysm surgery can I apply for life insurance?
Most insurance companies require a waiting period of at least six months after surgery. This allows time for recovery and confirms the repair was successful. Some carriers may consider applications sooner if your surgical report and follow-up imaging show excellent results.
Will I pay more for life insurance with an aortic aneurysm?
In most cases, yes. Insurance companies typically apply a table rating, which increases your premium above standard rates. Small, well-monitored aneurysms often qualify for Table 2 and up. Surgically repaired aneurysms typically start at Table 6 and up after six months of recovery.
Does it matter whether I had open surgery or EVAR?
Both repair methods are viewed similarly by most underwriters. EVAR (endovascular aneurysm repair) is less invasive and typically has faster recovery, which some companies view favorably. What matters more is the outcome: successful repair, no complications, and stable follow-up imaging.
What if I was turned down for life insurance because of my aneurysm?
Don’t give up. A denial from one company doesn’t mean you can’t get coverage elsewhere. Different insurers have very different guidelines for cardiovascular conditions. An independent agent who specializes in high-risk cases can often find a carrier willing to offer coverage after another company declined.
Key Takeaways
- Both AAA and TAA are insurable in most cases, though your specific situation affects your options and rates.
- Small, monitored aneurysms often qualify for Table 2 ratings and up when you’re compliant with surveillance testing.
- Repaired aneurysms typically require a six-month waiting period and start at Table 6 ratings and up.
- Smoking significantly hurts your chances and rates. Quitting helps.
- Work with an independent agent who can shop multiple carriers. Underwriting guidelines vary widely between companies.
- One denial doesn’t mean no coverage. Different insurers have different risk tolerances.
Want to find out what you qualify for? We’ll review your situation, shop your case to multiple carriers, and give you honest answers about your options. No pressure, no obligation.
