Yes, you can get life insurance with mitral valve prolapse, and many people qualify for the best rate classes available. Underwriters focus on three key factors: the presence of mitral regurgitation, the thickness of your valve, and the size of your left atrium. With no regurgitation or complications, you may qualify for Preferred Plus rates.
Here’s what most people don’t realize about mitral valve prolapse and life insurance: MVP is actually the most common heart valve condition in the U.S., affecting roughly 2-3% of the population. Most insurers see it regularly and know exactly how to evaluate it.
The problem? Not all insurance companies underwrite MVP the same way. We’ve seen clients get declined by one carrier and approved at Preferred Plus rates by another for the exact same condition. That’s why working with an independent agent who knows which companies view MVP most favorably can save you thousands of dollars.
What Is Mitral Valve Prolapse?
Mitral valve prolapse occurs when the valve between your heart’s left upper chamber (left atrium) and left lower chamber (left ventricle) doesn’t close properly. The valve leaflets bulge backward into the left atrium when your heart contracts.
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You might also hear MVP called click-murmur syndrome, Barlow’s syndrome, or floppy valve syndrome. They’re all the same condition.
Here’s the good news: most people with MVP experience no symptoms and need no treatment. The condition is typically diagnosed through an echocardiogram, which allows doctors to visualize the valve structure and measure any backflow of blood.
What Life Insurance Underwriters Look For
When you apply for life insurance with MVP, underwriters focus on three main factors from your echocardiogram results:
Mitral regurgitation. This is the big one. Regurgitation means blood is leaking backward through the valve. Underwriters classify it as none, mild, moderate, or severe. No regurgitation typically means best rates. Mild regurgitation usually qualifies for Standard Plus. Moderate to severe may result in a table rating.
Valve thickness. A thickened or redundant valve suggests more advanced prolapse. Mildly thickened valves with no other issues generally don’t hurt your rating much.
Left atrium size. An enlarged left atrium indicates your heart is working harder to compensate for the valve problem. Normal size is favorable. Dilated or enlarged may result in higher premiums.
Rate Classes You Can Expect
Your rate class determines your premium. Here’s what we typically see for MVP cases:
Preferred Plus (best rates). Normal valve appearance, no regurgitation, normal left atrium, no other health issues. This is absolutely achievable with MVP.
Preferred. Minimal valve changes, trace or no regurgitation, normal left atrium.
Standard Plus. Mildly thickened valve, mild regurgitation, normal left atrium.
Standard. Mild to moderate regurgitation with normal or slightly enlarged left atrium.
Table Rating (substandard). Moderate to severe regurgitation, enlarged left atrium, or other complicating factors. You’ll pay more, but coverage is still available.
In our experience, the majority of MVP clients qualify for Standard Plus or better. The key is applying to the right company.
Questions Insurers Will Ask
Be prepared to answer these questions when you apply:
When were you diagnosed with MVP? A longer history with stable results works in your favor.
What symptoms do you experience? Chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, or dizziness? Many people have none.
What were the results of your most recent echocardiogram? This is the most important piece of information.
Do you take any medications? Beta blockers, blood thinners, or blood pressure medications? These are common and usually insurable.
Have you had any procedures or surgeries? Valve repair has a better prognosis than valve replacement for underwriting purposes.
Do you have any other heart conditions? Additional issues like coronary artery disease or cardiac arrhythmia complicate the picture.
If you don’t know all the specifics from your echocardiogram, that’s okay. Your cardiologist can provide a copy of your results, and we can help interpret what they mean for your application.
How to Get the Best Rates
The single most important factor is applying to the right company. We’ve worked with clients who received table ratings from one insurer and Preferred Plus from another. Same person, same condition, dramatically different outcomes.
Here’s what helps your application:
Get a recent echocardiogram. Results from the past 12 months show insurers your current status. Stable or improved results over time look favorable.
Work with an independent agent. We have access to dozens of carriers and know which ones specialize in heart conditions. A captive agent can only offer you one company’s rates.
Be honest on your application. Underwriters will see your medical records. Discrepancies between your application and records cause delays or declines.
Address other health factors. Quit smoking, manage your weight, control blood pressure. These factors combined with MVP can push you into higher rate classes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get life insurance if I have mitral valve prolapse?
Yes. MVP is a common condition that most life insurance companies regularly underwrite. Many applicants qualify for Preferred Plus or Preferred rates when there’s no regurgitation or complications. Even with mild to moderate issues, traditional term and whole life policies are available.
Will MVP automatically increase my life insurance rates?
Not necessarily. If your echocardiogram shows normal valve function with no regurgitation and a normal left atrium, your MVP may have zero impact on your rates. The severity of your condition and any related complications determine your rate class.
Should I apply for a no-exam policy if I have MVP?
We generally recommend traditional policies with a medical exam for MVP clients. No-exam policies have stricter health questions and often decline applicants with heart conditions. A traditional policy with an exam typically offers better rates because underwriters can see your actual health status.
What if I’ve had mitral valve surgery?
You can still qualify for coverage. Valve repair generally has better outcomes than replacement for underwriting purposes. Most insurers want to see at least 6-12 months of stable recovery before approving an application. The prognosis for successful valve surgery is excellent. Learn more about life insurance after heart valve replacement.
How long does it take to get approved with MVP?
Standard processing takes 4-6 weeks. Your application may require additional medical records from your cardiologist, which can add time. Working with an agent who pre-qualifies you with the right carrier helps avoid delays and declines.
Key Takeaways
- Most MVP cases qualify for competitive rates. Without regurgitation or complications, Preferred Plus is achievable.
- Underwriters evaluate three factors. Regurgitation severity, valve thickness, and left atrium size determine your rate class.
- Company selection matters enormously. The same applicant can receive dramatically different offers from different insurers.
- Get your echocardiogram results. This is the most important document for your application.
- An independent agent saves time and money. We know which carriers view MVP most favorably and can shop the market for you.
Ready to find out what rates you qualify for? We’ve helped hundreds of clients with heart conditions get affordable coverage. Let’s look at your specific situation and find the right carrier for you.
