New here, getting life insurance - British Heart Fou...

British Heart Foundation

54,642 members34,205 posts

New here, getting life insurance

DebbieQN profile image
13 Replies

I recently decided it was about time I got some life insurance (I'm 46).

I didn't realise that my svt and subsequent treatment would mean I can't easily get insured. As far as I was aware it didn't mean I'm at risk of an earlier demise than anyone else but now I'm worried.

My main reason for being on here though is to ask whether insurance is a realistic option or would it be very expensive? Anyone had experience of this?

Thanks

Written by
DebbieQN profile image
DebbieQN
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
13 Replies
stevejb1810 profile image
stevejb1810

Hi Debbie

Unfortunately, your experience is not unique. Getting life insurance with a ‘heart condition’ can be close to impossible and certainly expensive. Whether you think it or not, insurance companies see you as a high risk candidate for an early demise i.e. before the policy expires. Your best bet might be to try going through a specialist broker. Also, the BHF website might give you some heart friendly companies you can try. Good luck with your search. Let us know if you find someone who will take you on - there are others in a similar position who might be interested.

Steve

DebbieQN profile image
DebbieQN in reply tostevejb1810

I had no idea it would be a problem. In my new job part of the role is introducing life insurance products so it got me thinking I really should get some. Slightly worrying too as I didn't think my condition could lead to an earlier death, but seems the insurance companies think otherwise.

DebbieQN profile image
DebbieQN in reply toDebbieQN

Also means I need to check our mortgage policy as we've been paying it for 4 years. Our broker set it up, now I'm wondering if I'm even covered at all.

stevejb1810 profile image
stevejb1810 in reply toDebbieQN

If you took out the insurance policy before your condition was diagnosed then it is valid (unless you were not truthful in your original application eg you were under investigation but didn’t say so). Unfortunately insurance companies are there to make money not to pay out money and they will look for anything that helps them to avoid paying !

DebbieQN profile image
DebbieQN in reply tostevejb1810

I had ablation 12 years ago and only got the mortgage plus life cover for it 4 years back so think I need to check as I'm sure no questions were asked at the time.

stevejb1810 profile image
stevejb1810 in reply toDebbieQN

Fingers crossed!

iandeare profile image
iandeare

Worrying, I did enquire about income insurance and was immediately refused. I never thought about my mortgage insurance!

DebbieQN profile image
DebbieQN in reply toiandeare

Well the good news is I've had a look through the mortgage stuff. Broker originally quoted 18 odd a month (Only to cover 127,000 decreasing), but it looks like that changed once they'd seen medical records as we actually pay over £30 so guessing that's why although it was never stated on paper. I remember signing to say they could have access to medical records now that I've checked the folder so at least that's covered.

stevejb1810 profile image
stevejb1810 in reply toDebbieQN

Phew! 😊

iandeare profile image
iandeare in reply toDebbieQN

Sounds like your broker has already adjusted for a pre-existing condition, DebbieQN. My mortgage insurance was pre MI so I should be covered. I thought I had life insurance as part of my Unison dues, but I might well be wrong.

My experience with this isn’t a positive one, I’m afraid. Had my first episode of SVT completely out of the blue at 26, now 34, on meds, but only had one other episode requiring hospital treatment, and I still cannot get life insurance. Tried brokers too and no one will touch me. Originally I was told it was because I was awaiting neurological investigations, but after surgery 5 years ago for a congenital defect, that issue was completely resolved. The only issue I have now is the SVT, and I was told last year that’s why I can’t get any cover even though beyond that there is nothing ‘wrong’ with my heart. If you’re going to have any success at all then it’s probably going to be through a broker imo.

Would be very interested to know how you get on and if you do manage to get cover. I’m a single dad to a kid with complex needs, and as it stands there’s nothing available to provide for her should anything happen to me. It’s a huge worry.

Good luck.

Charlie

jimmyq profile image
jimmyq

I have given up on Life Insurance and I am looking at paying my funeral costs in advance.

Janna24 profile image
Janna24

Hello, you story is so familiar . I suffer from few chronic conditions. Was struggle to find right life insurance. I got massive help from Carew&Co.solutions Info @ Carewco.co.uk

They did give me few options to choose!

All the best and good luck

Janna

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Life Insurance

Hi All, I had a triple heart bypass last year (pre-elected). We are moving house an I'm getting...
dagger1947 profile image

Life insurance help!

I am trying to get life insurance as I am in the process of buying my first house but I'm getting...
Megan2403 profile image

Life Insurance

Hi all, so some of you may know that age 44 I had an angiogram after narrowing of my arteries were...
simplysal profile image

Life Insurance

Hi All, I'm hoping someone can help me. I'm having a nightmare trying to get life insurance . Has...
Lea30 profile image

life insurance with arvd

hello,i was wondering if there is anyone else out there that can help me or give me some advice,i...
waynem44 profile image

Moderation team

See all
HUModerator profile image
HUModeratorAdministrator
Luke_BHF profile image
Luke_BHFPartner
Amy-BHF profile image
Amy-BHFPartner

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.