Can you get long-term care insurance with heart disease?

Heart disease covers a wide range, and outcomes vary just as widely. A person years past a single, well-managed cardiac event is in a very different position from someone with heart failure or a recent event.

What underwriters look at

• Type of heart disease. Coronary artery disease, a past heart attack, stents, or bypass are underwritten differently from congestive heart failure or serious arrhythmias.
• Time since the event and how stable you have been since.
• Heart function. Good measured heart function and no ongoing symptoms help; reduced function is a serious concern.
• Combinations. Heart disease together with diabetes, smoking, or significant excess weight stacks up quickly.

The harder cases

Congestive heart failure is generally a decline for traditional coverage because it is progressive. Recent heart attacks or multiple cardiac events are also usually declined until — and unless — things stabilize.

If you are declined

Asset-based or hybrid policies often use more lenient underwriting than standalone long-term care insurance, so they are a common alternative for a heart-disease history.

General information only. Underwriting varies by carrier and changes often, and we do not publish carrier-specific approval thresholds. Nothing here is a guarantee of coverage or a quote — only a licensed carrier reviewing your medical history can tell you what you qualify for. This is educational and not insurance, legal, tax, or financial advice.