How do life insurance underwriters view individuals with atrial fibrillation?

Life insurance for people with atrial fibrillation is considered a risk by life insurance underwriters because it involves an irregular cardiac heartbeat rhythm.

Establishing the physical cause and determining how well this medical condition is being managed will be a primary in how a person will be rated for a life insurance policy.

If diagnosed early and there is evidence of achieving a near or full recovery, the risk to the insurer is much less.

This condition will likely mandate a medical assessment. Other medical records may be required. An underwriter assessing the risk to obtain life insurance for people with atrial fibrillation will require the following:

  • Establishing when the individual was first diagnosed
  • Determining whether an ECG was performed in the proceeding 6 months and the results
  • Finding out if the person has current symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations or occasional bouts of dizziness
  • What sort of medications are being used to treat the atrial fibrillation
  • Ascertain if the person has regular check-ups with their attending cardiologist
  • Other additional risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels or diabetes
  • Asking about lifestyle issues such as smoking habits or a family history
  • Other health reasons such as coronary heart disease or hypertrophy (an enlarged heart)
All of these factors will affect the amount of risk that will affect a policy for life insurance for people with atrial fibrillation.

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What is an Atrial Fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation simply refers to a condition involving symptoms which consist of an irregular heartbeat that might be sustained and disorganized because of irregular atrial electrical activation.

Other symptoms include fatigue and chronic shortness of breath. Some individuals may not even be aware they have this condition. Symptoms may last anywhere from a few seconds or can be constantly present. Atrial fibrillation can range from mild to severe.

If treated early and with medication, and no other health related complications exist, the prognosis for this condition is very positive. A chronic condition involving a long term use of medication and ongoing heart irregularities can result in permanent and irreversible damage to the heart muscle.

Atrial fibrillation is more common in older individuals

Finding life Insurance with an Atrial Fibrillation

Finding life insurance for people with atrial fibrillation can be a challenge because how a person might be assessed can vary quite significantly from insurer to insurer. Each life insurance company has its own criteria in how they assess this condition. Some companies are far more restrictive in others.

Consequently, the manner in how a person is rated and the premium they are charged can also vary quite significantly so care must be taken when trying to get the most favorably rated policy at the best possible premium.

Using an insurance broker who specializes in high risk health conditions may be the best option to find the most lenient insurers. The availability of the types of coverage and the amounts of coverage may also vary quite substantially so care must be taken when shopping around for the most affordable policy and in finding the least expensive premium


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