Part of our guide: Impaired Risk Life Insurance Underwriting by Condition →
A decline from one source isn’t the end of the road. This client had a heart attack and a stent, was declined elsewhere, and was placed at Standard Non-Tobacco after we took a second look.
Key takeaways
- Cardiac declines are often worth re-shopping, especially with good follow-up testing.
- Normal stress tests and controlled cholesterol after a heart attack are strong positives.
- A 69-year-old with a prior heart attack and stent received Standard Non-Tobacco on $1 million of term.
Declined elsewhere for a heart attack and stent. Our result: Standard Non-Tobacco on $1 million, a placed case with $13,500 in annual premium.
The case
- Male, age 69, non-smoker, seeking $1 million of term
- Previously declined based on cardiac history
- April 2015: heart attack with a successful stent for a severe right coronary artery blockage; mild blockages in two other arteries that needed no treatment
- Echocardiograms in 2015, 2018, and 2019 showed a mildly enlarged left atrium
- Stress testing showed normal heart function with no ischemia (reduced blood flow)
- Current cholesterol normal
The outcome
We negotiated with one of our carriers and obtained Standard Non-Tobacco. The case was placed with an annual premium of $13,500.
What made it work
Underwriters look for stability after a cardiac event: normal stress tests, no ongoing symptoms, controlled risk factors, and consistent follow-up. This client had all of them. The original decline didn’t reflect how well he was doing. We’ve seen similar results with coronary artery disease at age 72.
Send us your declines
If you have a recently declined case, send it to our Underwriting Team for a fresh look. Include the most recent cardiac testing and cardiologist notes.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get life insurance after a heart attack?
Yes. Many clients qualify, especially with stable follow-up testing and controlled risk factors. Some can reach Standard or better.
Is a stent a problem for life insurance?
Not by itself. Underwriters focus on how the heart has done since, including stress tests, echocardiograms, and symptoms.
Should I re-shop a declined cardiac case?
Yes. Carriers differ widely on cardiac history, and a decline at one company can be an offer at another.
Reviewed by Tim Fuller on 2026-09-25
Tim Fuller
President, SRS Inc.
Tim leads SRS Inc., a full-service IMO (Independent Marketing Organization) and BGA (Brokerage General Agency), connecting independent financial professionals with life, annuity, disability income, and long-term care solutions from 60+ carrier partners.
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