Life insurance after a stroke or TIA
Carriers separate a transient ischemic attack (a mini-stroke with no lasting effects) from a full stroke, and they care most about how long ago it happened and whether there have been more than one.
What carriers ask
- Stroke or TIA, and when
- Whether there has been more than one
- Lasting effects: mobility, speech, memory
- Whether you also have heart disease, atrial fibrillation, or diabetes
What usually qualifies
Sometimes a level plan
A single TIA more than two years ago with no lasting effects, or a single stroke more than three to five years ago with full recovery. Carrier-dependent.
Usually a graded plan
One stroke more than 12 months ago with good recovery, or a recent TIA.
Guaranteed issue
A stroke within the last year, more than one stroke, or a stroke together with heart failure or significant mobility loss.
What helps your application
- 01
If a doctor called it a TIA, use that word. It is answered on a different question than stroke at most carriers.
- 02
Blood thinners after a stroke are expected. They do not hurt the application.
- 03
Recovery matters. Living independently and driving are the two things underwriters read as full recovery.
Stroke or TIA questions
Does atrial fibrillation on its own count?
AFib without a stroke or heart failure is usually accepted at level or graded rates. It is the combination that moves it to guaranteed issue.
Get a life insurance quote
A licensed agent calls you back, Mon to Fri, 8am to 5pm MT. Health questions are asked on the call, never on this form.
Declined before? Ask us before you give up.
Carriers rate the same condition differently. We quote the ones likely to approve you.