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 6pm PT. Health questions are asked on the call, never on this form.
A decline somewhere else is not the answer.
We quote the carriers that say yes.