Can you get life insurance after a stroke?

Yes, you could get life insurance after a stroke depending on when the stroke occurred and the severity of your symptoms.

Your eligibility will also depend on your age, family medical history, and lifestyle.

Stroke survivors may pay more for life insurance due to the increased risk of further strokes and other health complications.

However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t find some form of financial cover to protect loved ones.

When searching for suitable life insurance after a stroke it can be helpful to use an experienced and fee-free broker, such as Reassured.

We work with major insurers as well as smaller specialists, allowing us to quickly identify those most likely to accept your application, with a good price.

Get expert support and free quotes using our award-winning broker service.

This guide includes:

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Stroke life insurance key points

  • If you’ve survived a stroke, you could still get life insurance, but it might cost more (depending on the policy you choose)
  • It’s sensible to compare quotes to find a policy that’s right for you, as prices can vary between different insurers
  • When applying, you’ll need to provide accurate information about your stroke, as well as any history of strokes in your family
  • Insurers may request to see a medical report from your GP (with your approval) before they can make a decision on your application
  • Using a broker, such as Reassured, will help you identify which insurers are most likely to accept your application and offer you a good deal
  • You may need to take out life insurance through a specialist insurer if standard insurers aren’t able to offer suitable options
  • If you’re aged 50 - 85, you could consider over 50s life insurance, as acceptance is guaranteed regardless of any health factors (available from £5 a month through Reassured + )

Does life insurance cover stroke?

Yes, life insurance does cover stroke and all other causes of death during the policy term.

Insurers will always pay out the agreed cash lump sum if:

  • You answer all questions in the application fully and accurately
  • You keep up to date with your monthly premium payments
  • You pass away during the policy term

Life insurance doesn’t exclude pre-existing conditions from the cover. Therefore, if you pass away due to a further stroke during the policy term, your family can make a claim.

Does life insurance pay out for stroke?

Yes, as explained above, life insurance will pay out for stroke or any other cause of death during the policy term.

Is it worth getting life insurance after a stroke?

Yes, it could be worth getting life insurance after a stroke if you have loved ones who’d benefit from a cash pay out after you’re gone.

Your policy could help to cover a range of essential costs if you were no longer around, such as:

  • Mortgage or rent payments
  • Outstanding debts & bills
  • Family living expenses
  • Funeral costs

While it can be more difficult to secure life insurance following a stroke, it could be a crucial time to make sure your family are financially protected should the worst happen.

Using a broker, such as Reassured, can help to determine whether life insurance is right for you and which policy types may best suit your needs and circumstances.

Get in touch for your fee-free support and quick quote comparison.

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Calculate how much life insurance you may need by filling in the costs you’d like your policy to cover.

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£137,934 is the estimated mortgage debt per household in the UK.

The purchase of a home is likely to be the largest financial commitment any of us will make in our lifetime. Your life insurance should cover your remaining mortgage balance to allow your loved ones to stay in the family home should anything happen to you.

Source: Moneynerd.co.uk
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The average monthly household budget in the UK is £2,548 (that’s £30,576 per year), which is spent on transport, food & drink, utilities (gas, electricity, water etc), clothing, council tax and leisure activities.

With energy prices hitting a record high and the cost of living rising sharply in the UK, you may wish to factor in utility bills and family living expenses into your cover.

Source: Nimblefins.co.uk
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The average personal debt of UK adults has risen to £34,566 (not including mortgage debt), with credit cards, personal loans and overdrafts being the most common forms of debt.

Factoring in any debts into your life insurance cover means that, if they need to be paid back from your estate after your passing, your loved ones won’t miss out financially.

Source: Money.co.uk
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According to SunLife, the average cost of a funeral in the UK is £3,953 (with the overall cost of dying at £9,200).

Funeral costs have increased by 116% since 2004 and are a significant cost which should be factored into the amount of life insurance you secure.

Source: SunLife.co.uk
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When factoring in cover for your children, you may wish to calculate the amount based on how long it is until they reach financial independence.

This could include childcare (£7,000 per year for part-time care), school expenses (£1,519 per school year for uniforms, lunches, stationary etc), as well as an additional sum for further education (this could be a contribution of up to £5,000 per year).

Sources: Daynurseries.co.uk, Primarytimes.co.uk & Savethestudent.org
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2 in 5 adults say they are relying on an inheritance to fund their retirement.

Factoring in an inheritance to your sum assured could allow loved ones to live a more financially comfortable life. Alternatively, you could leave a cash gift to a charity of your choosing.

Source: Moneyage.co.uk
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If you’re lucky enough to have your own savings or are part of the 30% of UK residents who already have a life insurance policy in place, this can provide financial protection for loved ones.

By entering your current cover, savings or death in service amount you can reduce the sum assured you require.

Source: Scottishbusinessnews.net
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How long after a stroke can you get life insurance?

After having a stroke, you may need to allow for a period of recovery before applying for life insurance. This will increase your chances of being offered a policy.

The length of time between your stroke and when you could become eligible for cover will vary between different insurers, usually between 6 months and 2 years.

Unless you take out an over 50s life insurance policy, which offers guaranteed acceptance straight away regardless of your health history (ages 50 - 85).

Applying for life insurance after a stroke

Applying for life insurance after a stroke will involve additional questions about your stroke and how it’s affected your health.

Insurers will ask for the following information:

Your application may be put on hold if the insurer requires further details of your health. This could involve requesting access to a medical report or that you undergo an exam.

In some cases, a full medical exam isn’t necessary, and the insurer can get the information they need by obtaining a medical report from your GP (with your authorisation). If you don't approve access to your medical records the insurers won't have the necessary information needed to underwrite the policy.

Applying for life insurance with a pre-existing medical condition is not always straight-forward, but the process can made be easier with the help of an expert.

At Reassured, our team of dedicated experts can provide support along the way, so get in touch to make the most of our award-winning service.

How does having a stroke affect life insurance?

Having a stroke can affect your ability to secure standard life insurance policies. This is due to the underwriting processes that insurers employ to measure risk.

Factors such as the severity of your attack and when it occurred will determine your eligibility and, if you’re offered a policy, the cost of your monthly premium.

The milder your stroke and the better you’ve recovered, the easier it may be to secure life insurance, but your premiums could be inflated.

If your attack was severe and/or you have long-term health problems, then you might have more success applying through a specialist insurer (available through our advised team) or by taking out an over 50s plan (available to people aged 50 - 85).

Fortunately, our award-winning broker service can compare quotes from a variety of leading life insurance companies, to help you find a suitable option.

Even if you’ve been declined in the past, our specialist impaired life insurance team has the experience and knowledge to help you find some form of cover through us.

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What is the best life insurance for stroke survivors?

The best life insurance for stroke survivors depends on your individual circumstances and available budget.

At Reassured, we can offer the following policy options which could be suitable for those who’ve had a stroke:

Term life insurance

Term-based life insurance (level or decreasing term) is the most popular policy type and is typically available with most insurers (including specialist insurers).

It provides cover for a specified period (typically 2 - 40 years) and will pay out if you pass away during this period.

It can help to cover mortgage repayments, bills and living costs for your loved ones if you were no longer around.

The application for term life insurance requires your medical information.

Over 50s life insurance

Over 50s life insurance could be a good option for stroke survivors as there are no medical questions during the application, and acceptance is guaranteed if you’re aged 50 - 85.

You can secure up to £20,000 of cover (depending on your personal circumstances and budget) and a pay out is guaranteed after a waiting period of either 1 or 2 years depending on the insurer.

Many people use the proceeds to help cover funeral costs, but it can be spent however your loved ones see fit.

If you need any help choosing a policy, then get in touch with Reassured.

We can talk you through the options available as well as provide our best quotes, free of charge.

How much does stroke life insurance cost?

The cost of life insurance for stroke survivors will vary from person-to-person. Your individual circumstances will influence how much you pay for cover.

Insurers will use the following details to calculate your monthly life insurance premium:

As mentioned, stroke survivors may be charged an inflated premium. However, if you're recovering well and living a healthy lifestyle, you may have more options available.

Comparing quotes is essential to help you find a good deal, especially as the cost of life insurance after a stroke will vary between different insurers.

Get your free, no-obligation quotes through Reassured today.

Over 50s life insurance from £5 a month

Alternatively, if you choose to take out an over 50s policy, then your monthly premium will be calculated based on your age, smoking status, and level of cover.

There are no medical questions during the application, which means a history of strokes doesn’t affect your eligibility or the cost of your premiums.

You can secure an over 50s plan through Reassured from just £5 a month.

Can you get life insurance after a mini stroke (TIA)?

Yes, you could get life insurance after a mini stroke or TIA (transient ischaemic attack).

Factors such as when the mini stroke occurred and whether you have any other health conditions will determine your eligibility and the cost of your premiums.

Having a mini stroke is a sign that you could be at risk of having a full stroke, but there are lifestyle changes you can make to help reduce the risk.

For example:

  • Healthy eating
  • Regular exercise
  • Lowering your BMI
  • Drinking alcohol in moderation
  • Not smoking

If a certain amount of time has passed and you’re living a healthy lifestyle, you may be able to secure life insurance after a mini stroke.

Can you get critical illness cover after a stroke?

Yes, it could be possible to get critical illness cover after a stroke.

Critical illness cover is designed to pay out a cash lump sum if you’re diagnosed with a critical illness during the policy term.

Illnesses covered typically include cancer, stroke and heart attack.

If you’ve had a stroke in the past, then any critical illness policy you’re able to take out will probably exclude stroke, as well as associated illnesses.

This means you wouldn’t be able to make a claim if you survive a further stroke.

However, critical illness cover provides financial protection for many other life-changing conditions such as:

  • Blindness
  • Liver failure
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Parkinsons disease

If you’d like to learn more, we have a dedicated critical illness cover article for all you need to know. Or simply get in touch with our friendly team.

Does critical illness cover pay out for stroke?

Yes, critical illness cover will usually pay out for stroke if:

  • The condition is covered by your policy
  • You’re diagnosed during the policy term
  • You survive a minimum of 14 days from diagnosis

Almost two-thirds of working-age stroke survivors are unable to return to work, so the pay out from a critical illness policy can provide a vital financial safety net[1].

As mentioned, if you’ve had a stroke in the past, insurers will probably exclude stroke from your cover due to the increased risk of a claim on your policy.

When taking out critical illness cover it’s important to check the policy terms and conditions to ensure that it covers everything you expect it to.

Other types of life insurance for stroke victims

Whole of life insurance

Covers you for the rest of your life, providing a cash pay out to your loved ones when you pass away.

Can be one of the most expensive types of life insurance, particularly for those with pre-existing conditions.

Available through Reassured's advised team

Income protection

Helps to replace your income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury.

Policies for stroke survivors may exclude any future strokes from the cover.

Available through Reassured's advised team

Family income benefit

Covers you for a set term and will pay out in monthly payments for the remainder of the set term if you pass away. Can be one of the most affordable types of life insurance.

Available through Reassured's advised team

Whole of life insurance, income protection and family income benefit will require your medial information when applying, but it could still be possible to secure affordable rates.

Contact Reassured to learn more about each of these policies and for your free quotes.

UK stroke statistics

  • A stroke occurs when blood supply to the part of the brain is cut off, starving the brain or oxygen[1]
  • There are three types of stroke: ischaemic, haemorrhagic and transient ischaemic attack (TIA)[2]
  • Stroke strikes every five minutes[3], that’s 100,000 times every year
  • There are 1.3 million stroke survivors in the UK
  • Some of the most common effects of a stroke include communication problems, muscle weakness, fatigue[4] and depression[5]
  • You can reduce your risk of stroke and other health problems living a healthy lifestyle, for example, eating healthily, regular exercise, and not smoking

Information and support for stroke survivors in the UK

Life insurance for stroke victims UK quotes

As discussed, it’s possible to get life insurance after a stroke but it’s important to understand which life insurance is best to apply for according your circumstances.

This will help save you time and money when searching for the right policy to suit your needs.

It’s also important to compare quotes, as prices will vary between different insurers.

Reassured, the UK’s largest life insurance broker * , has a wealth of knowledge and experience to help stroke survivors with this process.

Complete our simple online quote form and we’ll be in touch to provide you with our best deals.

Compare Free Life Insurance Quotes »

Sources:

[1] https://www.brainresearchuk.org.uk/neurological-conditions/stroke

[2] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stroke/

[3] https://www.stroke.org.uk/what-is-stroke/stroke-statistics

[4] https://www.stroke.org.uk/effects-of-stroke

[5] https://www.stroke.org.uk/effects-of-stroke/emotional-changes

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