aortic valve replacement and life insurance

[bhcv]

I had aortic valve replacement for a bicuspid valve in 2003 at 47 years old. No other problems existed. I have been approved for a life insurance policy but answered "NO" to the following question. "Within the past 10 years, have you consulted a physician for, been diagnosed with, or received treantment for: heart or circulatory system disease" I was told my bicuspid valve was hereditary. I'm not sure if I lied or not and would like clarifacation. I don't want to waste premuims if the policy could be declined latter. Thanks

 

[Jkm7]

Hi.....

I am no lawyer nor insurance expert, but I think your response was not true.

Whether your valve problem resulted from rheumatic fever or from genetics, the fact is you have had a valve replacement and the insurance company should be told.

Diabetes can be due to heredity; many conditions can be. Doesn't really matter the source in terms of insurability IMO.

 

[fyrfytr]

I want to WELCOME you to the VR Family, you will enjoy your stay.
I think if I were you I would contact the agent and ask about that. I have always had life and health ins. rated up because of my BAV.
Again WELCOME!

 

[Lisa in Katy]

The definition for disease is - A pathological condition of a part, organ, or system of an organism resulting from various causes, such as infection, genetic defect, or environmental stress, and characterized by an identifiable group of signs or symptoms.

So, my guess would be that your answer would be considered untrue. Prior to surgery I applied for life insurance and although I wasn't denied, I could only get a small amount of coverage for a short period of time - something like $10,000 for 5 years - and would have to be re-evaluated at the end of the term. This would have cost me more than my husband's $100,000 of insurance. I just get the maximum amount through my employer because I don't have to answer any questions for that.

 

[Superbob]

I also welcome you to the forum. However, you definitely need to tell the insurance company the whole story about your heart condition. You do not get a bye because the problem is congenital. And there can be consequences for providing misleading answers in order to get insurance.

 

[dwb71]

Insurance

Insurance

I tend to agree with JKM. Besides, at the end of the day, you cannot win by withholding disclosure. "He who has the money..."

dwb71
trying to decide on avr and aorta surgery

 

[Marguerite53]

Hello fellow Oregonian, and welcome!

I agree with everyone.....I think you will have to disclose this to your agent. You had an aortic valve replacement because there was something wrong with your bicuspid aortic valve. For me, I knew about my BAV for 25 years, all the while, it was defective, but healthy. While it was healthy (not diseased with the aortic stenosis which is what got it, finally), I was able to get life insurance with no problem. What was it about your valve which caused it to need replacing?

I'm not well versed in insurance, but they are meticulous. As you said, "I don't want to waste premiums if the policy were to be declined later". I wish I had a friend in the insurance business who you could just ask, but I don't. I know we have insurance people in our midst....but don't remember who.

Let us know what you decide. And again.....welcome to VR.com. Tell us your story anytime!!

Marguerite

 

[csutherland]

Go figure

Go figure

Our experience with this involves long-term care insurance. Since my mom has been in such facilities for 6 1/2 yrs due to dementia or alzheimers's or whatever, to the tune of $2500 to $3800 per month, we decided to take out this insurance to protect what estate we might have.

My family has the history of dementia, stroke, etc. but I was approved. Jerry, on the other hand, has had AVR and now has an aortic aneurysm. He was denied. This seems odd to us. His ailments would normally cause him to drop dead with no long-term care needed. My future may hold an extended stay in such a place. Seems like they have it backwards.

 

[sue943]

I was lucky, I took out a hefty life policy four years ago, so well before this episode. As I am diabetic there is a condition attached, the full amount will not be paid unless I survive sixteen years, if I die earlier the payout will be lower but on a rising scale depending on how many years I have survived. Only twelve years to go, so if I don't die before I am 70 my family will be wealthy!

 

[Christian]

I'm a lawyer and I have loads of experience with this as my wife has been trying to buy more life insurance for years. Your reply was untrue -- a biscuspid valve = "heart disease."

I'm certain they would refuse to pay out on your policy if push came to shove. You should probably call the insurer and clear up the ambiguity.

 

[Christine]

I bought a $100,000 5 yr term life in nov 2001 for $17/mnth... I didn't need a medical exam, just the basic HIV and nicotene tests... now if I were to increase the term life policy from 5 to 10, 15 or 20 yrs, then the higher you go, the likilhood I would not be able to renew very easily as more medical tests would be done... I did have AVR done 6 months later due to BAV stenosis brought on my endcodartis.. so it will be interesting when I talk about renewing this november.. but then, if I say nothing, i'll auto renew at the new rates per my contract... I have StateFarm.. as much as people don't like them - they've always been there for me.. and no other company can beat their rates they give me for my auto, renters and life..

Chris

 

[901]

I was able to buy a rated up policy when I had my aneurysm. Now that I no longer have an aneurysm, I'd like to get my policy downrated somewhat. Has anyone done anything like this?

 

[Georgia]

Doug, I know you can have policies down rated after quitting smoking, so I don't know why it wouldn't be possible for other reasons. Contact your agent or the company's customer service.