Content Writer
Mortgage Advisor & Director
If you're looking for an insurance policy to protect you financially in the event of a serious condition like a heart attack, critical illness cover could offer some valuable peace of mind. Here, we’ll explore how critical illness cover works for heart attacks, how insurers view heart disease, and where to get the best insurance quotes.
Does critical illness cover pay out for a heart attack?
Yes, in most cases, critical illness cover includes heart attacks as an acceptable condition for a claim. However, insurers will follow specific definitions to determine whether your heart attack diagnosis's severity meets the payout criteria. You’ll usually need to show evidence of myocardial infarction (heart muscle damage).
During a claim for a heart attack diagnosis, insurers will request medical evidence such as electrocardiograms (ECGs), blood results showing heart proteins (cardiac markers), or imaging (MRI or ultrasound) showing new heart muscle damage.
How your application gets assessed
When you apply for critical illness cover, insurers usually carry out a detailed health and lifestyle assessment to determine your level of risk for conditions like heart attacks.
Here are some key areas insurers consider when it comes to your eligibility and premiums:
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Health and medical history: You’ll be asked about any previous diagnoses or symptoms related to heart disease, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or arrhythmias. Insurers will also want to know about any medications you take, past surgeries, or any history of chest pain.
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Family medical history: If heart attacks or heart disease run in your family, particularly with immediate relatives like parents or siblings, insurers may consider this a risk factor. This is especially relevant if family members were diagnosed under the age of 60.
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BMI and lifestyle: Your Body Mass Index (BMI) will be noted (based on your height and weight), because this could indicate if you’re overweight or obese (increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease). Also, lifestyle habits like diet, whether you’re a smoker or drinker, and if you’re physically active can all influence the insurer’s assessment.
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Heart conditions: Each insurer will have definitions for what type of heart disease diagnosis is covered. In some cases, policies can be broader in what’s acceptable. For example, most policies won’t cover acute coronary syndromes and angina without myocardial infarction, but some might.
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Your age: The older you are, the higher the likelihood of cardiovascular issues. So your age will be an important factor in assessing your risk. Typically, the older you are, the higher your premiums will be, and your pool of options for affordable critical illness cover will shrink.
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Other health conditions: If you have related health issues like diabetes or kidney disease, these can increase your overall cardiovascular risk and may affect your ability to get critical illness cover, or the cost of your premiums.
Will you pay more if you’re more at risk of a heart attack?
In most cases, yes. Insurers will assess your individual application and risk factors when you take out a policy. Typically, if you’re more at risk of a heart attack, you’ll pay more for critical illness cover due to the increased likelihood of making a claim.
However, this isn’t always the case. Each insurer will have methods of calculating risk, and it’s worth finding the insurer that will treat you most favourably. Also, there are ‘guaranteed acceptance’ critical illness policies that don’t require medical underwriting. However, this cover is usually limited in terms of benefits.
How to get a quote online
If you’re looking to compare critical illness cover quotes online, you might find it complex and confusing. Various heart and health-related factors can impact your options and premiums, and the right policy will depend on your circumstances.
An insurance adviser can quickly provide accurate quotes, guide you on topics like the medical history requirements for various insurers, or offer insight into policy definitions for critical illness cover and heart attacks.
If you’d like a free, no-obligation chat with an adviser specialising in heart attacks and critical illness cover, you can get started here:
Get your personalised CiC quote today
Getting critical illness cover after a heart attack
If you’ve already suffered a heart attack, getting critical illness cover can be more complex or costly, but it’s still a possibility with expert support. Insurers will want to know how recent the heart attack was, the severity, what treatment you received (stent placement, bypass surgery, etc.), and if you’ve had any symptoms since.
You’ll likely need to wait at least 6 months before you can apply. You may also be asked for medical records or a new assessment. Policies might come with increased premiums or exclusions for heart conditions. It’s usually best to speak with an adviser who can look at arranging tailored cover with a specialist insurer.
Best UK insurance providers offering cover for heart attacks
While most critical illness cover in the UK includes heart attacks, the exact definitions and eligibility requirements will vary. Some insurers offer more comprehensive protection for cardiac-related conditions than others.
The best provider to use for critical illness cover for heart attacks will depend on a variety of factors unique to your situation, but here are a few examples of popular UK insurers that will pay out for heart disease:
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Aviva: With Aviva's critical illness protection, you get cover for 52 conditions, including heart attacks. To make a claim, you’ll need a definite diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction and evidence showing the rise of cardiac enzymes or troponins, along with an ECG or diagnostic imaging showing changes.
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Legal & General: You need to survive for at least 14 days following a heart attack to claim on Legal & General’s critical illness cover. Like most policies, you need specific supporting evidence, and it won’t cover myocardial injury or angina without infarction (death of heart tissue).
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LV=: You’re covered for 38 conditions with Liverpool Victoria’s critical illness cover, including heart attacks, heart failure, and cardiac arrest. However, each has specific criteria. For example, any health conditions of this nature that were caused by alcohol or drug use won’t be covered.
If you want a better idea of the best UK critical illness providers for heart attacks based on your needs and circumstances, it’s worth having a brief discussion with an insurance adviser to see your options.
Why choose Teito for your critical illness cover?
Finding the best critical illness cover isn’t always straightforward. Your individual circumstances, medical history, and lifestyle will be unique, but expert support ensures you get protection that works for you, at a reasonable cost.
Our experienced advisers can find the most suitable and affordable critical illness cover for your needs, with comprehensive protection for heart disease. They can do this because they know which insurers can offer the best critical illness cover options for conditions like heart attacks.
Here are some more of the reasons people choose us for their critical illness cover:
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We can get bespoke quotes for critical illness cover and heart attacks
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Our advisers have 5-star ratings on leading review sites
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Your first chat is free, with no obligation to proceed
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Access to specialist insurers with tailored medical underwriting
Ready to take advantage of a free, no-obligation chat with an adviser specialising in critical illness cover and heart attacks? Get started here.
FAQs
In some cases, yes. However, not all insurers will provide protection for heart failure. You’ll often need to provide evidence that any heart failure is permanent and irreversible.
You might also be required to prove that there’s a noticeable limitation of physical activities where less than normal activity causes issues like fatigue, palpitations, breathlessness, or chest pain.
Choosing an Adviser
Selecting a qualified and experienced mortgage adviser is of great importance. To choose a suitable adviser, evaluate their qualifications, experience, and reputation, and ensure they are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Read reviews from previous clients and make sure they provide a clear explanation of the products and services they offer, as well as the fees and charges associated with them.