Do you have mitral valve prolapse, mitral regurgitation, or stenosis? Learn how high-risk mitral valve conditions affect your life insurance rates—and how to improve your chances of getting approved.
What Is a Mitral Valve Condition
Your heart has four valves. The mitral valve helps blood flow through the heart properly. When it doesn’t work perfectly, it can cause problems.
Many people with these conditions have no symptoms. Others may feel:
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Fatigue or fainting symptoms
Types of mitral valve conditions include:
Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP)
Mitral valve prolapse (Barlow Syndrome) is when the valve between the left atrium and ventricle does not close properly.
From an underwriting standpoint, if there are no other problems, obtaining a standard to standard-plus rate with the right life insurance companies is possible.
If the condition is severe enough, it allows blood to flow backwards (mitral valve regurgitation).
Mitral Valve Prolapse Life Insurance Rates
For most people, mitral valve prolapse with no other heart conditions will typically receive a standard – standard plus life insurance rate.
Mitral Valve Regurgitation (MR)
When blood flows backwards from your left ventricle to your left atrium, that is regurgitation or insufficiency.
Regurgitation is classified according to a medical grading system:
- Mild (Grade 1) – Indicates minimal valve leakage, prolapse, and no symptoms.
- Moderate (Grade 2) – Additional leakage. You may feel fatigue or heart palpitations.
- Moderate – Severe (Grade 3) – In addition to grade 2, you may have chest pain or arrhythmia.
- Severe (Grade 4) – Severe leakage with potential for heart failure.
Other causes of mitral valve regurgitation may include coronary artery disease or endocarditis.
Let us know if you’ve had other heart conditions like cardiomyopathy or have a pacemaker.
Mitral Regurgitation Life Insurance Rates
| Age | Mild | Moderate | Severe |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 – 29 | Table 2 | Table 4 – 6 | Table 6 – Decline |
| 30 – 44 | Table 2 | Table 4 | Table 6 – Decline |
| 45 – 59 | Standard | Table 2 – 4 | Table 6 – Decline |
| 60 – 74 | Standard | Table 2 | Table 6 – Decline |
| 75 or Older | Standard | Standard | Table 6 – Decline |
Mitral Valve Stenosis
Mitral stenosis is the narrowing of the mitral valve, restricting blood flow. Stenosis is classified as:
- Mild – Valve opening greater than 1.5 cm2
- Moderate – Valve opening between 1.0 – 1.5 cm2
- Severe – Valve opening under 1.0 cm2
The severity of your condition, underlying heart conditions like aortic stenosis, and the results of cardiac workups determine if coverage is available and at what price.
Complications may include:
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Pulmonary Hypertension
- Heart Failure
- Heart Attacks
Mitral Stenosis Life Insurance Rates
The price you will pay depends on your age, the severity, and underlying conditions.
| Age | Mild | Moderate | Severe |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 – 29 | Table 4 – 6 | Table 6 – Decline | Decline |
| 30 – 44 | Table 4 | Table 4 – 6 | Decline |
| 45 – 59 | Table 2 – 4 | Table 2 – 4 | Decline |
| 60 – 74 | Table 2 | Table 2 – 4 | Decline |
| 75 or Older | Standard – Table 2 | Table 2 | Decline |
Can You Get Life Insurance with a Mitral Valve Condition?
Yes. Most types of life insurance are available. Here’s what underwriters want to know:
- What is your exact diagnosis?
- How severe is your mitral valve condition?
- What symptoms do you have?
- Have you had surgery? If yes, what was done?
- When was your last cardiac workup completed, and what were the results?
- Have you completed all follow-up testing?
- Do you have other health issues, such as a cancer history or GI problems?
We’ll ask you several questions upfront to better understand your heart condition.
We then use that information to get quotes from companies that specialize in mitral valve conditions. We receive feedback in about three days.
The benefit is that you’ll know which companies are best before applying.
We’ll help you find the best life insurance options regardless of your condition.
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Approval
There are several steps you can take to help improve your underwriting approval:
- Make healthy changes to your lifestyle – diet, exercise, weight loss, quit smoking, etc.
- Make sure you’ve completed all required testing
- Visit your physician regularly
- Take medications as directed.
- Control your blood pressure and cholesterol.
FAQ
Yes. If your mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is mild and you don’t have symptoms or complications, you may qualify for standard or even better rates with some insurance companies.
Yes. If your regurgitation is mild, many insurers won’t raise your rates much. But if it’s moderate to severe, or if you have symptoms like fatigue or shortness of breath, expect a table rating. The preferred best rate class is not available.
You can still get life insurance. Companies have a postponement period of 6-12 months before coverage is available. Make sure you complete all cardiac workups first.
Bottom Line
You can get life insurance for mitral valve disorder. There are still options, whether you have MVP, a leaky valve, or even valve surgery. The key is knowing where to apply—and what information insurers need.
We’ve helped hundreds of clients with mitral valve conditions get approved. Let’s find out what’s possible for you.
