Pacemakers and Life Insurance: What You Need to Know

A pacemaker is a small device implanted in your chest that helps manage your heart rhythm. If you’ve had an abnormal EKG leading to the diagnosis of an arrhythmia like atrial fibrillation, or conditions like bradycardia (slow heart rate) or heart block, your doctor might have recommended a pacemaker.

When you apply for life insurance after getting a pacemaker, life insurance underwriting will consider several key factors:

• Underlying Heart Condition: The underlying heart condition plays a big role.
• Common diagnoses include:
  • Atrial Fibrillation
  • Heart Block (complete, partial, or congenital)
  • Coronary Artery Disease
  • Heart Attack
  • Sick Sinus Syndrome (aka bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome)
• Pacemaker type:
  • Single chamber (1 wire lead)
  • Dual chamber (2 wire leads)
  • Biventricular (3 wire leads)
• Device Features: If your device includes a defibrillator (ICD), that usually signals a more serious heart condition.
• Complications: Underwriters will want to know if you’ve had any issues, such as infections, blood clots, device malfunctions, or perforations.
• Time since implant: If it’s been more than 5 years since the pacemaker was inserted—and your follow-up tests are normal—you may receive up to two table credits from some companies (like Prudential).
• Overall health: Other health concerns (diabetes, cancer, etc.) also impact your rate.

Your rating depends on the full picture, not just the pacemaker. Here’s what you might expect from life insurance companies that specialize in pacemaker underwriting:

• Congenital Heart Block – No other heart disease may qualify for Table 2 rating.
• Over Age 55 – Table 2 range may be possible if you did not have complications.
• Underlying Medical Condition – If your pacemaker was needed due to atrial fibrillation, mitral valve disease, or coronary artery disease, underwriting is primarily based on the underlying condition.
• Defibrillator – If your device includes a defibrillator or you have a history of CHF or cardiomyopathy, many insurers may decline your coverage.

Not all life insurance companies look at pacemakers the same way. Some of the most pacemaker-friendly carriers include:

• Prudential
• AIG
• John Hancock
• Banner Life

The best company for you will depend on your specific heart history, health profile, and the timing of your device placement.

Quick Quote Approach – We use a quick quote approach to find your best company. We summarize your medical history and obtain underwriting feedback in a few days from companies that specialize in pacemakers.

The benefit is that you’ll know which company is best before you complete an application.

To help you qualify for the best rate, be ready to answer these questions:

1. When was your pacemaker implanted?
2. Why was the pacemaker needed? (e.g., AFib, heart block, sick sinus syndrome)
3. Was it due to a congenital or acquired heart condition?
4. Do you experience any symptoms now (like fatigue, chest pain, or dizziness)?
5. What type of pacemaker do you have?
   • Single chamber
   • Dual chamber
   • Biventricular
6. Does it also provide defibrillation (ICD)?
7. Have there been any complications such as:
   • Infection
   • Blood clots
   • Malfunction
   • Perforation
8. When was your last cardiac workup, and what tests were done? (EKG, echo, stress test, etc.)
9. How often do you see your cardiologist?
10. What medications and dosages are you currently taking? (blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.)
11. Have you applied for life insurance before? If yes, which companies and what was the result?
12. Why do you seek life insurance (family protection, final expenses, income replacement, etc.)?
13. Do you smoke or have any other major health conditions?

Don’t worry if you don’t have all the answers right now. We’ll work with what you do know to guide you.

Life insurance with a pacemaker is possible. The key is finding the right company, preparing the right answers, and understanding how your heart condition fits into the big picture.

Let us help you sort through your options—so you can get the coverage you deserve.