If you've had a stroke, it's still possible to get life insurance. But it will be harder, and more expensive.
Life insurance can pay off debts including mortgages, car loans and school tuition fees, plus everyday living expenses.
you must declare any pre-existing conditions you have when you take out life insurance.
What is a stroke?
A stroke is a sudden interruption in the blood supply and vital nutrients to your brain. Most strokes are caused by a blockage of arteries leading to the brain; others are caused when a blood vessel bursts and bleeds into brain tissue.
Any stroke is regarded as a medical emergency. It can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability and even death. Signs of a stroke include sudden weakness and severe headaches, paralysis, difficulty with sight and speech and numbness on one side of the face or body.
Are strokes covered by life insurance?
Yes. All causes of death are generally covered by life insurance, including strokes.
When you buy a policy, it's also worth checking if there are waiting periods for causes of death. A waiting period is the time you have to serve before you can be covered. Generally, the only waiting period that applies to life insurance is in relation to suicide. Otherwise, most will cover all causes of death after the cover commencement day. To be sure though, you can ask the insurer about waiting periods.
Can I get life insurance if I have had a stroke in the past?
It can be difficult depending on the severity of your condition, but it's possible. A stroke is considered a pre-existing medical condition, so it's crucial that you let the insurer know about it. Otherwise, you risk future claims being rejected. That's also why it's best to go with a brand that provides medical underwriting.
Once you've let them know about your condition, one of the following is likely to happen:
The insurer will cover you but will charge you a higher premium.
The insurer will add an exclusion related to strokes to your cover.
They will refuse to cover you.
If you're struggling to find a policy, it's worth speaking with an adviser to find out the best way for you to get cover with a pre-existing condition. They can be helpful because they know the ins and outs of the industry and they aren't tied to one company so are able to offer you quotes from multiple companies.
Do I have to let my insurer know if I have a stroke during my cover?
Your life insurance premiums are based on your health, occupation and lifestyle at the time you take out a policy – not whilst you have a policy. So once your cover is in place, and you've honestly disclosed all the necessary information, future changes usually should not affect your premiums or your policy's status.
The only reason it can change is if you want to alter or update your policy. At this time, you'll need to go through the underwriting process again.
Do I have to declare that I have had strokes before taking out cover?
Yes. You need to disclose that you've had a stroke before taking out cover because it's a pre-existing medical condition which you need to declare.
But it shouldn't stop you from getting cover. Asking questions about your health are all part of the underwriting process insurers use to work out how much you'll need to pay. They'll also take into account your family medical history, your age, occupation and lifestyle habits.
Is it worth getting life insurance if I have had a stroke?
Yes. If you've had a stroke, the last thing you want to do is assume that life insurance isn't worth it. If anything, it's a reminder of just how important it is to have your and your loved ones' financial future secured.
The cost of your cover will be based on the severity and type of stroke you had, so it's crucial you're truthful or you risk invalidating your policy. But even if your policy costs more because of your condition, it's a price worth paying if you don't want to leave your family with lots of debt and expenses to pay.
Why compare life insurance with Finder?
You pay the same price as buying directly from the life insurer.
We're not owned by an insurer (unlike other comparison sites).
We've done 100+ hours of policy research to help you understand what you're comparing.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Total and permanent disability policies generally cover strokes. A TPD policy pays you a one-off lump sum if you suffer a stroke and become permanently disabled and need to stop work.
Yes. Critical illness insurance, otherwise known as trauma insurance, generally covers strokes.
Yes. Income protection should be able to cover you for strokes. It can pay you a monthly benefit if you suffer a stroke and need to take some time off work to recover.
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To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Tim Bennett as part of our fact-checking process.
Gary Ross Hunter was an editor at Finder, specialising in insurance. He’s been writing about life, travel, home, car, pet and health insurance for over 6 years and regularly appears as an insurance expert in publications including The Sydney Morning Herald, The Guardian and news.com.au. Gary holds a Kaplan Tier 2 General Advice General Insurance certification which meets the requirements of ASIC Regulatory Guide 146 (RG146). See full bio
Gary Ross's expertise
Gary Ross has written 699 Finder guides across topics including:
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