A stroke has a definite impact on the insurer’s ability to obtain life insurance. Traditional life insurance policies may or may not be available depending on the severity of the stroke. Insurers will need specific information about the applicant’ medical history including the type of stroke, the insured’s age at the time of stroke and any permanent damage resulting from the stroke, such as impaired speech and any medications taken to treat it.
Any history of pre-existing conditions that the insured may have, like diabetes or cholesterol, can also impact a person’s insurability. When a stroke is combined with a negative medical history, the applicant is much less likely to qualify for traditional insurance.
“In the past decade, there has been a relative 11 percent increase in the number of stroke patients between the ages of 20 and 59 in Canada,” said Dr. Patrice Lindsay, a director at Heart & Stroke (formerly the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada). The doctor herself suffered a stroke at the age of 38. In 2006, there were just over 5,000 stroke patients in this age bracket across Canada (not including Quebec). By 2015, this number had increased to more than 7,200 stroke victims.
A stroke occurs when blood flow to any part of the brain is blocked. This can happen to someone at any age, however it is much more common in people over the age of 60. Without the continuous flow of blood, brain cells surrounding the blockage are damaged. This damage cannot be repaired and the cells cannot be replaced. Getting help immediately is vital to survival and recovery because every minute during a stroke 1.9 million brain cells die. (The average human brain has more than 86 billion cells.) Strokes can lead to depression, paralysis and muscle weakness, and in many cases, death.
There are several early warning signs of stroke including dizziness, weakness, slurred speech, paralysis in the face, leg or arm, confusion, sudden vision problems and a loss of balance. For young adults, heart problems, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes and high blood pressure, as well as unhealthy lifestyles such as excessive drinking and smoking diabetes are the main known causes of stroke. However, one-third of the cases do not have a known cause.
Dr. Lindsay said the reasons for the increase in strokes in younger people include the consumption of more processed foods, hectic and stressful, yet sedentary lifestyles and childhood obesity that carries through to adulthood.
Heart and stroke awareness, including identifying the early warning signs has greatly increased over the past few decades. Because of this, stroke victims are getting treatment sooner and dramatically improving their chances of survival and complete recovery.
A proper diet and healthy lifestyle can greatly reduce your risk of stoke and other health problems. Health experts have been saying this for years – it is time to listen.
Lorne Marr the Founder of LSM Insurance and a Fitness Enthusiasts who launched FitAfter45.ca points out that “Exercise is a great way to reduce your risk of stroke. The key is find something you enjoy. Build into your schedule like any other appointment and set goals and rewards for yourself. This enables you to make it part of your lifestyle and increase the likelihood you will stick with it.”
Ben Greenfield is the owner and brain behind Ben Greenfield Fitness, a New York Times Bestselling author for Beyond Training, as well as an accomplished triathlete, bodybuilder, coach, consultant, and speaker. His advice is to, “Maximize the performance of your body. Burn fat, capitalize on recovery and improve mental performance.”
Steve Kamb of Nerd Fitness calls his approach, “Leveling up your life.” His goal is to help fellow nerds and couch potatoes take control of their lives and overcome their health issues.
Adam Bornstein has written for Men’s Health and New York Times and published numerous books. His advice to everyone is, “Your health isn’t limited to a gym, a diet, or the image you see in the mirror. Your health is what you make of it. The real distinction between healthy and unhealthy is giving a damn about your body, and making sure you do something ‐ heck, anything ‐ consistently so that you can live a long, active life, take care of your self, and take care of others in this world.
Simplified Issue Non-medical Life Insurance policies may also be an option for stroke victims. Many simplified issue carriers including Assumption Life and Canada Protection Plan offer immediate coverage to stroke victims as long as they’ve had the stroke after prior to the period specified within the application — typically, two or three years. It is important to look at simplified issue options prior to applying for traditional life insurance because if the insured is declined from traditional insurance first, this may disqualify them for simplified issue insurance.
After more details, you can contact us at 1-866- 899-4849 or visit our No Medical Life Insurance quote page.
We appreciate the kind words.
Thank you for the truth about life insurance for ppl with pre existing conditions.
Thanks for the note. Your wife should qualify for a simplified issue policy. Traditional life insurance may be available but with a rating (i.e. an extra charge for increased risk). You may want to first apply for a Simplified Issue policy because if your wife is declined her options will be more limited.
My Wife had a Stroke in 2008 She is doing just fine can she still get Life Insurance i beleave that she still can.