What are mitral valve disorders?
If you are looking for the most affordable life insurance with mitral valve disorders, you have come to the right place. We are experts in finding affordable coverage for special risk life insurance.
We know which insurance companies offer the best rates. And we know how to negotiate with the different carriers to make them compete. When looking for the most affordable life insurance with mitral valve disorders you must work with an experienced and knowledgeable agent in this niche.
First, we must look at the different classifications when evaluating life insurance with mitral valve disorders:
MITRAL STENOSIS (MS)-
Mitral stenosis is narrowing of the mitral valve. It produces a diastolic murmur. Once common due to rheumatic fever, it is now somewhat rare.
Complications and symptoms include pulmonary hypertension, abnormal heart rhythms and premature contractions, shortness of breath, chest pain and heart failure. Significant MS can require surgical intervention. Typically, this is done thru a balloon dilation using a catheter approach.
From an insurance company underwriting point of view, mitral stenosis is classified as minimal, mild (opening greater than 1.5 cm), moderate (opening between 1.0 -1.5 cm), and severe (opening less than 1.0 cm). Under the age of 15, applicants with MS are generally declined for coverage.
Mitral stenosis that is associated with complications, such as atrial fibrillation or heart failure, is usually uninsurable with most carriers.
Below is the typical rating chart and extra premium charge with an insurance company that specializes in underwriting life insurance with mitral valve disorders:
Ages 15-29 – Minimal MS extra 100% rating. Mild MS extra rating 125% . Moderate MS extra rating 150%. Severe MS declined
Ages 30-44- Minimal MS extra 75% rating. Mild MS extra rating 100%. Moderate MS extra rating 125% . Severe MS declined
Ages 45-59- Minimal MS extra 50% rating. Mild MS extra rating 75%. Moderate MS extra rating 100%. Severe MS declined
Ages 60-74- Minimal MS extra 25% rating. Mild MS extra rating 50%. Moderate MS extra 75%. Severe MS declined
Ages 75 + Minimal MS no extra rating. Mild MS extra rating 25%. Moderate MS extra 50%. Severe MS declined
MITRAL REGURGITATION (MR)-
Mitral regurgitation, also called insufficiency, occurs when the mitral valve doesn’t close properly. This allows backward flow of blood into the left atrium. It produces a systolic murmur that is transmitted to the axilla. Most cases are due to mitral valve prolapse(MVP).
Some individuals with mitral regurgitation never develop symptoms. Others can experience shortness of breath, abnormal heart rhythms, fatigue, weakness and heart failure. Heart valve replacement is sometimes necessary.
In underwriting mitral regurgitation is classified as mild, moderate or severe depending upon the amount of backflow of blood across the valve. Below is the typical chart and extra premium charge for a company specializing in underwriting life insurance with mitral regurgitation:
Ages 15-29 – Mild MS extra rating 50% . Moderate MS extra rating 125%. Severe MS declined
Ages 30-44- Mild MS extra rating 25%. Moderate MS extra rating 100% . Severe MS declined
Ages 45-59- Mild MS not rated. Moderate MS extra rating 75%. Severe MS declined
Ages 60-74- Mild MS not rated. Moderate MS extra 50%. Severe MS declined
Ages 75 + Mild MS not rated. Moderate MS extra 25%. Severe MS declined
Mitral regurgitation that leads to complications, such as atrial fibrillation or heart failure, is usually uninsurable.
MITRAL VALVE PROLAPSE (MVP)-
Prolapse of the mitral valve refers to backward billowing of one or both mitral valve leaflets into the left atrium. MVP is sometimes “silent”, in that no abnormal heart sound is detected. The best diagnostic test is the echocardiogram.
Mitral valve prolapse is an idiopathic condition. This means that the cause is unknown. Because of the high prevalance (0.6%-2.4%) in the general population, MVP is the most common valvular cause of chronic mitral regurgitation, often requiring valve surgery.
Many individuals with MVP are asymptotic. Others experience symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, or dizziness. The most important complication is progressive mitral regurgitation.
For the majority of applicants with MVP without regurgitation, particularly women, the prognosis is good an no extra rating is warranted. For applicants with MVP plus mitral regurgitation, a rating is applied, based on age and severity. See the ratings above for mitral regurgitation.
Questions for underwriting life insurance with mitral valve disorders
When underwriting life insurance with mitral valve disorders it is important for the underwriting company to get complete information regarding the disorder. Below are some of the typical questions and insurance company will ask when evaluating an application for life insurance with mitral valve disorders:
- Male or Female?
- Date of Birth?
- How long has this abnormality been present?
- What type of valve disorder was diagnosed? I.E. Mitral stenosis, Mitral regurgitation or Mitral valve prolapse?
- Have you had any of the following? Chest pain, trouble breathing, heart failure, paplitations or atrial fibrillation?
- Do you have a pacemaker or defibrillator implanted?
- Is their any history of other heart disease such as coronary artery disease, other valve disorders, etc.
- What tests have been completed? I.E. echo-cardiogram, cardiac catherization, other?
- Are you currently taking any prescribed medications?
- Have you used any tobacco products in last 5 years? If so, what type?
- Any other major health problems?
In addition to the above questions, it is important to also know what amount of protection is requested? What type of coverage is needed?. Term Life or permanent life insurance?
Bottom Line-
Finding affordable rates for life insurance with mitral valve disorders can sometimes seem challenging. It is important to remember that all life insurance companies review and look at your health history differently. What one insurance company may decline or highly rate, another may approve at a minimal rating or even standard rates.
The secret to getting the absolute best rates for life insurance with mitral valve disorders is you must work with an agent who knows this area of underwriting expertise.
Your agent is your biggest ally. It is their job to find the carrier, negotiate with the carrier for the lowest rates. Most agents do not know how to effectively do this because it is out of their comfort zone. Many may not even know what a mitral valve disorder is. It is up to the person looking for the absolute best rate to seek out and find this specialty agent.
Fortunately, you have found that agent. We have over 30 years working with individuals that have pre-exisiting medical conditions. We know the insurance companies that work in this area.
If you are looking for the most affordable rate for life insurance with mitral valve disorders contact us at 1-888-393-9003 or email Mike Raines at mike@specialriskterm.com
