Written by Cory Levine, Life Insurance Expert ✅
Founder of The Life Insurance Professionals · Licensed since 2018 · Boca Raton, FL, serving families nationwide
Editorial disclosure
This article was written by Cory Levine, a licensed independent life insurance agent, for general education. It is not financial, tax or legal advice. Cory may earn a commission if you buy a policy through him, and that never changes what he recommends. Rates, benefits and availability vary by company, state and underwriting.
Helping families since 2018. Content follows our editorial standards to protect consumers.
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Cory Levine is an independent life insurance agent in Boca Raton, Florida, serving families nationwide. After losing his wife in 2017 and raising his children on his own, he helps families compare term life with living benefits, indexed universal life, permanent coverage and annuities, with honesty and no pressure. Read Cory’s full bio
Yes. Many people with atrial fibrillation (AFib) can get life insurance, and some with occasional, well-controlled AFib may still qualify for good rates. What matters most is the type of AFib you have, how well it’s controlled, and whether you have other heart conditions.
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An AFib diagnosis can feel scary, and many people assume life insurance is now out of reach. It usually isn’t. Underwriters see AFib often, and the details of your case matter much more than the diagnosis itself.
It’s more common than most people realize. A 2024 study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology estimated that about 10.5 million U.S. adults, roughly 5% of the population, have AFib, about three times more than earlier estimates.
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Why this matters for your family
I lost my wife in 2017 and have raised my children on my own since. I know what it means when a family suddenly loses a parent and a paycheck. A heart rhythm diagnosis shouldn’t be the reason a family goes unprotected, especially when AFib is often well managed for years.
What underwriters look at when you have AFib
Every company has its own rules, but most look at the same things:
- Type of AFib. Occasional episodes that come and go on their own (paroxysmal AFib) are usually viewed more favorably than persistent or permanent AFib.
- How often and how recently. A single episode years ago is very different from frequent recent episodes.
- Symptoms. Chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath or fainting are viewed less favorably than no symptoms.
- Other heart conditions. Valve disease, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy or an enlarged heart chamber make a big difference.
- Stroke or mini-stroke history. Any history of stroke or TIA is a major factor.
- Heart tests. Results from an echocardiogram, Holter monitor or stress test.
- Treatment. Medications, blood thinners, and procedures like cardioversion or ablation, and how well they’ve worked.
- Related conditions. Blood pressure, diabetes, weight and sleep apnea are looked at together with your AFib.
How AFib affects your rate class
As a general guide (every company is different):
- Occasional AFib, no other heart problems, normal heart tests, no recent episodes: Some companies may still offer preferred or standard rates if you otherwise qualify.
- Well-controlled AFib on medication, with normal heart structure: Standard rates or a modest rating are common.
- Persistent or permanent AFib, or AFib with other heart disease: Expect a higher rating, and shopping becomes very important.
- Recent stroke, recent diagnosis still being worked up, or uncontrolled symptoms: Coverage may be postponed until things are stable.
If you recently had an ablation or cardioversion, many companies want to see a few months of stable rhythm afterward before offering their best rates.
Which type of coverage fits?
Term life insurance usually gives the most protection for the lowest cost while your family depends on your income. See term life insurance with living benefits, and real prices for your 50s and your 60s.
Indexed universal life (IUL) can protect your family for life and build cash value that’s protected from market losses by a 0% floor. See how IUL works.
For seniors, simplified options with just a few health questions may be a much better deal than guaranteed-issue plans with a two-year wait. Read Is guaranteed issue life insurance worth it for seniors?
Can you get living benefits with AFib?
Often, yes. Many policies include living benefits that may let you use part of your death benefit early for a qualifying terminal, chronic or critical illness, such as a stroke. Availability can depend on your health at application. Learn more about life insurance with living benefits.
6 ways to get a better rate with AFib
- Know your details. Have your diagnosis date, type of AFib, date of your last episode and your medications ready.
- Get recent heart tests on file. A normal echocardiogram can help a lot.
- Follow your treatment plan. Take medications as prescribed and keep up with your cardiologist.
- Time it right after a procedure. A few months of stable rhythm after an ablation or cardioversion often helps.
- Manage related conditions. Blood pressure, sleep apnea and weight all affect how your AFib is viewed.
- Work with an independent agent. Companies treat AFib very differently. One company’s decline can be another’s offer.
Related reading: high blood pressure, sleep apnea and life insurance after a heart attack.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I be denied life insurance for AFib?
It can happen, usually with a recent stroke, serious related heart disease or uncontrolled symptoms. Many people with stable AFib get approved, often at standard rates or better.
Does taking a blood thinner hurt my rate?
Not by itself. Blood thinners are a common, expected part of AFib treatment. Underwriters care more about why you need it and how stable you are.
Does an ablation help?
It can. A successful ablation followed by a stable rhythm may improve how companies view your AFib, especially after some time has passed.
Do I need a medical exam?
Not always. No-exam options exist, but with AFib, a full review of your records often gets you a fairer price than a quick no-exam decision.
How much life insurance does my family need?
The free life insurance calculator gives you a starting number in about two minutes.
Find out what you qualify for, before you apply
Tell me about your AFib privately, and I’ll tell you honestly where you likely stand before you apply anywhere. No pressure, no dozen applications.
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Prefer to talk now? Call 561-542-8610.
This article is for general education only and isn’t medical, legal or tax advice. Coverage, rates, rate classes and living benefit availability depend on the insurance company, the policy, your state and your individual underwriting. Guaranteed-issue policies typically include a waiting period before the full death benefit is payable.
Source: AJMC, reporting on a 2024 Journal of the American College of Cardiology study of AFib prevalence.
The Life Insurance Professionals · Cory Levine · Life insurance in Boca Raton, FL, serving families nationwide
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I’m Cory Levine, an independent agent and a widower raising my children. I know what the right policy means to a family. I compare top-rated companies, not just one, to find you honest options: coverage that protects your family, living benefits you can use while you’re alive, and income you can’t outlive.
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About Cory Levine
Cory Levine is an independent life insurance agent and founder of The Life Insurance Professionals, based in Boca Raton, Florida and serving families nationwide. Licensed since 2018, he has helped hundreds of families protect what matters most. After losing his wife in 2017 and raising his children on his own, he knows firsthand what the right coverage means to a family. Guided by his faith, Cory treats every family he helps as a responsibility, not a sale, with honesty, transparency and no pressure. He compares top-rated companies to find honest options: term life with living benefits, indexed universal life, permanent coverage, and annuities, including 401(k) rollovers and retirement income you can’t outlive. Florida License W526357.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” — Philippians 2:3 (NIV)
