Aortic Aneurysm Life Insurance: Your 2026 Guide to Approval

An aortic aneurysm diagnosis changes the life insurance conversation, but it does not end it. You will likely pay more than someone without this condition. The good news is that carriers approve these applications regularly, and with the right approach, you can minimize what you pay.

Why an Aortic Aneurysm Affects Your Life Insurance Rates

From an underwriter’s perspective, an aortic aneurysm represents a weakened section of the body’s largest artery. The concern is straightforward. A rupture or dissection is a life threatening emergency, and insurers price that added risk into your premium.

That said, underwriters also know that many aneurysms are small, stable, and well monitored. The difference between a small thoracic aneurysm discovered incidentally and a large abdominal aneurysm with rapid growth is enormous in terms of how carriers view your application. Your specific diagnosis, its size, its location, and how long it has been stable all determine where you land on the rating scale.

What Underwriters Actually Evaluate

When your application hits an underwriter’s desk, they follow a specific checklist. Knowing what they look for gives you a real advantage.

• The specific diagnosis, including whether the aneurysm is abdominal or thoracic, and its measured size
• Time since diagnosis or any surgical procedure, with stability over two or more years being a major positive
• Current cardiac function, particularly your ejection fraction (55% or higher is considered normal)
• Your medication list and dosages
• Your most recent cardiology evaluation and imaging results
• Other cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, or high cholesterol
• Exercise tolerance and whether you have any activity restrictions
• Whether you have had a single event versus multiple cardiac events or procedures

The factors that move you toward a better classification include a stable aneurysm that has not grown, a good ejection fraction, regular cardiology follow up, no smoking, and strong exercise tolerance. On the other hand, a recent diagnosis (under two years), rapid growth, low ejection fraction, combined diabetes, ongoing symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath, or a defibrillator implant will push your rating higher.

How Table Ratings Work in Real Dollars

Table ratings confuse most people, so let us break this down simply. Each “table” adds 25% to the standard premium. Table 1 means 25% above standard. Table 2 means 50% above. Table 4 means 100% above, or double the standard rate.

For a stable, well monitored aortic aneurysm that has not required surgical repair, many carriers will rate in the Table 2 to Table 4 range. If you have had a successful repair (two or more years ago with good recovery), Table 2 to Table 6 is more typical depending on the details.

In dollar terms, consider a $500,000, 20 year term policy for a 40 year old. A standard rate might be around $45 per month. At Table 2, that becomes roughly $65 per month. At Table 4, around $90 per month. That is the cost of a few streaming subscriptions for half a million dollars of family protection.

Why an Independent Agency Makes a Bigger Difference for This Condition

Here is where carrier selection becomes genuinely important. For aortic aneurysms, we regularly see the same applicant rated Table 4 at one carrier and Table 2 at another. That is not a small difference. Over a 20 year policy, that gap can mean thousands of dollars.

At Insurance By Heroes, we were founded by a former first responder and military spouse, and every member of our team comes from a background in public service. That service first mindset drives how we approach cases like yours. We do not work for one insurance company. We are independent, which means we shop your case across many different carriers to find the one that views your specific situation most favorably.

Some carriers have underwriters who specialize in cardiovascular conditions and are more comfortable with aortic aneurysms. Others see the word “aneurysm” and immediately assign a high table rating. We know which carriers fall into which category, and that knowledge translates directly into lower premiums for you.

Positioning Yourself for the Best Possible Outcome

Before you apply, gather the documentation that will make your case as strong as possible.

• Your most recent cardiology records, including imaging that shows aneurysm size and stability
• Echocardiogram results with your ejection fraction number
• Stress test results if you have had one performed
• A complete medication list with dosages
• If you have had any procedures, the operative reports and hospital discharge summaries
• Cardiac catheterization reports if applicable

Timing matters too. If your diagnosis or procedure happened less than two years ago, the two year mark is often a turning point where carriers begin offering significantly better rates. That said, waiting carries its own risk. Every year you delay, you are older, which raises premiums on its own, and there is always the possibility of a complication that makes future coverage harder to obtain.

If you are on the fence, reaching out now for a preliminary assessment costs nothing and gives you a clear picture of your options.

Common Mistakes That Cost You Money

We see applicants make avoidable errors that lead to higher ratings or outright denials.

• Not knowing your ejection fraction before applying. This number is in your echocardiogram report and is one of the most important data points an underwriter reviews. Call your cardiologist and ask for it.
• Being vague about your diagnosis. Saying “heart problem” instead of specifying the type, size, and location of your aneurysm forces the underwriter to assume the worst.
• Forgetting to mention a pacemaker or defibrillator. This will come out in medical records and creates a credibility issue if omitted.
• Not listing all cardiac medications. Incomplete information slows the process and raises red flags.
• Applying too soon after a procedure before you have demonstrated healing and stability.
• Going with a captive agent who only represents one carrier. If that carrier rates aortic aneurysms harshly, you are stuck paying more than you should.

The biggest misconception we hear is “it is too expensive.” Many people assume a table rating means unaffordable premiums without ever getting an actual quote. The real numbers are often far more manageable than expected, especially when an independent agency finds the right carrier for your profile.

FAQ

How much more does life insurance cost with an aortic aneurysm?

Most stable aortic aneurysm cases receive a Table 2 to Table 6 rating, meaning 50% to 150% above standard premiums. For a $500,000, 20 year term policy, that could mean paying $65 to $110 per month instead of $45 per month at standard rates. The exact cost depends on the aneurysm’s size, stability, and whether surgical repair was needed.

Can I get approved for life insurance with an aortic aneurysm?

Yes. Carriers approve aortic aneurysm applications regularly, especially when the condition is stable and well monitored. Small aneurysms under observation with a normal ejection fraction (55% or higher) often receive better ratings. Even post surgical repair cases qualify once two or more years of stability are demonstrated.

How long should I wait after an aortic aneurysm diagnosis or repair to apply?

The two year mark after diagnosis or surgical repair is typically where the best options open up. Within the first year, most carriers will either postpone your application or assign a very high rating. Between one and two years, options exist but are limited. After two years of documented stability, many carriers offer significantly improved rates.

What is the most important number to know before applying?

Your ejection fraction. This single measurement from your echocardiogram tells underwriters how well your heart is pumping. A normal ejection fraction of 55% to 70% is a strong positive signal. Mild reduction (45% to 54%) usually means some table rating. Below 35% often limits you to guaranteed issue products. Call your cardiologist and ask for your most recent number before starting any application.