Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator and IUL Coverage in 2026

Yes, You Can Get IUL Coverage with an ICD

Having an implantable cardioverter defibrillator does not disqualify you from life insurance. It does, however, change the conversation with underwriters significantly. Most carriers view an ICD as evidence of a serious underlying arrhythmia risk, which means you will likely pay more than someone without one. The good news is that “more” does not have to mean “unaffordable.” With the right approach, the right documentation, and the right agency working on your behalf, you can secure meaningful coverage at rates that make sense for your family’s budget.

Why an ICD Affects Your Life Insurance Rates

From an underwriter’s perspective, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator exists for one reason. It is there to prevent sudden cardiac death from a dangerous heart rhythm. That tells the insurance company your heart has either experienced or is at high risk for a life threatening arrhythmia. Underwriters place ICD recipients in the “significant disease” category alongside conditions like cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure. This typically means a Table 8 or higher rating, though some carriers may offer simplified issue products depending on your overall health picture.

The key metric underwriters focus on is your ejection fraction. A normal ejection fraction falls between 55% and 70%, which is a positive sign. A mild reduction (45% to 54%) will draw some additional rating. A moderate reduction (35% to 44%) usually leads to significant rating increases or a shift toward simplified issue products. Below 35%, most carriers will only offer guaranteed issue coverage. If that route applies to you, our final expense insurance for implantable cardioverter defibrillator page lays out the no-exam application and the graded benefit period.

What Underwriters Evaluate for ICD Applicants

When we help clients who have an ICD, we know exactly what the underwriting team will examine. The factors that matter most include the following.

• The specific diagnosis that led to ICD placement
• How long ago the device was implanted
• Your current ejection fraction from your most recent echocardiogram
• Whether the ICD has ever fired to correct a dangerous rhythm
• Your current cardiac medications and dosages
• How recently you saw your cardiologist
• Whether you have other cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes or a smoking history

The difference between a single cardiac event with a stable recovery and multiple events with ongoing symptoms is enormous in underwriting terms. A person with an ICD placed three years ago, a stable ejection fraction above 55%, regular cardiology follow up, and no ICD firings will receive dramatically better offers than someone with recent hospitalizations and a declining ejection fraction.

How Table Ratings Work in Real Dollars

Table ratings can sound intimidating until you see the actual numbers. Each “table” adds roughly 25% to the standard premium. Table 1 means 25% above standard. Table 2 means 50% above standard. Table 4 means 100% above standard, or double the base rate.

For a 40 year old applying for a $500,000 policy, a standard rate might run around $45 per month. At Table 4, that becomes roughly $90 per month. At Table 8, which is common for ICD recipients, you might see $135 per month. That is real money, but it is also less than many people fear. Compare it to a daily coffee habit or a streaming subscription bundle and the perspective shifts quickly.

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator and GUL as an Alternative

If an indexed universal life policy comes back with a rating that feels too steep, guaranteed universal life (GUL) deserves serious consideration. GUL policies provide a fixed death benefit with level premiums guaranteed to a specific age, often 90, 95, or even 120. Because GUL does not have an investment component tied to market indexes the way IUL does, the premiums can sometimes be more predictable for someone with a significant health history.

For ICD recipients, GUL can be a smart fallback. Some carriers that rate aggressively on IUL products may be more competitive on their GUL offerings for cardiac histories. This is one of the biggest reasons working with an independent agency matters so much. We can compare both IUL and GUL quotes from many carriers simultaneously, finding the best combination of coverage type and price for your specific health profile.

Why an Independent Agency Makes the Biggest Difference

Here is where we need to be direct. If you have an ICD and you apply to just one carrier, you are leaving money on the table. Different insurance companies can rate the exact same ICD recipient anywhere from Table 4 to Table 10, and some may decline altogether. That spread can mean hundreds of dollars per month in premium difference for the same coverage amount. If one carrier already declined you, see our life insurance after a decline involving implantable cardioverter defibrillator page for the simplified issue and graded benefit routes.

At Insurance By Heroes, we were founded by a former first responder and military spouse. Every member of our team comes from a background in public service. That service first mindset drives everything we do. We understand what it means to protect the people who depend on you, and we bring that same dedication to every client we serve, regardless of background. As an independent agency, we are not locked into one carrier’s underwriting guidelines. We shop your application across many carriers to find the one that views your specific cardiac history most favorably.

Positioning Yourself for the Best Possible Outcome

Before you apply, take these steps to give yourself every advantage.

• Know your ejection fraction. This single number matters more than almost anything else for cardiac underwriting. It is on your most recent echocardiogram report. Call your cardiologist’s office and ask for it.
• Gather your records. Have your most recent cardiology evaluation, echocardiogram results, stress test results if performed, your current medication list with dosages, and any hospital discharge summaries ready.
• Wait for stability. If your ICD was placed within the last year, most carriers will postpone your application. The two year mark is often a turning point for better rates. Five or more years of stability with no ICD firings opens even more doors.
• Do not assume you should wait indefinitely. Waiting means you are older when you apply, and age increases premiums on its own. There is also always a risk of new health events that could make future applications harder.

Common Mistakes That Cost ICD Recipients Money

When we work with clients who have ICDs, we often see the same avoidable errors.

• Applying to a single carrier without shopping the market. This is the most expensive mistake possible.
• Describing the condition vaguely as a “heart problem” instead of providing the specific diagnosis.
• Forgetting to mention the ICD itself. Carriers will find it in your medical records, and the omission raises red flags.
• Not listing all cardiac medications. Incomplete medication lists create delays and suspicion.
• Applying too soon after the procedure before demonstrating a period of stability.
• Not having recent cardiology records available, which forces the carrier to order them and slows the process by weeks.

FAQ

How much more does life insurance cost with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator?

Most ICD recipients should expect a Table 8 or higher rating, which adds approximately 200% to the standard premium. For a 40 year old seeking $500,000 in coverage, that could mean roughly $135 per month instead of $45. Shopping across many carriers can sometimes bring that down by two or more table ratings.

Can I get approved for life insurance with an ICD?

Yes. While an ICD indicates significant arrhythmia risk, many carriers offer approval through traditional underwriting with a table rating, simplified issue products, or guaranteed issue policies. Your approval options improve significantly after two or more years of stability with a good ejection fraction.

Should I choose IUL or GUL with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator?

It depends on your goals. IUL offers cash value growth tied to a market index, which can be appealing for long term wealth building. GUL provides a straightforward guaranteed death benefit with predictable premiums. For some ICD recipients, GUL premiums may be more competitive depending on the carrier. We recommend quoting both and comparing offers side by side.

Does it matter how long ago my ICD was implanted?

Absolutely. Time since implantation is one of the most important factors. Under one year, most carriers will postpone. Between one and two years, options exist but ratings will be steep. After two to five years with stable health, your options improve dramatically. Beyond five years with no complications, some carriers may offer rates approaching standard if your ejection fraction is normal and your overall health is strong.

Getting life insurance with an ICD takes more effort than a standard application, but it is entirely achievable. The families who end up with the best coverage at the most reasonable rates are the ones who work with an independent agency that knows how to match cardiac histories with the right carriers. If you are ready to see what is available for your situation, reach out to our team at Insurance By Heroes. We will shop your case across many carriers and find the best fit for your family’s protection.

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