n Mitral regurgitation A report from the GP will always be obtained whenever an applicant disclos...
n Mitral regurgitation
A report from the GP will always be obtained whenever an applicant discloses a history of heart valve disease. Sight of cardiology reports detailing results of investigations such as ECG, echocardiogram are vital in assessing the severity and prognosis of a case. Cover can usually be accepted at standard rates for all benefits for cases where the degree of regurgitation is confirmed as slight or trivial (of no haemodynamic significance) and where no cardiological follow up is felt to be necessary. A rating of between +50% to +300% will be applied to cases with a history of mild to moderate regurgitation. As a general rule when assessing a case, the younger the age of the client when symptoms present and the more severe the regurgitation the higher the rating. Severe cases will usually be declined.
Critical illness (CI) cover can be considered for applicants over age 40 whose symptoms are minimal. Where terms are to be offered an exclusion of heart valve and structural surgery and possibly also a rating would in all likelihood be applied.
Income protection (IP) may be considered for well documented cases where the applicant is over age 35 and has no associated complications. An extra premium of +150% minimum would be applied for applications with a deferred period of 13 weeks or longer. Applications with a history of valve replacement will unfortunately be declined for the sickness related benefits.
• Mitral valve prolapse
Cases where the echocardiogram confirms the mitral prolapse is a normal variant can be accepted at standard rates for both life cover and CI cover. If the condition has progressed to more than just slight mitral regurgitation then the ratings based on mitral regurgitation will apply.
IP can be considered for cases where mitral prolapse has been confirmed by echo. Standard terms should be available as long as there is no mitral regurgitation, arrhythmia or other underlying condition.
n Aortoc stenosis
A GP report and cardiology notes will be obtained for all cases. The underwriter needs to establish the exact diagnosis and history of the condition and results of all investigations including ECG, echocardiogram and chest x-ray are required to assess each case accurately. As in mitral valve disease the rating of aortic stenosis depends on the cause and severity of the condition. Once symptoms appear deterioration is rapid and survival rates are lower than mitral valve disease. Ratings will depend on a number of factors such as client age, severity and complications such as left ventricular hypertrophy. For mild to moderate stenosis without surgery, terms range from +50% to +250%. Severe aortic stenosis without valve replacement will be declined. Following surgery terms can be considered but will range from +50% to +350%.
CI will be declined for all cases.
IP can be considered only for the very best cases with mild to moderate symptoms, but will be heavily rated at +100% to +200%.
