A stroke can radically affect someone’s life.

Being the victim of a stroke is something that will immediately bring home just how vulnerable we all are and remind us of our own mortality.

When that happens the thought of leaving loved ones behind becomes much more of a real concern.

Life insurance can provide a lump sum or monthly income to the people we leave behind and being a stroke victim does not necessarily mean life cover is unavailable.

Depending on the severity of the stroke and any underlying health issues it may, in some circumstances, not have any affect on the price or availability of life insurance at all.

Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs) are considered ‘mini’ strokes and less severe than a full blown stroke and although they are sometimes seen as a precursor to a full blown stroke this is not always the case and a full recovery can be made.

Life insurance companies will consider stroke victims for cover but they will require detailed information about the circumstances which means obtaining a GP report or possibly conducting a medical examination.

They will need to find out how severe the stroke was, how long ago it occurred, what the underlying cause was and how well the person has recovered.

People who have suffered 2 or more strokes will unfortunaely have difficulty obtaining life insurance.

People over the age of 50 will still be able to consider an ‘over 50 plan’ which requires no medical underwriting but people below the age of 50 who have suffered 2 or more strokes may not be able to find cover.