TIA history may still qualify for preferred rates

By Jeff Reed

Kestler Financial Group


Conventional wisdom from the underwriting community will usually limit a proposed insured with a history of Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) to no better than a standard nonsmoker offer. There is at least one carrier out there, however, who has a more progressive approach to this history. If enough time has gone by since the incident, and the balance of the client's medical history is favorable, there may be a preferred offer out there, just waiting for you to apply.

So, what makes the difference between a standard and a preferred risk with this history? Here are the basics:
  • Proposed insured is age 40 or older at the time of the attack
  • Minimum of 10 years since the TIA
  • Single event
  • No significant carotid stenosis found
  • No surgical intervention
  • No tobacco use
  • Regular, normal neurological follow up
  • No other ratable impairments
  • Otherwise meets all preferred guidelines
  • Permanent products only, minimum face amount of $250,000
Of course, not all preferred classes are created equal, right? So is this called preferred but is really the fifth class down the ladder? No, this is the second best class from a carrier with competitively priced permanent products and a $20MM capacity through age 80. Plain and simple, this could make a huge difference on your next case with a TIA history.