The type of AF you have
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular, often fast heartbeat. Paroxysmal AF comes and goes on its own, persistent AF lasts longer and needs treatment to stop it, and permanent AF is accepted as the usual rhythm and managed with medication.
Insurers ask which one you have and how often episodes happen. A single episode linked to a clear trigger, such as a chest infection, an overactive thyroid or a heavy night of drinking, is viewed differently from AF that has been present for years.
Tests, treatment and procedures
Underwriters want to know whether your heart is otherwise healthy. An echocardiogram showing normal structure and pumping function is very helpful. They also ask about an underlying cause such as high blood pressure, thyroid problems or valve disease, because that cause may need assessing too.
Treatment questions cover rate or rhythm control medicines and anticoagulants (blood thinners) taken to reduce stroke risk. If you have had a cardioversion or catheter ablation, give the date and say whether the rhythm has stayed normal since.
- Type of AF and how often it happens
- Echocardiogram and other test results
- Medication, including blood thinners
- Cardioversion or ablation dates
- Any stroke, TIA or other heart condition
Possible terms
Occasional AF with a normal heart scan and no other conditions can get standard terms or a small loading. Permanent AF, or AF alongside other heart problems, usually means a larger loading. A stroke or TIA linked to AF is assessed as well and can increase the loading or lead to a postponement.
If you are waiting for an ablation or further tests, an insurer may hold off until the outcome is known. Critical illness cover may come with a heart exclusion or a loading, since AF is linked with the stroke and heart claims those policies pay for.
Answer with the full history
AF shows up on ECGs, in prescriptions and in cardiology letters, so it is easy for an insurer to confirm at claim. Declare it, and give the dates of episodes and procedures as accurately as you can. Missing details could put a future claim at risk.
Some people only discover they have AF at a routine check or through a smartwatch alert. If that is how yours was found, explain what happened next, including any tests and whether treatment was started. An insurer will want to know a doctor has confirmed the diagnosis.
If you are unsure whether a past bout of palpitations was AF, check your records or ask your GP surgery. A heart monitor that recorded a normal rhythm is useful evidence, so include it if the question asks about tests.
How Hi Tomorrow helps with AF
We collect the specific details underwriters ask about AF, including the type, scan results and procedure dates, before we apply. That cuts down delays and often removes the need for the insurer to write to your cardiologist.
We then compare insurers on our panel that tend to view well-managed AF favourably. If you have had an ablation recently, we can tell you whether waiting a little longer might bring better terms, and remind you when the time comes.