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As the number of people with heart-related conditions is increasing in India, the need to ensure financial protection has become more essential. Heart patients can use term insurance as an easy and practical means of protecting the future of their family. Given that this type of life cover is issued after proper medical scrutiny; it offers reliable financial protection to your loved ones in case of your untimely demise....Read More
Trust of 20+ Years in Industry
Written byLakshey Bahl
Insurance Writer
Published 3rd February 2026
Reviewed byVaibhav Kumar
Last Modified 3rd February 2026
Insurance Domain Expert
What is Term Insurance for Heart Patients?
Term Insurance for heart patients is a type of life insurance which provides financial security for a set duration, even in cases where one has a history of heart-related issues. It emphasises on pure financial protection, not savings or investments.
The policy remains active for a specified period, and if the insured person passes away during this term, the insurer pays a pre-decided sum assured to the nominee. This payout assists in protecting the finances of the family by compensating for the lost income and covering basic bills.
Can heart patient get term insurance?
Yes, heart patients can get term insurance, but eligibility depends on the type and severity of the heart condition, age, treatment history, and overall health. Insurers usually ask for medical reports, details of surgeries or medications, and recent test results to assess risk.
In some cases, the policy may be approved with a higher premium, specific exclusions, or a waiting period. Mild or well-managed heart conditions generally have better approval chances.
Disclosing complete medical history honestly is important, as non-disclosure can lead to claim rejection later. Buying insurance early and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also improve eligibility.
In some cases, the policy may be approved with a higher premium, specific exclusions, or a waiting period. Mild or well-managed heart conditions generally have better approval chances.
Disclosing complete medical history honestly is important, as non-disclosure can lead to claim rejection later. Buying insurance early and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also improve eligibility.
Why Do Heart Patients Need Specialised Insurance Coverage?
According to the Indian Heart Association, India accounts for almost 60% of the global heart disease burden, with approximately 25% of all heart attack cases occurring in men aged below 40 years.
Furthermore, according to the World Heart Federation, India had about 2.87 million deaths from cardiovascular disease in 2021, and the age-standardised death rate was 268 per 100,000 people.
Apart from this, individuals with cardiac conditions may have a shorter lifespan, which can put their family member’s future at risk, especially if they are the sole breadwinner.
This makes term insurance for heart patients a necessity. In case of their untimely demise, the nominee can claim the death benefit to cater to outstanding medical bills, debt and regular living expenses.Moreover, most insurers provide critical illness benefit riders with their term insurance plans. This enables the policyholder to get a lump sum payout for covered critical conditions, which can ease their financial burden of seeking treatment.
Moreover, most insurers provide critical illness benefit riders with their term insurance plans. This enables the policyholder to get a lump sum payout for covered critical conditions, which can ease their financial burden of seeking treatment.
How Heart Patients Can Secure Term Insurance?
It’s important for you to know how you can secure term insurance for yourself or your loves ones with a heart condition. Follow these tips to get term insurance for heart patients with clarity and confidence:
Seek Expert Guidance
The first step is to approach an insurance advisor who has dealt with cases involving heart conditions. Their experience can assist you to know appropriate alternatives and manoeuvre insurers' criteria in a more capable way.
Organise Your Medical Documents
Gather all the health history, such as prescriptions, test results, hospital bills and information about previous procedures or surgeries. Well-documented records enable the insurers to analyse your medical history well.
Select the Most Suitable Plan
Share all information about your heart condition, including its state, severity, and present health status. This transparency will assist the insurers in suggesting the appropriate policy, be it standard term insurance plans, modified cover or a specialised policy.
Compare Multiple Insurers
Check out the plans from multiple insurance providers. Assess their claim settlement ratios, claim settlement process, riders offered, special coverage plans for cardiac patients, the sum assured and the premium amount.
Provide Truthful Health Details
Accuracy is crucial when filling in the proposal form. Any misrepresentation of medical facts can result in claim rejection later.
Be Prepared For A Medical Assessment
Insurers may request a fresh medical examination to evaluate your current health stats. If your condition has improved, this assessment may work in your favour.
Review Policy Terms Thoroughly
Before purchasing, carefully check the premium, sum assured, nominees, policy duration, and any exclusions linked to heart-related conditions. Understanding these details ensures there are no surprises later.
Check out the best life insurance plans in India for heart patients and get covered today!
Check out the best life insurance plans in India for heart patients and get covered today!
Key Considerations for Heart Patients Before Buying Term Insurance
Before you buy term insurance, you should carefully review specific aspects that can influence both eligibility and long-term protection.
Reasonable Waiting Periods
Short waiting times are especially significant to people with heart conditions. Plans that have a shorter waiting period enable coverage to take effect earlier, hence providing peace of mind and prompt cover.
Severity of the Heart Condition
The seriousness of the heart issue directly influences the premium amount. More advanced conditions usually attract higher premiums, so it is essential to be clear about the stage of your illness and how it affects the policy terms.
Medical History and Lifestyle
Insurers closely assess your past medical records and lifestyle habits such as smoking, diet, and physical activity. These factors significantly affect eligibility, premium pricing, and the level of cover offered.
Age and Overall Health
Applicants who are younger and in better health are often offered more favourable terms. Purchasing a policy earlier can improve your chances of securing wider coverage at a lower premium.
Policy Terms and Coverage Options
It is advisable to select a plan that provides adequate protection against heart-related risks. You may also consider adding critical illness riders or specialised add-ons that cover cardiac conditions.
Although many insurers in India provide term insurance options for heart patients, acceptance depends on each insurer’s specific underwriting rules. It is important to carefully review the policy’s inclusions and exclusions and clarify them with the insurer in advance.
Doing so helps prevent misunderstandings and reduces the risk of rejection during the application process.
Although many insurers in India provide term insurance options for heart patients, acceptance depends on each insurer’s specific underwriting rules. It is important to carefully review the policy’s inclusions and exclusions and clarify them with the insurer in advance.
Doing so helps prevent misunderstandings and reduces the risk of rejection during the application process.
How to Choose the Right Term Insurance for Heart Patients?
Selecting the best term insurance policy for heart patients in India can seem challenging due to the wide range of options available. Nevertheless, focusing on the right factors can make the decision clearer and more effective:
1. Financial Responsibilities and Dependants
Assess your family structure, ongoing household expenses, current loans and your future plans, like educating your children or the financial security of your spouse. These factors aid in estimating an appropriate amount of guaranteed coverage for your dependants against financial stress.
2. Adequate Coverage Amount
Although it is recommended to opt for a cover that is 10-15 times your yearly income, the liabilities of the uncovered persons, their medical coverage and their long-term commitments must be taken into consideration. A term insurance calculator can be used to estimate a more realistic coverage requirement.
3. Appropriate Policy Duration
The policy term must cover the years you face the highest financial responsibilities. Coverage must preferably extend up until key obligations like loans are paid off and dependants are financially independent.
4. Premiums and Policy Benefits
Affordability is important, but it must not be achieved at the expense of a lack of protection. Compare the premiums, payout options, benefits flexibility, and overall value of the policy.
5. Insurer’s Claim Settlement Record
A good claim settlement ratio is an indicator of the reliability of the insurer. Selecting a provider that has a stable history of settling claims entails fewer challenges for your nominees to get coverage at times of need.
6. Relevant Riders and Add-Ons
Additional benefits like critical illness cover, accidental death benefit, and waiver of premium would go a long way in offering a coverage boost to the heart patients. By choosing the right riders, you can tailor the policy to suit your health risks and lifestyle.
7. Accuracy In Personal and Medical Details
Medical history, lifestyle, occupation and existing policies should be fully disclosed. Transparency minimises the chances of claim denials and the validity of the policy in the long run.
8. Regular Policy Review
The conditions of life vary with time. Reviewing and updating your cover periodically is a way to ensure that you are well covered as your responsibilities and medical needs change.
How to Get Term Insurance if You Are a Heart Patient
For heart patients, choosing term insurance is not just about affordability, it’s about understanding how your medical history affects eligibility, premiums, and policy conditions. Insurers assess cardiac cases more carefully, so focusing on health-specific factors is essential.
Consider the Type and Stability of Your Heart Condition
Insurers evaluate whether the condition is mild (such as controlled hypertension-related issues) or severe (such as bypass surgery or heart attack history). Applicants with well-managed conditions, stable reports, and no recent hospitalisation usually have better approval chances and fewer restrictions.
Factor in Medical Waiting Periods and Policy Loadings
Heart patients may receive policies with higher premiums or waiting periods before full coverage applies. When comparing plans, review these conditions carefully instead of focusing only on the base premium.
Choose Coverage That Accounts for Medical Vulnerability
While 10-15 times annual income is a guideline, heart patients should also consider the risk of income disruption due to health. Adequate coverage ensures dependants can manage living costs and medical expenses if earning capacity is affected.
Select a Policy Term Early to Avoid Future Restrictions
As cardiac conditions progress with age, securing a longer policy term early reduces the risk of rejections, exclusions, or significantly higher premiums later in life.
Prioritise Insurers with Strong Medical Underwriting Experience
Not all insurers evaluate cardiac cases the same way. Choosing a provider experienced in underwriting heart-related conditions improves approval transparency and reduces claim complications for nominees.
Opt for Health-Relevant Riders Carefully
Riders such as waiver of premium and critical illness cover are particularly important for heart patients, as they keep the policy active even if health issues impact income or employment.
Ensure Complete Medical Disclosure Without Gaps
Any non-disclosure related to diagnosis dates, surgeries, medications, or lifestyle habits can lead to claim rejection. Full transparency is critical for long-term policy validity.
Review Coverage as Health and Treatment Progress
As medical reports stabilise or responsibilities change, reviewing coverage helps ensure the policy remains aligned with both health status and financial needs.
How to Get Term Insurance if You Are a Heart Patient?
- Step 1: Visit the home page
Click on ‘Term Insurance’ on top left and you’ll see a form - Step 2: Enter required details
Enter your name, DoB, mobile no, annual income, and click on ‘Calculate Now’ - Step 3: Share lifestyle details
Select your gender, lifestyle habit, profession, education, diabetic or not, marital status, preferred language, and then click ‘Proceed’ - Step 4: Choose the life cover, rider, & make payment
Choose a suitable life cover, age till you need the cover, premium payment term, and then verify your monthly premium and click on ‘Proceed’. In the next stage, you can also add any rider to your policy or skip it. In the end, make the payment to complete the process.
Enhanced Protection Through Critical Illness Coverage
A critical illness plan offers valuable financial assistance during serious health emergencies and can also help cover expenses related to rehabilitation and recovery. Heart attack and cancer are some of the conditions that are often covered under this rider in term plans.
When added to term insurance for heart patients, the critical illness rider guarantees a one-time payout upon diagnosis of any illness listed in the policy. This money can be spent not just on medical care but also on other necessary requirements as indicated in the policy terms.
Since coverage among different insurers is different, one needs to consider inclusions, exclusions, and conditions of a rider before picking one, and this needs to be in line with your health requirements as well as your financial objectives.
STCG Tax on Real Estate and Immovable Property
Selling real estate or immovable property within 24 months of buying it triggers short-term capital gains tax. Unlike shares, there is no special flat rate here. Instead, the profit from such sales is added to your total income and taxed as per your applicable income tax slab
. So, if you are in the highest 30% tax bracket, your property-related STCG will also be taxed at 30%, plus surcharge and cess. This makes holding property for more than two years more tax-efficient.
Short Term Capital Gains Tax on Shares
When you sell your shares before holding them for the required minimum period, the STCG on shares tax rate applies. In simple words, if you buy shares and sell them quickly for a profit, that profit is treated as a short term capital gain. For listed securities, this happens when you hold them for less than 12 months.
For unlisted equity shares, the rule is slightly different. These become short-term capital assets only when you sell them within 24 months from the date of purchase. If you sell them earlier than this, the gain is treated as short-term and will be taxed accordingly.
Knowing these key holding periods helps you avoid unexpected STCG on equity shares.
For unlisted equity shares, the rule is slightly different. These become short-term capital assets only when you sell them within 24 months from the date of purchase. If you sell them earlier than this, the gain is treated as short-term and will be taxed accordingly.
Knowing these key holding periods helps you avoid unexpected STCG on equity shares.
Short Term Capital Gains Tax on Property
STCG Tax on property applies when you sell a house, land, or any real estate before completing 24 months of ownership. If you sell the property within this period and make a profit, that profit is treated as capital gains for the short term. This rule is essential because many people buy property for quick returns, but selling it too early can lead to higher taxes.
The tax on this short-term gain is calculated using your applicable income tax slab rates. This means your profit is added to your total income for the year, and you pay tax based on the applicable income tax slab. There is no special or reduced STCG tax rate on properties.
Another key point is that no indexation benefit is allowed for STCG on property. This means you have no short term provisions for inflation to reduce your taxable gain.
The tax on this short-term gain is calculated using your applicable income tax slab rates. This means your profit is added to your total income for the year, and you pay tax based on the applicable income tax slab. There is no special or reduced STCG tax rate on properties.
Another key point is that no indexation benefit is allowed for STCG on property. This means you have no short term provisions for inflation to reduce your taxable gain.
Short Term Capital Gains Tax on Specified Mutual Funds
The tax on STCG for specified mutual funds applies specifically after recent rule changes. Under the new rules, units of specified mutual funds will be treated as short-term capital assets regardless of how long you hold them. In other words, the STCG on mutual funds is taxable even if you keep these units for several years. Any profit you earn from selling them will be taxed.
The tax on these gains will be charged according to your regular income tax slab rates, just like your normal income. There is no separate or lower tax rate for these gains.
This change applies only to units purchased from April 1, 2023, onward. If you have bought one before this date, the old rules continue. You will still be taxed based on the actual holding period as short-term or long-term.
Specified mutual funds are those in which more than 65% of assets are invested in debt and money-market instruments, or in other funds with a similar asset structure. These new regulations will take effect in FY 2025–26 (AY 2026–27).
From July 23, 2024, the tax rate for STCG on equity mutual funds has increased to 20%. No deductions are allowed under Sections 80C to 80U.
The tax on these gains will be charged according to your regular income tax slab rates, just like your normal income. There is no separate or lower tax rate for these gains.
This change applies only to units purchased from April 1, 2023, onward. If you have bought one before this date, the old rules continue. You will still be taxed based on the actual holding period as short-term or long-term.
Specified mutual funds are those in which more than 65% of assets are invested in debt and money-market instruments, or in other funds with a similar asset structure. These new regulations will take effect in FY 2025–26 (AY 2026–27).
From July 23, 2024, the tax rate for STCG on equity mutual funds has increased to 20%. No deductions are allowed under Sections 80C to 80U.
Short Term Capital Gains Tax on Debentures and Bonds
The STCG Tax on debentures and bonds applies specially because some of these assets are always treated as short-term, no matter how long you hold them.
For example, when you sell market-linked debentures, the profit is always considered as a short term capital gain. Even if you keep them for many years, the tax rules still treat them as short-term assets.
The same rule applies to unlisted debentures and unlisted bonds. Any capital gain you earn from selling these instruments will always be classified as short-term. The holding period does not matter in these cases.
Since they are always treated as short-term capital assets, the tax you pay on these gains is calculated according to your regular income tax slab rates. There are no special tax rates or STCG exemption based on how long you hold these investments.
For example, when you sell market-linked debentures, the profit is always considered as a short term capital gain. Even if you keep them for many years, the tax rules still treat them as short-term assets.
The same rule applies to unlisted debentures and unlisted bonds. Any capital gain you earn from selling these instruments will always be classified as short-term. The holding period does not matter in these cases.
Since they are always treated as short-term capital assets, the tax you pay on these gains is calculated according to your regular income tax slab rates. There are no special tax rates or STCG exemption based on how long you hold these investments.
Short Term Capital Gains Tax on ULIP and Others
The STCG tax on ULIPs and other specified assets applies under new proposed tax rules. Under this proposal, ULIPs with premiums higher than 10% of the policy’s sum assured or with annual premiums above ₹2.5 lakh will now be treated as capital assets.
This means the money you receive when you redeem such ULIPs will be taxed as capital gains, depending on whether the gain is short term or long term. If the holding period is short, the tax will apply as short term capital gain.
Another proposed change is to amend Section 2(14). This amendment clarifies that securities held by investment funds under Section 115UB will also be treated as capital assets.
This means the money you receive when you redeem such ULIPs will be taxed as capital gains, depending on whether the gain is short term or long term. If the holding period is short, the tax will apply as short term capital gain.
Another proposed change is to amend Section 2(14). This amendment clarifies that securities held by investment funds under Section 115UB will also be treated as capital assets.
Tips for Reducing Taxes on Short Term Capital Gain
STCG rate is not uniform. Still, you can adopt some of the standard practices shared below to cut down your taxes .
Additionally, an STCG calculator will help you get an idea of the tax amount before making any outright purchase and sell planning.
- Hold investments for a longer period: This is one of the easiet hacks to save taxes under STCG. Keeping mutual fund units for more than one year helps you qualify for long-term capital gains. These are taxed at lower rates than short-term gains.
- Explore tax-saving options: Consider investing in ELSS funds. This allows you to claim deductions under Section 80C and lower your taxable income.
- Combine smart strategies: Diversification is saviour in all such cases. Using both long-term investing and tax-efficient options not only reduce your tax burden but also improve your overall returns.
Additionally, an STCG calculator will help you get an idea of the tax amount before making any outright purchase and sell planning.
Premiums and Waiting Periods for Heart Patients
Premiums for heart patients are usually higher, as insurers factor in the increased health risk. A term insurance calculator may assist you to determine the approximate costs and budget more realistically. To make premiums affordable, you can either increase or decrease the sum assured or reduce optional riders and still retain the necessary financial security.
Most term insurance policies have a waiting period before they start providing coverage, especially to applicants with heart conditions. This period can range from 90 days to 180 days, depending on the insurer. It may take a longer period in case the cardiac condition is recent or medically complicated. The knowledge of this time period can be used to create clear expectations regarding the time when the policy could be fully effective.
Term insurance for heart patients enables individuals with cardiac conditions to secure their family’s financial future with confidence. By ensuring the right cover is chosen, truthfulness in sharing health information, and inclusion of the right riders, heart patients will be assured of good cover despite their pre-existing health condition. This ensures peace of mind to the policyholders and long-term financial security to their families.
FAQs about Term Insurance for Heart Patients
Can a heart patient get term insurance?
Yes, a heart patient can get term insurance. Nevertheless, their eligibility depends on age, diagnosis stage, and medical reports.
Is life insurance expensive for heart patients?
Heart patients are expected to pay higher life insurance premiums since they are considered a greater medical risk by the insurers. Nonetheless, the ultimate price is determined by the nature and severity of the heart-related condition, diagnostic age, recovery, and overall health profile.
What medical tests are required for insurance?
Insurers tend to request cardiac-related medical reports to assess the risk precisely. Some of the typical tests are an ECG, treadmill or stress test, echocardiogram, and angiography reports, wherever applicable
Which plan is best for heart patients in India?
Term insurance policies which include cardiac-specific critical illness cover riders are the most appropriate. These plans have lump-sum payouts upon the diagnosis of severe conditions to enhance the financial coverage in addition to life cover.
Can I buy insurance after a heart attack?
Yes, one can buy insurance even after having a heart attack, so long as you are better and your medical records indicate stability. The underwriting guidelines of the insurer will determine the approval, premiums and coverage terms.
Is death due to a heart attack covered in a term insurance plan?
Death due to a heart attack is covered by most term insurance policies, provided the policyholder has completely declared their medical background at the time of enrolling in the policy, and the policy is in force.
How does a heart attack's severity affect term insurance?
Approval of a term insurance plan and its terms are based on the severity of a heart attack. In the event that it has led to irreversible health conditions, insurers are free to charge higher, impose conditions or even limit the scope of coverage.
Does age affect the chances of heart patients getting term insurance?
Yes, age does matter as far as eligibility is concerned. Younger patients are more likely to get easier approvals and better premiums compared to older individuals due to their higher perceived health risks.
Is there any waiting period in term insurance for heart patients?
Yes, a waiting period may apply. The initial waiting period is usually 90-180 days after the date of policy commencement, during which the plan does not cover claims except in the case of accidents. Insurers can further use condition-based waiting periods in the case of heart patients on the basis of medical evaluation.
I have high BP and cholesterol, but no heart attack. Am I considered a heart patient for term insurance?
Not always, but high blood pressure and high cholesterol are also addressed as cardiovascular risk factors by the insurers. Although you do not have a record of a heart attack, you can be rated as a higher-risk candidate that can influence the rate of premiums or the policy conditions.
ARN: Jan26/Bg/03KB
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