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Can You Get Life Insurance After Heart Valve Surgery?

Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: July 12, 2025

I'm not sure if you remember... But, I tried getting life insurance after my heart valve surgery for a lonnnnnnnnnnnnnng time.

During this process, I have been denied, even auto-denied, by some of the largest insurance carriers as soon as they learn that I had my aortic and pulmonary valves replaced during my Ross Procedure.

Well... I have some good news to report!!!

Paul Wolf Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance

I was recently approved for a life insurance plan!!!

It turns out that an old, college friend of mine, Paul Wolf, is in the insurance business. When I told him that I was having trouble obtaining coverage he said, "Let me take a crack at it!"

Sure enough, Paul delivered!!!

As for pricing, the insurance policy did come with a significant premium because of my medical history. According to Paul, my plan costs about three times greater than a normal policy. But, when I thought about it, I want to make sure that Robyn (my wife) and Ethan (my son) are taken care of should anything happen to me.

I know many of you have experienced similar challenges obtaining life insurance after heart surgery. If you would like to speak with Paul, simply call him at (248) 244-6013. Paul has worked for Northwestern Life Insurance for the past 25 years.

I hope that helps!

Written by Adam Pick - Patient & Website Founder

Adam Pick is a heart valve patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. In 2006, Adam founded HeartValveSurgery.com to educate and empower patients. This award-winning website has helped over 10 million people fight heart valve disease. Adam has been featured by the American Heart Association and Medical News Today.

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