Life insurance after blood clots, DVT or pulmonary embolism
Blood clots are common, and most people who have had one can get life insurance. The underwriting depends heavily on the type of clot, what caused it, whether it was a one-off or recurrent, and whether you are still on anticoagulants. A single provoked DVT after surgery is a very different proposition to recurrent unprovoked pulmonary embolisms.
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The short answer
A single provoked DVT (caused by surgery, long-haul flight, immobilisation, or hormonal contraception) with full recovery and off anticoagulants is often insurable at standard rates after 6-12 months. An unprovoked DVT or recurrent clots will typically attract a loading, particularly if you remain on long-term anticoagulants. A pulmonary embolism is viewed more seriously than a DVT alone. Underlying thrombophilia (such as Factor V Leiden) adds complexity but does not prevent cover.
What insurers ask about blood clots
The questions insurers ask are designed to establish the cause, severity, and recurrence risk. Expect to answer the following:
- What type of clot? (DVT, PE, or both)
- Where was the DVT? (calf, thigh, arm - location matters)
- When did it occur?
- Was there a clear provoking factor? (surgery, immobilisation, long-haul travel, pregnancy, oral contraceptive pill)
- How many clots have you had?
- Are you on anticoagulants? If so, which one and for how long?
- Have you been tested for thrombophilia? If so, what were the results?
- Any residual symptoms? (post-thrombotic syndrome, ongoing leg swelling or pain)
- Any family history of blood clots?
Single provoked DVT
A provoked DVT is one where there is a clear, identifiable trigger. The most common provoking factors are surgery (particularly hip or knee replacement), prolonged immobilisation, long-haul flights, pregnancy, and use of the combined oral contraceptive pill.
Typical underwriting
Fully recovered, off anticoagulants, 6-12+ months since event
Standard rates from many insurers. A single provoked DVT with a clear trigger and full recovery is viewed very favourably. The provoking factor has been removed, reducing recurrence risk significantly.
Still on anticoagulants or under 6 months since event
Minor loading (25-50%) or short postponement. Most insurers prefer to wait until anticoagulant treatment is complete and you have been discharged from haematology follow-up.
Unprovoked or recurrent DVT
An unprovoked DVT is one where no clear trigger is identified. This is viewed more cautiously by insurers because it suggests an underlying tendency to clot, which increases the risk of recurrence. Recurrent DVTs, whether provoked or unprovoked, are also treated more seriously.
Typical underwriting
Single unprovoked DVT, fully recovered
Minor to moderate loading (25-75%). Many insurers will offer terms, particularly if you have been off anticoagulants for 12+ months with no recurrence. If you remain on lifelong anticoagulants, the loading may be at the higher end.
Two or more DVTs (recurrent)
Moderate loading (50-100%). Recurrent clots, particularly if unprovoked, indicate a higher ongoing risk. Most people with recurrent DVTs are on lifelong anticoagulants, which insurers factor in. Time since the last event matters significantly.
Had a blood clot? The cause matters.
Whether your DVT was provoked or unprovoked changes your options significantly. Call our specialist brokers with the details and they'll tell you exactly where you stand.
Get QuotePulmonary embolism (PE)
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs. It is viewed more seriously than a DVT alone because of the immediate life-threatening nature and the potential for lasting damage to the lungs and heart.
Typical underwriting
Single provoked PE, full recovery, off anticoagulants
Minor to moderate loading (25-75%) from 6-12 months post-event. Better terms than an unprovoked PE, but more cautious than a simple DVT. Normal echocardiogram (showing no right heart strain) significantly improves terms.
Unprovoked PE or PE with ongoing complications
Moderate to significant loading (50-150%). Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) as a complication of PE significantly worsens terms. Ongoing breathlessness or reduced exercise tolerance is also factored in. Time since the event and stability are the most important variables.
Thrombophilia (inherited clotting conditions)
Thrombophilia refers to inherited or acquired conditions that increase your tendency to form blood clots. Common inherited thrombophilias include Factor V Leiden, Prothrombin gene mutation (Factor II), Protein C deficiency, Protein S deficiency, and Antithrombin deficiency.
How insurers assess thrombophilia
Thrombophilia with no clotting history - if you have been diagnosed through family screening but have never had a clot yourself, many insurers will offer standard rates or a very minor loading. The diagnosis alone, without a clinical event, is viewed as a risk factor rather than a condition.
Thrombophilia with a history of clots - the clotting history drives the underwriting, with the thrombophilia diagnosis explaining the underlying cause. Terms are based on the clot type, number of events, and current treatment. Heterozygous Factor V Leiden (the most common thrombophilia) is viewed more mildly than homozygous Factor V Leiden or combined thrombophilias.
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) - this acquired thrombophilia is assessed more cautiously than inherited thrombophilias, particularly if associated with recurrent clots or pregnancy complications. Moderate loading is typical.
Anticoagulant medication and insurance
Whether you are on anticoagulants, and whether they are short-term or lifelong, affects underwriting. The specific anticoagulant (warfarin, rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban, dabigatran) does not usually matter - insurers focus on why you are taking it and for how long.
Short-term anticoagulants (3-6 months)
Indicates treatment for a single clot event. Once you have completed treatment and been discharged, your insurance terms typically reflect a resolved event. Minor impact.
Lifelong anticoagulants
Usually indicates recurrent clots, unprovoked clots, or a significant thrombophilia. Insurers apply a moderate loading to reflect the ongoing risk. The loading also accounts for the bleeding risk associated with long-term anticoagulation.
The honest answer
Blood clots are far more insurable than most people expect. A single provoked DVT after surgery, with full recovery and off blood thinners, is practically a non-issue for life insurance. Unprovoked clots and pulmonary embolisms are more complex, but cover is still available with a loading. The key is accurate information: provoked vs unprovoked, DVT vs PE, single vs recurrent, and whether you are on ongoing anticoagulants. Getting these details right and presenting them to the right insurer makes a significant difference to both acceptance and cost.
How blood clots affect premiums
| Scenario | Typical impact on life insurance |
|---|---|
| Single provoked DVT, recovered, off anticoagulants | Standard rates after 6-12 months |
| Single unprovoked DVT, recovered | Minor to moderate loading (25-75%) |
| Recurrent DVTs | Moderate loading (50-100%) |
| Single provoked PE, full recovery | Minor to moderate loading (25-75%) |
| Unprovoked PE or PE with complications | Moderate to significant loading (50-150%) |
| Thrombophilia, no clotting history | Standard to minor loading (0-25%) |
Indicative only. Actual terms depend on your full medical history, time since event, and the specific insurer.
Put your policy in trust
Every life insurance policy should be written in trust, regardless of your clotting history. A trust ensures the payout bypasses your estate, avoiding inheritance tax and probate delays. Our partner brokers set this up at no cost on every policy.
Read our full guide to trusts and estate planning
Frequently asked questions
How long after a DVT can I apply for life insurance?
For a provoked DVT, some insurers will consider applications from 3-6 months, though waiting until you have completed anticoagulant treatment (typically 3-6 months) gives the best terms. For an unprovoked DVT, 6-12 months of stability is usually preferred. Applying too early risks a decline on your record.
Does being on warfarin or a DOAC affect my premiums?
The anticoagulant itself does not drive the loading - it is the reason you are taking it. Short-term anticoagulation for a single provoked clot has minimal impact. Lifelong anticoagulation for recurrent or unprovoked clots indicates a higher risk level and will attract a loading.
I have Factor V Leiden but have never had a clot. Can I get standard rates?
In many cases, yes. Heterozygous Factor V Leiden without a personal history of clots is often insured at standard rates or with a very minor loading. Homozygous Factor V Leiden or combined thrombophilias may attract a slightly higher loading even without a clotting history.
Is a pulmonary embolism viewed differently from a DVT?
Yes. A PE is viewed more seriously because it is a more dangerous event. A DVT that remains in the leg is a lower-risk event than one that has travelled to the lungs. The loading for a PE is typically higher than for a DVT of the same cause and timing.
I had a DVT during pregnancy. How is this assessed?
A pregnancy-related DVT is treated as a provoked event, which is the most favourable category. Once you have recovered and completed anticoagulant treatment, most insurers will offer standard or near-standard terms. The pregnancy was the provoking factor, and that factor has resolved.
Can I get income protection after a blood clot?
Yes, though some insurers may apply a DVT or thrombosis exclusion, particularly if you have had recurrent events or are on long-term anticoagulants. A single provoked DVT with full recovery is less likely to trigger an exclusion. Our partner brokers can identify which insurers offer the best terms for your situation.
Get advice about insurance after a blood clot
Tell us the type of clot, when it happened, what caused it, and your current medication. Our specialist brokers will match you with the insurer best suited to your clotting history.
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