Should You Notify Your Insurance Company if You Have a Pacemaker?

It’s completely understandable to focus on your recovery and improving your health after getting a pacemaker. However, there are certain other details you need to attend to, either before your procedure or soon after it’s complete. One of them is how getting a pacemaker affects your insurance coverage.

While healing should be your top priority, it’s also important to keep your insurance companies in the loop regarding your procedure. Generally, you should notify your providers (including your health, auto and life insurance companies) to ensure your policies remain active and that you receive the support and financial protection you need.

Health Insurance and Pre-Authorization

Most health plans require prior authorization before you have heart device surgery. Your healthcare provider usually handles the paperwork by sending medical records to support the need for the procedure. This step is how the insurance company confirms it will cover the costs for the device, your hospital stay and other medical fees.

If you’re switching to a new health plan and already have a pacemaker, your new provider will expect you to list it in your medical history. Sharing this information helps the company understand your ongoing heart care requirements and any follow-up visits you may need.

Auto Insurance and Driving Safety

Many drivers worry that a heart device will automatically raise their car insurance rates. However, having a pacemaker doesn’t necessarily lead to higher premiums. Auto insurers tend to be more focused on your driving record than your medical procedures. Even so, it’s a good idea to chat with your insurance agent about your health.

If your medical condition, such as a heart arrhythmia (also called a heart dysrhythmia), causes symptoms such as fainting or lightheadedness, it might affect your safety on the road. Some states even require drivers to report medical changes to the local DMV. If you don’t disclose a condition and it leads to an accident, your insurer may have grounds to deny a claim.

Life Insurance and Underwriting

Life insurance companies use a process called underwriting to figure out your rates and whether you qualify for a policy. If you apply for a new plan, you have to share your entire medical history.

Whether you already have a policy in place or are looking to purchase new or additional coverage, you must tell your provider about your procedure. Carriers want to know why you need the device, such as an irregular rhythm or heart block. A pacemaker might lead to slightly higher rates, but it also shows you are actively managing your health.

Steps To Take for Peace of Mind

If you’re getting a pacemaker or just had one put in, follow these steps to stay on top of your insurance coverage:

• Call your health insurance company to confirm that all approvals are in place.
• Contact your auto insurance agent to discuss the rules regarding reporting medical updates.
• Ask your life insurance agent how a device will affect your coverage.
• Talk with your primary care provider about any physical limitations you’ll have going forward.

Taking these small steps now helps you avoid headaches and the risk of denied insurance claims later.

If you have questions or concerns about your heart health, call 1.888.530.2485, visit our provider directory to find a Baptist Health cardiologist, or take a Health Risk Assessment to better understand your heart health risks.