This is a defect in the septum, the partition between the left and right sides of the heart, between the atria and may be found between the two atria (atrial septal defect) or the ventricles (ventricular septal defect). A septal defect permits abnormal flow of blood from the left side to the right with increased blood flow through the lungs. In general, prognosis is determined by size of the defect, age at surgical repair, current symptoms and exercise capacity. A near normal life span can be expected with a small defect. For large defects surgical closure is advisable and curative if done early in life before onset of severe symptoms.
Classification (for illustrative purposes only)
| Trivial | Normal exercise capacity and normal echocardiogram. |
| Mild | Normal exercise capacity with mild abnormalities on echocardiogram. |
| Moderate | Moderate limitation of exercise capacity with abnormalities on echocardiogram. |
| Severe | Severe limitation of exercise capacity with significant abnormalities on echocardiogram. |
What information should my client provide?
Your customer should complete the General medical fast-track questionnaire.
Likely acceptance terms
The risk is classified as trivial, mild, moderate, severe according to exercise capacity, results of investigations etc
The ratings below assume no other additional factors or complications are present
| No Surgery: | Trivial | Mild | Moderate | Severe | With surgery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Life cover | Normal rates | +50% up | +75% up | Cover will be declined |
Postpone within a year; >1 year with a normal echocardiogram - normal rates |
|
Specified illness cover |
+100% up with exclusion of heart valve and structural surgery |
Cover will be declined |
Postpone within a year >1 year normal rates with exclusion of heart valve and structural surgery |
||
| Income protection | +75% up |
Cover will be declined |
Postpone within a year; >1 year +50% up |
||
| Hospital cash cover, accident cover, contribution cover |
Normal rates |
Cover will be declined |
|||
Please note that likely acceptance terms are indicative only and cases are subject to full underwriting.
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