Can I claim TPD for heart disease?
Short answer
Potentially, yes. Heart disease can support a TPD claim where your condition causes long-term work incapacity under your policy definition. A diagnosis by itself is usually not enough; claim decisions focus on functional impact, treatment history, and prognosis.
What is usually examined
- Your diagnosis and severity, such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, or rhythm disorders.
- Symptoms that affect work reliability, for example breathlessness, chest pain, fatigue, or reduced exercise tolerance.
- Clinical pathway and response: medication, stents, bypass surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing specialist review.
- How your policy tests incapacity (for example own occupation versus any occupation wording).
Evidence that commonly strengthens a claim
- Cardiologist reports that explain practical work restrictions, not only test findings.
- Hospital and GP records showing ongoing symptoms and treatment burden over time.
- Functional capacity and vocational evidence showing why sustained return to suitable work is not realistic.
- Consistent timelines across claim forms, medical records, and employment documents.
Common pitfalls
- Assuming a cardiac diagnosis automatically meets the TPD definition.
- Providing clinical evidence without clearly linking it to day-to-day work incapacity.
- Overlooking policy waiting periods, definitions, or offset clauses.
- Submitting inconsistent explanations about symptoms or work history.
Important: This page is general information only and not legal advice. Outcomes depend on policy wording, evidence, and individual circumstances.
Related guides
Evidence required for a TPD claim · How long does a TPD claim take? · What happens if a claim is rejected?