Severity Level
Conditions
that is documented by an electrocardiogram and occurs out of hospital, and is due to:
– cardiac asystole; or
– ventricular fibrillation with or without ventricular tachycardia.
25. Schedule of Categories – brain and nerves category
Key term
Stroke means the diagnosis of a stroke that meets all of the following: cerebrovascular incident producing neurological deficits lasting more than 24 hours; and
evidenced by acute onset of new objective neurological signs and symptoms; and
evidenced by neuro-imaging changes consistent with the signs and symptoms; and
confirmed by a registered medical specialist .
Includes where there is infarction of brain tissue, intracranial or subarachnoid haemorrhage or embolization from extracranial source. Transient ischaemic attacks, migraine, vascular disease affecting the eye, optic nerve or vestibular functions, and incidental imaging findings (CT or MRI brain scan without clearly related clinical symptoms (silent stroke)), or as a result of hypoxia and trauma are excluded. Permanent neurological deficit with persisting clinical symptoms means symptoms of dysfunction in the nervous system that are present on clinical examination and expected to last throughout the life assured ’s life.
Symptoms that are covered include:
numbness
difficulty in walking
hyperaesthesia (increased sensitivity)
lack of coordination
paralysis
tremor
localised weakness
seizures
dysarthria (difficulty with speech)
lethargy
aphasia (inability to speak)
dementia
dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing)
delirium
visual impairment
coma.
However, the following symptoms are not covered:
An abnormality seen on brain or other scans without definite related clinical symptoms
Neurological signs occurring without symptomatic abnormality e.g. brisk reflexes without other symptoms
Symptoms of psychological or psychiatric origin.
Severity Level
Conditions
Stroke resulting in the life assured :
– at least six months after the stroke is suffering at least 25% permanent whole person impairment as defined in the American Medical Association ‘Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment’, 5th edition, or an equivalent guide to impairment approved by AIA ; or
1
– at least three months after the stroke has been an ‘admitted patient’ for a continuous period of at least three months and undergoing optimal therapy for the entire three months; and
1156 ALB-PC version 7 Effective 12 May 2026
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