Life Insurance for Cancer Survivors

Life Insurance for Cancer Survivors & Patients | Definitive New Guide for [2022]

Purchasing life insurance for cancer survivors can be challenging depending on your current health history. But it can usually be performed with good results in application approvals and affordable premiums. This all depends on what type of cancer you have or had in the past and its severity stages. If you currently have a form of this condition or ever had it in the past. Life insurance for cancer patients and survivors can be available to you depending on your current medical status with a number of top-rated life insurance companies.

The most accurate way to see if you qualify for coverage and at what cost, is to contact an experienced independent agent. Agents such as us can run a simple medical prescreen to find out what will be the outcome before you ever even apply. This will give your agent the information he needs to properly shop the market for you and choose the most applicable carrier.

 

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Purchasing life insurance for cancer survivors is usually a simple process if you have been cancer-free for 10 or more years.

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Can You Get Life Insurance if You Have Cancer?

This is not a question that can be easily answered because it can go either way. Here is a basic list of what is needed to know to accurately answer this question:

• What type of cancer do you have?
• When was it first diagnosed?
• What stage is it in?
• What is medically being done for you?
• What is the medical prognosis?
• Is it affecting other areas of your health?

Your insurance agent can run a simple medical pre-screen which is no more than asking you questions and completing a short pre-screen form. This information would then be used to consult with a life insurance medical underwriter to determine if applying would be advised and its possible outcome at this point in time.

 

Does Life Insurance Cover Cancer?

Life insurance policies will cover cancer with no problem. You just have to make sure your policy is not restricted to accidental death only. Usually, a person who owns a policy that covers accidental death only knows about it. These policies are rare but some people buy them to cover hazardous occupations, dangerous sports, and hobbies. Not many people want an accidental policy because they do not cover any forms of death by natural causes.

 

What Questions Will the Insurance Companies Ask?

Here are just some of the most important questions the carriers will ask:

• What was the grade and stage of cancer when it was first discovered?
• Did the cancer cells reach the lymph nodes?
• If your treatments have ended, when was the last day of treatment?
• Did you ever have a cancer recurrence?
• What medication did you take and are you still required to continue taking medication?

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Getting approved for life insurance for cancer survivors is becoming much more common. Using the correct life insurance company is the absolute key to success for your application.

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The Statistics of Being Diagnosed With Cancer is Rising

Cancer survivors are expected to total over 22 million people by the year 2030!

The American Cancer Society has just come out with some impressive statistics. A recent report estimates that there are currently over 8 million males and almost 9 million females in the United States with a history of Cancer. About 2 out of every 3 Cancer survivors (almost 70%) were diagnosed five or more years ago. Almost 1 in 5 of these cases were diagnosed over 20 years ago. Nearly 2/3s are age 65 years or older.

The medical report also estimates that in the United States, 66,000 Cancer survivors are age 14 and under and 48,000 in the age category of 15 to 19. These are statistics that help the male gender purchase life insurance for Cancer survivors much easier.

What Are the Most Common Forms of Cancer?

These are the most common forms of cancer in the United States.

• Breast cancer
• Lung cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Colon cancer
• Melanoma cancer of the skin
• Bladder cancer
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• Kidney cancer
• Liver cancer
• Leukemia
• Pancreatic cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Endometrial cancer
• Renal pelvis cancer

Are the Mortality Statistics Higher for Men Than Women?

It is a well-known fact that far more men die from cancer than women do.

• 197.9 per 100,000 men
• 139.9 per 100,000 women

Life insurance companies use these statistics to determine rates based on the probability of mortality between men and women in the United States. 

Can Choosing a Specific Company Help Get Lower Rates?

After your agent has run a medical pre-screen and chosen the best life insurance company to apply with. You can then proceed with the next step which is the application process. There were over 1000,000 cases of Cancer reported in the year 2020 and more to be expected in 2021. Approximately 4 out of every 10 Americans will be reported as having this disease. This is a common illness and the life insurance companies in America are getting more liberal with life insurance for cancer survivors. 

The number of people being diagnosed with cancer has been going steadily going up. The success rate in treating this medical condition has been going up also thanks to medical advancements and research. Finding the best life insurance rates is much easier than in the past. Especially when using a tool like our instant quoting system.

 

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If you are planning on running a quoting system on any website such as ours. Make sure to use the “standard” rates in the drop-down menu and remember that a medical pre-screen is required by an agent to make sure you are comparing rates specifically determined for your health classification. 

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What Are the Best Life Insurance Companies for Cancer Survivors?

This is a sample of some of the best life insurance companies for cancer survivors. The largest carriers are normally the most cancer-friendly and liberal to cancer underwriting guidelines. 

Prudential – “A+ Rating from A.M. Best” Prudential is an icon in the life insurance industry. They are the largest life insurance company in the world. They are a very good company of choice for Cancer survivors due to Prudential’s size and financial strength. This enables the company to take higher risks than some of the smaller companies.

Banner Life – “A+ Rating A.M. Best” Banner Life is owned by the legendary Legal & General Group since the year 1981. Banner Life was founded in 1949. Banner is one of the most commonly used life insurance companies in the life insurance industry, offering competitive life insurance for Cancer survivors for many years.

Protective Life – “A+ Rating from A. M. Best” Protective Life has excellent choices in Term and Universal life insurance. If you are considered cancer-free, the odds are Protective life has a good choice for life insurance to consider at very competitive rates. 

Lincoln Financial – “A+ Rating from A. M. Best” Lincoln Financial is a subsidiary of the huge Lincoln National Group of insurance companies. They were founded in Nebraska in 1939. The carrier has been offering some of the most competitive and well-designed life insurance products since its inception.

AIG American General – “A+ Rating from A.M. Best” AIG has always been a great choice for high-risk life insurance for cancer survivors and other serious medical conditions. They started selling life insurance in 1918 and quickly became an industry leader ever since. The companies customer service and reputation have been some of the very best.

John Hancock – “A+ Rating From A.M. Best” Needless to say, John Hancock is one of the most prestigious names in the life insurance industry. They provide some of the best underwritings for cancer survivors in the industry. If you are a cancer survivor, make sure you investigate the John Hancock insurance company.

 

Best Types of Life Insurance for Cancer Survivors

Term Life Insurance – Affordable term life insurance covers a specific time before it terminates on the anniversary of the policy. It can vary from 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40-year intervals of time. Once these periods have expired, the policy will terminate. You have the option to convert your term policy to universal life which is permanent coverage. Low cost term life insurance is used more often than all of the other types of life insurance combined.

Universal Life Insurance – Universal life remains in force for the rest of your life as long as the premiums are paid. Universal life insurance has taken over as the number one policy design for people that want permanent coverage. Having life insurance designed to last the rest of your life gives peace of mind and long-term financial protection. Universal life insurance with no cash build-up is a product you should consider when shopping for permanent life insurance with the lowest premiums. A cash build-up feature increases the cost and is not cost-effective to warrant having it.

Whole Life Insurance – Whole life insurance is very similar to universal life only in the way it is a permanent plan design. Whole life is also an obsolete policy design for most people. Many companies have dropped it from their product line years ago.  Whole life is much more expensive than term life insurance and is not cost-effective at all. The whole life is still used for small otherwise known as guaranteed issue life insurance. These policies are mainly purchased by seniors.

 

Can You Get Life Insurance After Cancer?

People who are now considered cancer-free or declared in long-term remission. Are normally eligible for conventional term life or permanent life insurance products. Your specific qualifications to purchase coverage will be based on these main factors that will be reviewed by the underwriters. The most important factors would be:

• The age you were first diagnosed with Cancer
• The date you were first diagnosed
• Your specific type of cancer you were diagnosed with
• The effect the Cancer has had on your overall health
• Most of all, your last day of medical treatment

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The Prudential Life Insurance company is one of the very best carriers when it comes to serious health conditions such as all forms of Cancer.

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Possible Rates Classifications You May Qualify for 

Here is a list of types of cancer and the possible rate classifications you may receive depending on which type you have survived from.

Preferred Best or Preferred: 

• Stage 1 Seminoma Testicular Cancer
• Thyroid Cancer (Papillary type)
• Skin Cancer (Melanoma type)
• Cervical Cancer
• Uterine Cancer
• Prostate Cancer

Standard or Substandard classifications:

• Colon Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Leukemia
• Lung Cancer
• Bladder Cancer
• Renal Cancer

Keep in mind that there is no absolute way to determine what rate class you will receive or even if you will be approved unless you apply. If you have a history of cancer in your families such as parents or siblings. We find that Lincoln National and Protective life do a very good job. Prudential, American General, Transamerica, and Banner Life are also excellent. But as I said, the proof is in the pudding and you have to formally apply to be sure of anything.

 

What Is Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance?

Guaranteed Issue life insurance is a type of policy also known as final expense life insurance. It is for people with serious pre-existing health conditions. Typically only a $25,000 for death benefit is available. But it can also be partially withheld if the policyholder dies within two years of purchasing the insurance. 

Each policy design has its different pros and cons that you have to take into consideration. There is no one perfect plan design that will work for everyone. Everyone’s situation is a little different for their need for life insurance. Purchasing life insurance for cancer patients or even that have active Cancer is a snap when applying for guaranteed issue products. The only problem is most people want more than the maximum limit of $25,000.

How to Get the Best Rates for Cancer Survivors

Even if you are a cancer patient in remission, life insurance can be affordable. You should be able to get coverage that you and your family need and won’t break the bank. There are several great ways that you can lower your monthly premiums.

Similar to being classified as overweight or obese. If you use tobacco products such as cigarettes, you could cause your rates to increase as over 300% or be declined. Regardless of your current health, using tobacco products will inflate your premiums. If you want to keep your cancer life insurance quotes as low as possible, stop smoking as soon as possible. 

The one sure-fire way is to concentrate on improving your health is by losing very important weight. This is could mean doing several different things to help. Being overweight or obese is going to be one of the fastest ways to pay more money for life insurance. Before you consider applying for life insurance. Exercise and eat a good careful diet and lose some weight if you are considered overweight. Many overweight people each year have had their life insurance applications flat out declined.

Applying for Life Insurance With Skin Cancer

Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinoma – Basal cell and Squamous cell carcinoma are by far the most common types of skin cancer. It is diagnosed in approximately 90% of skin cancer patients. These skin cancers grow very slowly and are easily removed which is a very important and positive factor.

If you’re in good health except for the Skin Cancer, you will be likely be approved for standard term life rates. The same will hold for universal life insurance also. Many times, the most financially secure life insurance companies will also have the best rates as well.

Skin Melanoma – This can normally be a more dangerous form of the skin cancer family. Melanoma cancers only appear in about 5-8% of all skin cancer cases diagnosed. But can, unfortunately, account for the most skin cancer deaths. However, if it is diagnosed and treated early enough, there is a good chance of a full recovery. The main issue with melanoma is that it can metastasize. It can spread to other locations in the human body, including the lymph nodes and many of the major organs.

If cancer has been completely removed employing surgery, and you have been Cancer free for one or two years. You may be approved for a term life insurance policy or one of the excellent permanent plan designs such as universal life. 

What If Your Skin Cancer Has Spread?

If the skin cancer has had time to spread and has been treated with either chemotherapy or radiation treatments. Then you may have to be Cancer free for as long as 10 years. You can be eligible for a life insurance policy in less time, but you will most likely have to pay a higher life insurance premium.

Many cases of skin cancer can be successfully treated and allow you to easily purchase coverage. Keep in mind that life insurance for cancer survivors is based on a case-by-case basis.  

 

Life Insurance for Breast Cancer Survivors 

If you are a breast cancer survivor, the life insurance companies will need to know whether you are in a full state of remission. The life insurance companies will ask you questions such as the date you were first diagnosed. The types of medical treatments you received, how regularly you’ve been re-tested.

Also how long you’ve been free of Cancer. The longer that you’ve been cancer-free, the better your chances of getting approved. Just remember, it does not cost a penny to apply for life insurance. The life insurance companies are the ones who pay for the complete application process.

Life Insurance for Prostate Cancer Survivors

This is another very common form of cancer in the US. The two main issues that a life insurance company will want to look at include your (PSA) levels. As well as your Gleason score too. The Gleason score determines how likely it is for cancer to spread. If the level is low, the likelihood of the cancer spreading is much less which is great news.

The most important issue life insurance companies will be looking at is how long you’ve been cancer-free. Especially since your most recent surgery or other medical treatment. If you’ve undergone regular testing and you are under the care of a doctor. If you also have a clean bill of health, you may be eligible for life insurance with very affordable rates.

Sometimes the Wisest Decision Is to Wait Before You Apply

Purchasing life insurance for actual Cancer patients will normally not be a simple task. Sometimes depending on your condition, all you can do is wait until you have completed your treatment and then apply for a policy. If you can remain Cancer free, you may be able to lower your life insurance rates over time.

However, your rate depends on the type of cancer you have, and how long you’ve been in remission. When shopping for the best life insurance for cancer patients. The most important thing you can do is provide the company with as much positive information as possible

What is a Good Strategy to Get the Best Rates?

Compare life insurance quotes from multiple companies that work well with cancer survivors. No two insurance companies are going to underwrite the same. Make sure you connect with an independent agent (such as us) who can shop the complete market for you. He can compare rates and options on your behalf, unlike a captive agent who only shows you one company.

Don’t apply until after all of your tests. Life insurance companies want to know that your health is stabilized. If your tests show that you are in complete remission. You can potentially qualify for lower life insurance rates. Give it some time. The longer you have been in remission, the more likely you will receive the best life insurance rates.

 

Where Can I Get the Best Cancer Life Insurance Quotes?

We highly recommend calling us for a free pre-screen so we can provide you with quotes that are going to be accurate based on your specific health history. 

You can get the best cancer life insurance quotes from us. We have been helping people with serious medical conditions buy life insurance for over 25 years. If you would like to see the top companies and their rates, please feel free to use our quoting system. In the drop-down menu under “health class”, make sure to use “standard”. We can give you a more accurate quote over the phone after we have asked you a few questions concerning your condition. If you want to get the most accurate rates possible before you apply. Call us and let us give you a quote after we have performed a 10-minute medical pre-screen.

Keep in mind that quoting life insurance for cancer is not easy without knowing all the facts. Also, all life insurance rates are regulated by law which means nobody can sell the same carrier’s specific plan design for more or less than another.  

Don’t Get Discouraged if You Have Been Declined!

The first and most important thing is to try not to be discouraged if you have this condition. I understand that this is easier said than done. If you’ve been denied coverage before you’ve gotten past the waiting period, apply again after the 10-year waiting period is over if possible. Also, I strongly recommend calling us for our opinion and we will pre-screen your condition and shop the market for you.

You may have previously applied with an inexperienced agent and possibly the wrong carrier to apply with in the first place. If you are a cancer survivor and have been in remission for several years. There is an excellent chance that you can find an affordable term policy with very good rates.

 

Should I Connect With An Independent Insurance Agent?

An independent insurance agent will always be able to provide you with the lowest possible rates. The independent agents are also known as Brokers. They represent many different insurance companies. They can choose the best life insurance companies for cancer survivors who wish to apply for life insurance coverage. We use over 40 life insurance providers to shop the market for the lowest rates.

Captive agents such as State Farm use only one company and they would not even be competitive. These captive agents work for carriers that specialize in homeowners and auto insurance. The independent agents have the advantage of life insurance companies that provide high risk life insurance for people that have serious medical conditions.

 

How Can I Apply for Life Insurance for Cancer Survivors?

Applying over the telephone is by far the best method to apply!

You actually have three ways to apply for life insurance. The first is the obsolete 20-page paper application which we don’t recommend due to the time consumption and writer cramp. The second is the online application which is fine but a number of people can run into software glitches or slow internet issues.

The best way to apply would be with a simple and quick telephone application. Modern telephone applications take about 15 minutes to complete. All you have to do is sit back and answer the questions and a representative from the telephone application department does all the work for you. We use the simple SnapApp system for all our applicants today and they really appreciate the process.

 

In Conclusion

Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have concerning life insurance for cancer survivors. We can find the lowest rates for our applicants because we specialize in high-risk life insurance and use over 40 companies. If you are shopping for affordable life insurance, we can help you and guarantee to find you the lowest rates. We are available 7 days a week to get you pointed in the right direction. Here is another good article on our website to read to help you understand what to expect.

All the best,
Jack Venturi
800-897-5699

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If you would like to schedule a time to get all your questions answered, you may do so with no cost or obligation.

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