Applicants in most cases can apply and be successfully approved with very affordable rates
Purchasing life insurance for cancer patients and survivors can be a little more complicated. But can usually be done with excellent results in the number of approvals and lower premiums. How to get life insurance with or after cancer is always a common question we hear. Purchasing life insurance for cancer patients is usually a simple process. Especially if you have been free of the disease for 10 years or more.
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. The most accurate way to see if you qualify for coverage and at what cost. Is contact an experienced independent life insurance agent and have him run a medical pre-screen.
A quick medical pre-screen can make all the difference in finding the best rates
All life insurance companies have a Cancer related medical questionnaire which only takes about five minutes to complete. Then your agent can run a simple medical pre-screen and then start contacting the most applicable life insurance companies.
At this time, he or she will be able to find out what company with offer you the best rates. I have seen many cases where a current patient was able to purchase a life insurance policy at an affordable premium. It is going to depend heavily on what form of this disease do you have and what was the stage it was in when first diagnosed.
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, there are 66,000 cancer survivors that are age 14 and under and 48,000 in the age category of 15 to 19. These are great statistics which help male purchasing life insurance for Cancer survivors much easier.
Comparing multiple life insurance companies is the best way to get approved and receive the lowest premium
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 application process. There were over 1000,000 cases of cancer reported in the year 2018 and more to be expected in 2019. 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 cancer life insurance.
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 for patients and survivors with affordable rates is much easier than in the past. Hopefully there will be a cure for this disease one day.
Important concerns when pre-screening Cancer would include what are the size of any cancerous tumors
Here are some important questions the carriers will ask. What was the grade and stage of the cancer when first discovered? Also did the cancer cell reach the lymph nodes? If your treatments have ended, when was the last day of treatment. The insurance carriers will also need to know if you ever had a cancer recurrence. Also, what medication did you take and are you still required to continue taking it. Getting approved for affordable life insurance for patients and survivors is becoming thankfully very common. Using the correct life insurance company is the most important factor to remember.
Common Types of Life Insurance Coverage
Term Life Insurance
Low cost term life insurance covers a specific period of time before it terminates on the anniversary of the policy. It can vary from 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 year intervals of time. Once these time periods have occurred, the policy is no longer active. Due to the limited time periods on these types of policies, they are the least expensive life insurance options. At the end of each time period, the policy can be renewed but it is usually too expensive. Since you do not know what the future has in store. It is a good idea to apply for the longest term period if at all possible. Term life insurance has the best rates of all plan designs.
Universal Life Insurance
The premium remains the same for the lifetime of the policy, as long as payments are made. Universal life insurance has taken over as the go to 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 is a product you should definitely consider when shopping for life insurance.
Whole Life Insurance
Whole life insurance is very similar to universal life only in the way it is a permanent plan design. The owner of the policy cannot change the amount of the premiums to change the amount of coverage. There is also a cash value attached to whole life based on an interest rate. You can actually borrow money on a whole life policy. If you do borrow money, the amount obtained after the insured’s death will decrease. Whole life is much more expensive than term life insurance and is not cost effective at all. Whole life is still used for small final expenses policies otherwise know as burial insurance. These policies are mainly purchased by senior citizens.
Life insurance for Cancer survivors
People who are now considered cancer free or declared in 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
What life insurance companies are the best for Cancer survivors?
Trying to determine what life insurance companies are the best for Cancer survivors and patients in remission is very difficult. Many things have to be taken into consideration before you can start naming a list of the best carriers. Your complete health history has to be reviewed. This will enable you to choose the best life insurance companies with the lowest rates. The various forms of this disease will make a big difference on what health classification you will be assigned if you are approved. Here is a list of the types of cancer that would possibly enable the best ratings on down.
(Possible) Super Preferred or Preferred health classes:
- Stage 1 Seminoma Testicle Cancer
- Thyroid Cancer (Papillary type)
- Skin Cancer (Melanoma type)
- Cervical Cancer
- Uterine Cancer
- Prostrate Cancer
(Possible) Standard or Sub-Standard 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 actually submit an application. If you have a history of cancer in your family such as parents or siblings. We find that Lincoln National and Protective life do a very good job. Prudential, Transamerica and Banner Life are also very good. But as I said, the proof is in the pudding and you have to formally apply to be sure of anything.
Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance
Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance is usually a last resort type policy. 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 to three years of purchasing the insurance. This type of life insurance is in the high risk life insurance category.
Each policy design has it’s different pros and cons that you have to take in consideration. There is no one perfect plan design that will work for everyone. Everyones situation is a little different for their need for life insurance. Purchasing life insurance for cancer patients is a snap when applying for guaranteed issue products. The only problem is most people want more than the maximum limit of $25,000.
Getting the very best rates possible for Cancer patients and survivors
Even if you are a cancer patient in remission, life insurance is usually very affordable. You should be able to get affordable 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. Being categorized as a smoker is going to cause your rates to go through the roof as much as over 300%. Regardless of your current health, using tobacco products will inflate your premiums. Smoking cigarettes is the worst form of tobacco and will immediately cause your rates to become very expensive. If you want to keep your rates as low as possible, stop smoking as soon as possible. Your overall health and your wallet will thank you for it.
One sure fire way is to concentrate on improving your health is loosing 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 declined.
Here are some specific forms of Cancer and how they are normally viewed by the life insurance companies
These forms of cancer each have their own specific medical underwriting factors which a life insurance carrier will review. Purchasing life insurance for Cancer patients is a much easier process that it was years ago. But remember, high risk life insurance for Cancer survivors can still be very affordable if you use an experienced agent.
Skin Cancer: Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinoma types
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 cancer, you will be likely be approved for standard term life rates. The same will hold true for universal life insurance also. Many times the best life insurance companies usually have the best life insurance 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 totally 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 the cancer has been completely removed by means of 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. You can also receive some of the best life insurance rates with no medical exam.
If the skin Cancer has spread
If the skin cancer has had time to spread and has been treated with either chemotherapy or radiation treatments. Then it is possible 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. This is synonymous for acquiring life insurance for current cancer patients also.
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. It does not cost a penny to apply for life insurance products. The life insurance companies are the ones who pay for the complete application process.
Prostate Cancer
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 the 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 thing to do, is just wait it out
Purchasing life insurance for cancer patients will normally not be a simple task. 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 a period of 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
Good strategy to get lower life insurance rates for Cancer patients
Have your agent request term life Insurance quotes from different companies. No two insurance companies are going to underwrite the same. Make sure you connect with an independent agent who can shop the complete market for you. He can compare rates and options on your behalf unlike a captive agent who only show 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. It can definitely pay to wait before you submit an application.
Important information to know about life insurance for Cancer patients
The first and most important thing is to try not be discouraged if you have this disease. 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 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 preferred rates.
In conclusion
Contact us with any questions you may have. We can perform a pre-screen and take the mystery out of shopping for life insurance for cancer patients and 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 for cancer patients, don’t hesitate to call us today.
*If you would like to schedule a specific time to get all your questions answered, set up a telephone conversation with no obligation.
All the best,
Jack Venturi
Cancer related technical information thanks to our friends at: WebMD, American Cancer Society, Cancer Treatment Centers of America
