Life Insurance for Cancer Survivors
Over 100 Carriers to Quote From. Here are a few of them!
Being a cancer survivor is a testament to your strength—but when it comes to buying life insurance, many people worry their medical history will prevent them from qualifying. The truth is, life insurance for cancer patients is available, but your options depend heavily on the type of cancer, time since remission, and overall health profile. At Diversified Insurance Brokers, we specialize in high-risk underwriting and help cancer survivors secure affordable life insurance tailored to their needs.
Get a High-Risk Life Insurance Quote
If you are a cancer survivor, go to the “Cancer General” category, or select your specific type of cancer, on our High-Risk Life Insurance page and submit your information securely.
What Life Insurance Companies Look For
Underwriters evaluate cancer history very carefully, but approvals are possible depending on:
- Type of Cancer: Some cancers (e.g., skin cancer) are viewed more favorably than others (e.g., lung or pancreatic).
- Stage and Grade: Early-stage, localized cancers are easier to approve than advanced or metastatic cases.
- Time Since Treatment: Most carriers require 2–5 years in remission before offering standard or near-standard rates.
- Treatment History: Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are reviewed, along with follow-up results.
- Recurrence Risk: Longer periods cancer-free improve underwriting outcomes.
Estimate Your Life Insurance Premiums
Use our life insurance calculator to compare quotes from top-rated carriers, including options for cancer survivors.
Life Insurance Quoter
Types of Policies Available for Cancer Patients
- Term Life Insurance: Available for many survivors after a waiting period, often with Standard or Table-rated pricing.
- Whole or Universal Life: Permanent coverage may be available, depending on cancer type and remission period.
- Simplified Issue / Guaranteed Issue: No-exam policies available for those who do not yet qualify for traditional underwriting.
- Burial & Final Expense Coverage: Designed to cover funeral costs, with lenient underwriting and smaller death benefits.
Comparison: Standard vs Cancer Survivor Underwriting
| Factor | Standard Applicant | Cancer Survivor |
|---|---|---|
| Health Class | Preferred / Standard | Standard, Table-rated, or GI depending on cancer type |
| Time to Approval | 4–6 weeks | Varies; may require additional medical records |
| Premiums | Lowest available | Higher, but improve with longer remission |
| Policy Options | Full range | Term, permanent, simplified, or guaranteed |
Case Example
A 50-year-old breast cancer survivor in remission for 7 years applied for $250,000 of 20-year term life. Her first application was rated Table 4. We placed her with a carrier that specializes in post-cancer underwriting, and she was approved at Standard Non-Smoker—cutting her premium nearly in half. The difference came from matching her profile with the right carrier.
Tips on Life Insurance for Cancer Patients
- ✅ Gather your pathology reports, treatment summaries, and remission documentation before applying
- ✅ Apply with an independent broker who knows which carriers are most favorable
- ✅ Be prepared for higher rates initially, but know they improve as more cancer-free years pass
- ✅ If declined, consider guaranteed issue policies as a temporary solution
Why Work With Diversified Insurance Brokers?
Since 1980, Diversified Insurance Brokers has helped clients with medical histories—including cancer survivors—secure affordable life insurance. With access to 75+ carriers, we know which insurers are most favorable toward different cancer types and remission timelines. Learn more about our high-risk life insurance services or explore burial insurance for guaranteed coverage options.
FAQs: Life Insurance for Cancer Patients
Can I get life insurance if I am a cancer survivor?
Yes—you often can, depending on factors like your cancer type, how long you’ve been in remission, and your overall health. Insurers will review treatment history and recent medical results before making a decision.
What do insurers look for in cancer history?
They evaluate the type of cancer (how aggressive), the stage and grade, how you were treated, how long it’s been since treatment ended, whether there’s been recurrence, and follow-up medical and pathology reports.
How long do I need to be in remission?
Waiting periods vary—many carriers prefer 2-5 years in remission before offering more favorable or standard rates, especially for early-stage cancers. More recent or aggressive cases may have longer underwriting restrictions or limited options.
What types of policies are available to cancer survivors?
Options might include term life, whole or universal life, simplified-issue or guaranteed-issue policies, and final expense or burial coverage. The best option depends on your cancer history, how long since treatment, and what level of risk underwriting you can meet.
What kind of rates or classifications can I expect?
Expect higher premiums than a standard applicant, especially early after treatment. But as more years pass cancer-free, rates often improve. Standard, table rates, or guaranteed-issue options are possibilities depending on your profile.
How can I improve my chances of better offers?
Gather as much medical documentation as possible (pathology reports, treatment summaries, remission proof), follow recommended follow-ups, maintain good health, avoid tobacco, work with brokers who specialize in high-risk underwriting, and allow time to pass cancer-free to strengthen your application.
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