Can you qualify for life insurance if you’ve been recently diagnosed with cancer?
If you’re currently in cancer treatment, you probably won’t qualify for term life insurance. However, there are options for life insurance for cancer patients and people with histories of cancer.
Whether you can get life insurance after a cancer diagnosis varies based on a few factors:
Date of diagnosis
Stage of diagnosis
Treatment history
Type of cancer
Insurance companies are typically able to offer coverage for people who have had select types of cancers, including non-melanoma skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
If you’ve had one of these types of lower-risk cancer and had it removed, you should disclose it to the insurance company, and they should be able to offer you coverage.
The more complex your cancer history, the harder it will be to qualify for coverage. A later-stage diagnosis, a recent diagnosis, or more rounds of treatment will likely raise your rates.
If you’ve had a cancer that was stage 0, stage I, or stage II and your treatment ended five or more years ago, your approval odds will be higher, and you'll likely qualify for a term policy.
If you have a history of stage III or stage IV cancer, insurers will likely want to see you’ve been in remission for up to 10 years before considering an offer for a traditional life insurance policy.
Person-First Note - Cancer
At Policygenius, we generally aim to use person-first language, which emphasizes the person rather than a disability or condition. For example, on this page we prefer using the term “people with a history of cancer” rather than “cancer survivor.” However, because some people prefer identity-first language, we do sometimes use these terms to ensure our content is both visible to them and acknowledges the way they identify. For example, though we would normally use the term “people with disabilities,” we know some people prefer “disabled people.” For more on person-first vs. identity-first language, see this style guide from the National Institutes of Health.
When can you qualify for life insurance following a cancer diagnosis?
Getting life insurance after cancer is possible, but many insurers won’t consider you for a term life insurance policy until you’re a few years out from your diagnosis or last treatment. Depending on your diagnosis, your current health status, and your treatment history, there are options available, though some are more expensive than others.
If you’ve been following your treatment plan and going to the doctor for regular follow-ups, it will help increase your chances of getting coverage. Most insurers will want to see you’ve been cancer-free for over five years before approving you for coverage, but every insurance company’s decision will vary depending on your situation.
The right coverage will depend heavily on your specific medical history, so it’s best to shop around and work with a licensed agent or broker to choose the right policy.
At Policygenius, we’ve got a team of experts who specialize in life insurance for people with various health considerations, including cancer. They’ll help you find the right options for your unique needs, so you can get covered with confidence.
What types of life insurance are available to cancer patients and survivors?
There are options available for life insurance for cancer patients. If you’re currently under treatment for cancer or if you had a cancer diagnosis within the last two to four years, you may be denied coverage under standard term or whole life insurance (a type of coverage that doesn’t expire).
However, a couple of coverage options are available to you:
People over age 45 can qualify for guaranteed issue life insurance. This is a type of whole life insurance geared toward paying final expenses that offers near-certain approval, but it’s costly.
If you’re under age 45, you may be able to get some coverage through a workplace group life insurance policy. This type of insurance rarely has medical requirements but offers limited coverage, and in most cases you’ll lose your group coverage if you leave the company.
What types of life insurance are available if you’ve had cancer in the past?
There are two main types of life insurance policies available to you if you've had cancer in the past: term life and whole life insurance.
Term life insurance is the most popular option for people looking to protect their income and provide their family with a financial safety net to cover any debts — including a mortgage or any other types of personal loans. It only lasts for a set term, comes with few rules and tax restrictions, and is more affordable than other coverage options, like whole life.
Life insurance for cancer survivors is typically easier to get approved for after you’ve been in remission for five years, especially if you had early stage cancer. After the five-year period, it’s possible to qualify for average rates provided you have no other major health concerns.
For stage III or stage IV cancer, insurance companies will typically wait up to 10 years before considering you for a term life or whole life policy. Since there are many variations of cancer and everyone’s health history is nuanced, it’s best to speak with a licensed agent about your specific situation to determine your best options.
How much does life insurance cost if you have a history of cancer?
How much you can expect to pay for life insurance will depend on the type of policy you may be eligible for. If you’ve had cancer in the past and been in remission for three to five years — depending on the type of cancer and your personal situation — term life insurance can be an option for you.
If you’re denied standard coverage due to an existing or recent cancer diagnosis, you still have the option of guaranteed issue life insurance. Below you’ll find estimated average rates for both options.
Term life insurance rates for people who have recovered from cancer
Age | Gender | $500,000 coverage amount |
|---|---|---|
30 | Female | $33.48 |
Male | $40.72 | |
40 | Female | $51.99 |
Male | $64.40 | |
50 | Female | $114.46 |
Male | $145.82 | |
60 | Female | $292.97 |
Male | $409.00 |
Methodology: Average monthly estimated rates are calculated for male and female applicants obtaining a $500,000, 20-year term life insurance policy using a Standard health rating. Average term life insurance rates are based on policies offered by Banner Life, Brighthouse Financial, Corebridge Financial, Foresters, Lincoln Financial, Mutual of Omaha, Pacific Life, Principal, Protective, Prudential, Symetra, and Transamerica as applicable to each age group. Not all policies are available in all states. Rate illustration valid as of 07/01/2023.
Guaranteed issue whole life insurance rates for people with a current or recent cancer diagnosis
Age | Gender | $15,000 coverage amount | $25,000 coverage amount |
|---|---|---|---|
50 | Female | $50.98 | $86.85 |
Male | $71.38 | $117.96 | |
60 | Female | $71.71 | $126.71 |
Male | $93.02 | $163.38 | |
70 | Female | $107.47 | $189.31 |
Male | $143.75 | $252.71 |
Methodology: Average monthly rates are calculated for male and female applicants obtaining a $15,000 or $25,000 guaranteed issue whole life insurance policy. Average whole life insurance rates are based on policies offered by Mutual of Omaha and Corebridge Financial. Not all policies are available in all states. Rate illustration valid as of 07/01/2023.
Does a past cancer diagnosis impact my premiums if I’m in remission now?
Yes, a past cancer diagnosis will impact your premiums because life insurance companies view cancer as a significant medical risk. Your entire health history is taken into account during the application process in addition to how much time has gone by since your diagnosis and treatment.
This will determine your health classification, which in turn will be used to set your premiums. Usually, the healthier you are, the better health classification you’ll be assigned by the insurer — and the lower your premiums will be.
There are options available for life insurance for cancer survivors, but certain cancer diagnoses can lead to better rates than others based on the assumed mortality risk of those cancers. For example, someone who’s had skin cancer will often pay less than someone who’s had lung or pancreatic cancer.
People who have been declared in remission and are a certain number of years past their final treatment will face fewer issues finding coverage.
When you apply, the life insurance company will review certain aspects of your cancer history, including the date of your diagnosis, the type and stage of cancer you had, any recurrences or complications you may have experienced, and the date of your last treatment.
Life insurance companies will ask if you or any immediate family members have had a history of cancer, but not every cancer diagnosis will have the same effect on your life insurance. Compare coverage with the help of an independent broker to identify which policy is the best fit for your entire personal profile.
→ Learn more about how to buy life insurance if you have a pre-existing condition
Does having a family history of cancer affect my life insurance rates?
Every insurance company treats a family history of cancer differently; some won’t consider it when setting your premiums, but others will.
Since many types of cancer can have a genetic link, most insurers will ask if any of your biological relatives have had cancer. If your answer is yes, you might be asked a few follow-up questions, including:
Who in your family had cancer
What their diagnosis was
When they were diagnosed
Whether they went into remission
While having a family member with cancer may affect your rates with one insurer, you may still qualify for the best available rates with another. It all will depend on your specific family history of cancer.
For example, some insurance companies might consider you a higher insurance risk if:
Your parents have had cancer
You are the same sex as a family member who had a sex-specific cancer, like testicular cancer
But some insurers might not see you as a higher insurance risk if:
Your family member survived a cancer diagnosis before age 60 or 65
Your family member was diagnosed with cancer above age 65
Further, if you are 65 or 70 years old, many insurers won’t consider family history as part of your application process at all.
Best life insurance companies of 2023 for people with a history of cancer
The best life insurance company for you will depend on your cancer history, recovery, and current health. Based on your profile, your coverage options may include standard term life, guaranteed-issue, and even no-medical-exam policies.
Below are some of the insurers who are typically good fits for people who have a history of cancer. However, it’s important to speak with a licensed agent about your specific situation.
Best overall for people who have a history of cancer: Symetra
Most affordable for people with a history of cancer: Protective
Best for people who have had prostate cancer: Protective
Best for people who have had breast cancer: Lincoln Financial
Best guaranteed issue life insurance for people with a recent history of cancer: Mutual of Omaha
Best for people with a family history of cancer: Lincoln Financial
Best no-medical-exam insurance for people with a family history of cancer: Brighthouse Financial
How we chose the best life insurance companies of 2023 for people with a history of cancer
We don't get paid for our company reviews and use an extensive rubric of criteria covering policy details, price, financial confidence, third-party ratings, and customer experience to assign unbiased ratings out of five stars. Any recommendations we make are based on internal and external expert opinions and data from our Policygenius Price Index, which uses real-time rate data from leading life insurance companies to determine pricing trends.
Our ratings and reviews can help point you to an insurer you can rely on for your family’s financial protection, but the best life insurance company for you is dependent on multiple factors. A licensed agent at Policygenius can work with you through the application process so you’re getting coverage from the best insurer for your circumstances at the most competitive price.
Best overall life insurance for people who have a history of cancer
2023 Policygenius award winner
Symetra
4.3
Why we chose it
Symetra offers high coverage amounts, the option to reconsider rates after a year, and term life policies for people with a history of health conditions like cancer.
Pros and cons
Pros
High coverage amounts based on income
Best choice for people with a history of cancer
Good term life option for people over 70
Cons
Term rates are average for the industry, and many people will find their best rates elsewhere
Not available in some states, including CA, FL, DC, DE, ND, and SD
Symetra offers comparatively low rates to people who have had early-stage breast, cervical, colon, prostate, skin, testicular, or thyroid cancer. To be eligible for rates usually reserved for people with minor health conditions (which means getting some of the best possible premiums), you cannot have had any recurrences.
Most affordable life insurance for people with a history of cancer
Protective
4.8
30+ year terms
Why we chose it
Protective has some of the most affordable and comprehensive life insurance options available.
Pros and cons
Pros
Competitive rates for all ages and health classifications
Good for people with mental health conditions, kidney conditions, and some cancers, including prostate cancer
Term lengths up to 40 years
Cons
Not available in New York
Not great for people who have had bankruptcy, marijuana users, or visa holders
No no-medical-exam policy options
Compared to the industry average, Protective has very competitive rates for healthy people — including people who have had certain types of cancer with low mortality rates and those whose cancer has been in remission for at least five years.
Though costs increase as you age, the price of a Protective term life insurance policy remains lower than most other life insurance companies on the market.
Best life insurance for people who have had prostate cancer
Protective
Why we chose it
Many people who have had prostate cancer will not be able to get coverage from any insurance company until they have been in remission for at least three years.
Protective may consider you for approval if you’ve been cancer-free for one to three years — although you may pay higher-than-average premiums. And if you’ve been in remission for prostate cancer for over five years, Protective can offer some of the lowest rates across the board.
Best life insurance for people who have had breast cancer
2023 Policygenius award winner
Lincoln Financial
4.8
No-medical-exam option
Why we chose it
Lincoln Financial offers a diverse array of life insurance policies, including competitive no-med and high-net-worth options.
Pros and cons
Pros
Affordable rates
Good for many existing health conditions, including depression, stroke, and heart conditions
Good for marijuana users, including daily users
Cons
Term life not available in New York
For the most part, Lincoln will offer you a wider array of policies if you've had stage 0 or stage I cancer, and have been in remission for a few years — usually five. Lincoln is also a favorable option if you've had later-stage breast cancer. You’ll just need to wait a few more years — between five and 10, depending on the stage — to have the best approval odds.
Best guaranteed issue whole life insurance for people with a recent history of cancer
Mutual of Omaha
4.5
No-medical-exam option
Why we chose it
Mutual of Omaha is a reputable company that offers a variety of life insurance products — including a no-medical-exam option — so that you can select the type of life insurance that best suits your needs.
Pros and cons
Pros
No-medical-exam options for older applicants
Strong financial and customer ratings
Cons
Policies are more expensive than average
Slow turnaround time
Mutual of Omaha offers a variety of final expense life insurance options for people age 45 and up. While it offers a wide array of coverage options, the company’s guaranteed issue life insurance — which is aimed at covering final expenses and doesn’t require a medical exam for approval — is more affordable than similar policies from other insurers. You can qualify for this product even with a recent history of cancer.
Best life insurance for people with a family history of cancer
Lincoln Financial
Why we chose it
While many insurance companies aren’t able to offer their best rates to people with a family history of cancer, Lincoln Financial does not factor family cancer history into your rate when they review your application.
Someone who’s otherwise healthy but has a parent or sibling with a history of cancer will be eligible to get best rates with Lincoln.
Best no-medical-exam life insurance for people with a family history of cancer
2023 Policygenius award winner
Brighthouse Financial
5.0
No-medical-exam option
Why we chose it
Brighthouse Financial offers competitive rates, comprehensive coverage, and application decisions in as little as 24 hours, making it a great choice for people who want to get life insurance coverage without having to take the medical exam.
Pros and cons
Pros
Extremely affordable
Instant-decision applications
Best-in-class no-exam option
Cons
Traditional term life not available in CA, IL, LA, ME, or NY
Term life applicants limited to ages 25-50
Other insurance companies may increase rates for people with cancer in their family history, but Brighthouse can offer you some of the best rates without requiring a medical exam even if you have a parent or sibling who has been diagnosed with cancer.
What do life insurance companies consider when you’re applying with a history of cancer?
Life insurance companies take a holistic look at your health while reviewing your application for coverage. When it comes to your cancer history, they will ask about your specific diagnosis, your treatment type and duration, and any recurrences.
Following up on the treatment plan prescribed by your physician plays an important role in your application decision, too. Even if you had an early-stage cancer, if you’re inconsistent about visiting your doctor for checkups for years to come, this could affect your premiums and even whether your application is approved. Making sure to stick to your follow-up plan as advised by your doctor will improve your chances of a favorable rate.
What happens if your cancer recurs?
If your cancer returns while you have an active policy, your policy will still remain in force as long as you pay the premiums, or until the term ends. The insurance company can’t make any changes to an active policy.
If you apply for a new policy while having cancer, your options will likely be limited to policies aimed at covering final expenses that don’t require any medical prerequisites for approval, like guaranteed issue whole life insurance.
It will also likely become more difficult for you to get approved for term life insurance in the future if you have multiple recurrences of cancer in your health history. This is because insurance companies view recurrences as increased medical risk.
Can your life insurance policy be canceled?
As long as you pay the premiums, your life insurance policy can’t be canceled. However, if you committed insurance fraud or lied on the application, the insurer reserves the right to cancel your policy or withhold the death benefit.
What to do before you apply
Determine how much life insurance you want to purchase. It’s important to think of your financial obligations and who is dependent on your income. The amount of coverage you need will help determine what kind of life insurance is best for you.
Compare quotes from multiple insurers. Some insurance companies have more flexible guidelines around cancer than others, so shopping around will ensure you’re getting the cheapest rate.
Talk to a licensed life insurance agent about the details of your specific health history. Everyone’s health is different, especially when it comes to cancer history and treatment details. A licensed agent will be able to provide a personalized recommendation.
At Policygenius, we’ve got a team of experts who specialize in life insurance for people with various health considerations, including cancer. They’ll help you find the most affordable policy for your personal situation so you can get covered with confidence.
Other health concerns that can affect your life insurance
Certain pre-existing conditions and other health-related concerns can affect your life insurance options or costs. A Policygenius expert can help you find the right policy for your needs.
Mental health issues such as depression or anxiety
Frequently asked questions
Can I get life insurance if I had cancer?
Yes, insurers offer coverage to people who have had cancer. Your coverage will depend on the type of cancer you had, how long you’ve been in remission, and your treatment plan. Alternative life insurance policies that cover final expenses and don’t have medical prerequisites, such as guaranteed-issue, are also available, but usually cost more.
Does life insurance test for cancer?
No, insurers do not test for cancer. But because insurers look at your previous medical records, they will be aware of any cancer diagnoses you’ve had in the past. You should disclose a cancer diagnosis and your treatment plan when you apply for life insurance.
What life insurance options do I have if I ’m denied coverage for cancer?
If you’re denied coverage due to an existing cancer diagnosis, you still have life insurance options. Guaranteed issue life insurance is one of them. This is a type of policy that covers final expenses and doesn’t have medical prerequisites for approval. Another option is group life insurance. Many companies offer this type of policy to their employees. Coverage amounts are usually low, and most employees will lose coverage if they leave the company, but medical conditions are not considered for approval.
