Life Insurance After Breast Cancer: A Guide for Survivors

Can Breast Cancer Survivors Get Term Life Insurance?

Yes! Breast cancer survivors can qualify for term life insurance. However, eligibility and cost depend on factors like cancer stage, treatment received, and overall health.

As a high-risk condition, breast cancer requires specialized life insurance underwriting. We work with top-rated insurers to help cancer survivors find the best coverage options.

Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death among women. Given its prevalence, many survivors worry about their ability to secure life insurance.

The good news? Many life insurers offer policies to breast cancer survivors based on key underwriting factors:

• Type of breast cancer (DCIS, invasive, HER2 status, etc.)
• Stage of cancer at diagnosis
• Treatment received (surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, chemotherapy)
• Time since completing treatment
• Other medical conditions (e.g., thyroid, kidney, heart, etc.)

Our quick quote process helps us shop multiple insurers to find the best rates for your specific medical history. This way, you get upfront estimates before submitting an application.

After completing treatment, most life insurers impose a waiting period before offering coverage. Following this, policies may include a flat extra expense – an additional expense of $600-$1,000 per every $100,000 of coverage, lasting 3-5 years.

For most survivors, the best rates available are typically a standard or standard plus rate. However, every case is different, and we can help determine the best possible offer based on your specific history.

The cancer stage is the starting point for life insurance companies. 

Stage zero (the earliest form) is called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

• Eligible for coverage 3-6 months after treatment.
• Rates range from standard to standard plus.
• The pathology report details are crucial for underwriting, including
  • Type of DCIS (DCIS, DCIS with micro invasion, invasive DCIS)
  • DCIS Grade (low/grade 1, moderate/grade 2, high/grade 3)
  • Hormone Receptor Status (ER-positive, ER-negative)
• Treatment Received (lumpectomy, radiation, mastectomy, hormone therapy)

Success Story: A 49-year-old client diagnosed with DCIS received a non-smoker plus rate from Prudential after a lumpectomy with radiation. Her only other history was medication for generalized anxiety, which was not a factor in the final rate received.

• Stage 1a and 1b are usually insurable 3-6 months after treatment.
• Best underwriting factors include:
  • Low-grade tumors
  • ER-Positive status
  • No lymph node involvement
  • Age 40+ at diagnosis
  • Tumor size of 10mm or less

Standard rates are possible for ER-positive cases. A temporary flat extra expense ($500-$750 per $100,000) may apply for 3-5 years.

Here are some sample rates for your review:

The underwriting rules for stage 1c cancer follow the same rules as stage 2 cancers.

• Requires a 5-10 year waiting period after treatment.
• Stage 2a: It requires a 5-year waiting period, followed by standard rates, a table rating (50% surcharge), and a flat extra ($1,000-$1,500 per $100,000).
• Stage 2b: Requires a 5-10 year waiting period with a longer flat extra period and higher premiums.

• Life insurance is on a case-by-case basis.
• 10-15-year waiting period before insurers consider coverage.
• A 50-100% table rating expense will be added to the policy.
• A flat extra expense of $1500-$2000 per $100,000 will be added for 5 years.

• Traditional life insurance is not available
• Guaranteed issue policies are available for ages 45 or older
• Coverage amounts are limited to $25,000.
• Survivorship policies are available

Life insurance underwriters need specific details about your breast cancer history, including:

1. What type of breast cancer did you have?
2. When were you diagnosed?
3. What kind of treatment did you receive?
4. When did you start and finish all therapy?
5. Stage of breast cancer?
6. What is the grade of the cancer cells?
7. What was the size of the tumor?
8. Were surgical margins positive, negative, or close?
9. Were any lymph nodes positive for cancer?
10. If yes, how many and where were they located?
11. Were breast cells hormone receptor-positive or negative?
12. Did you have genetic testing? (BRCA)
13. If yes, what test and what were the results?
14. Have you had any cancer recurrences?
15. Do you take any medications? If yes, what do you take?
16. Is there any family history of breast cancer?
17. Other medical history – What were you diagnosed with?

We need to know about any completed genetic testing that could help your life insurance underwriting.

If you don’t have all the answers, don’t worry—we’ll help you navigate the process.

Have you been denied life insurance due to breast cancer? Some of the common misconceptions about life insurance for survivors include:

• If one company declines me, they all will – FALSE
• Ratings will be the same with each company – FALSE
• The waiting period is the same with all life insurers – FALSE
• My agent told me the offer I received was the best – Maybe

Of the 100+ life insurers in America, less than 10 of these companies specialize in life insurance for breast cancer survivors.

You have questions about life insurance after breast cancer, and we have the answers.

Breast cancer is a complicated underwriting concern. Based on your breast cancer history, we understand how to get you the most competitive rates available.

With our service, you get the information you need to make an informed decision about life insurance, and there is never any pressure or obligation.

Please take a few minutes to request your quote today.