Best Life Insurance for Cancer Patients & Survivors in 2026

Legal & General, Mutual of Omaha, Nationwide and Pacific Life offer some of the best life insurance for cancer patients and survivors in 2026.

Find out if you're overpaying for life insurance below.

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Best Life Insurance for Cancer Patients & Survivors in 2026

Written by Mark Fitzpatrick

Updated: December 31, 2025

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

Key Takeaways

Legal & General earns the highest overall MoneyGeek score, making it the top life insurance company for cancer patients and survivors. Nationwide ranks first for customer experience.

Mutual of Omaha offers the best guaranteed acceptance life insurance for cancer patients and survivors. For no-exam term life insurance, Pacific Life is the top choice.

Expect higher life insurance premiums after cancer, with costs varying by cancer type, stage at diagnosis, treatment response and years since remission started.

Best Life Insurance Companies for Cancer Patients and Survivors

Legal & General is the best overall life insurance company for cancer patients and survivors, but the right choice depends on your needs and situation. Some companies offer more personalized features. Rates also vary because insurers calculate premiums differently. Below are the top life insurance providers based on product offerings and support features.


Overall	Legal & General	4.9	$46 (women) $55 (men)	$552 (women) $657 (men)
Guaranteed Acceptance	Mutual of Omaha	4.7	$30 (women) $40 (men)	$365 (women) $482 (men)
Customer Experience	Nationwide	4.6	$54 (women) $68 (men)	$653 (women) $819 (men)
No-Exam (Term)	Pacific Life	4.5	$39 (women) $47 (men)	$464 (women) $566 (men)

Rates are based on average quotes for our base profiles. Actual life insurance costs depend on your profile, lifestyle, health rating, and coverage amount. Individual results may vary for cancer patients and survivors.

This analysis is for educational purposes only and doesn’t constitute medical or insurance advice.

Best Overall: Legal & General

Legal & General

MoneyGeek Rating

4.9/ 5

5/5Affordability

4.7/5Customer Experience

4.7/5Coverage Points

Average Monthly Cost
$46 (women); $55 (men)
Average Annual Cost
$552 (women); $657 (men)

pros
- Preferred plus rating available for skin cancer patients and survivors (basal cell carcinoma and superficial squamous cell carcinoma)
- Preferred plus rating possible for people with a family history of cancer not due to a hereditary cancer syndrome
- Standard plus rating possible for people with a personal history of cancer (depending on type and treatment)
cons
- Only term quotes available online
- Stricter medical exam requirements
- Bladder, breast, prostate and thyroid cancer survivors may pay extra
- Current cancer patients and those diagnosed within the last 9 years not eligible for renewable and convertible term policies
Legal & General is the best life insurance company for cancer patients and survivors, balancing affordability, customer experience and coverage options.

You can pick between term or universal life insurance. The type of cancer and date of onset determine your rating with Legal & General. Family history of cancer won't disqualify cancer survivors unless it involves hereditary cancer.

Without a finding of hereditary cancer, you can get a quote online using the LGA QuickQuote tool for term life insurance. Quotes for universal life insurance must go through the company. Legal & General offers flexibility for some pre-existing conditions, including anxiety, depression, asthma, mitral valve prolapse, osteoporosis and non-melanoma skin cancers.

You can use the company's website to learn about its life products and file a life insurance claim.

Average monthly life insurance rates for 40-year-olds with $500,000 20-year policy are $46 (women) and $55 (men). Costs vary by age, term length and coverage level.

Data filtered by:


$100,000	$16	$188
$250,000	$25	$305
$500,000	$46	$552
$750,000	$65	$787
$1,000,000	$87	$1,045
$1,500,000	$124	$1,491
$2,000,000	$162	$1,949
$2,500,000	$202	$2,424
$3,000,000	$241	$2,900

- A.M. Best rating: A
- NAIC complaint index: 0.35
- J.D. Power score: N/A
- Customer sentiment: 85% positive, 15% negative
- Max coverage: $10 million
- Medical exam required: Yes
- Ages supported: 20 to 75
- Riders and options: Accelerated death benefit rider, child rider, stacking rider, guaranteed insurability rider, conversion options to age 70
- Policies offered: Term, Universal

Best Guaranteed Acceptance: Mutual of Omaha

Mutual of Omaha

MoneyGeek Rating

4.7/ 5

4.9/5Affordability

4.5/5Customer Experience

4.8/5Coverage Points

Average Monthly Cost
$30 (women); $40 (men)
Average Annual Cost
$365 (women); $482 (men)

pros
- Guaranteed acceptance coverage for ages 45 to 85
- Simplified issue options with basic health questions
- Preferred rates possible after more than five years cancer-free
- Strong industry reputation and customer service
cons
- Cancer history disqualifies accelerated underwriting
- Guaranteed acceptance only for ages 45+
- Higher premiums for guaranteed issue products
- Universal life quotes not available online
Mutual of Omaha offers the best guaranteed acceptance life insurance for cancer patients and survivors, earning the highest rating for this type of policy.

The company offers individual consideration to applicants after cancer treatment, especially those in remission for up to five years. Depending on other health conditions, applicants in remission for more than five years may qualify for preferred ratings.

Applicants ages 45 to 85 can apply for up to $25,000 in guaranteed acceptance whole life insurance with no medical exams or health questions. The same age group can get lower rates by answering a few health questions on the simplified issue whole life application.
On average, 50-year-olds pay $30 (women) or $40 (men) per month for a $10,000 guaranteed acceptance policy from Mutual of Omaha. Average costs vary by coverage level and age.
Data filtered by:
Age
Select
Gender
Female
$5,000 $20 $242
$10,000 $30 $365
$15,000 $61 $727
$20,000 $81 $969
$25,000 $101 $1,211
- A.M. Best rating: A+
- NAIC complaint index: 0.51
- J.D Power score: 659 (sixth)
- Customer sentiment: 74.07% positive, 25.93% negative
- Minimum coverage: $2,000
- Maximum coverage: $25,000
- Ages covered: 45 to 85
- Cash value: Yes
- Policies offered: Guaranteed Acceptance, Term, Whole, Universal


$5,000	$20	$242
$10,000	$30	$365
$15,000	$61	$727
$20,000	$81	$969
$25,000	$101	$1,211

Best Customer Experience: Nationwide

Nationwide

MoneyGeek Rating

4.6/ 5

4.6/5Affordability

4.9/5Customer Experience

4.3/5Coverage Points

Average Monthly Cost
$54 (women); $68 (men)
Average Annual Cost
$653 (women); $819 (men)

pros
- Some skin cancer survivors can access a preferred plus rating
- Standard rating eligibility for other cancer types
- Family cancer history doesn't mean automatic denial
- Affordable life insurance premiums for cancer survivors with a good prognosis
- No medical exam life insurance options available
- Strong financial stability (A+ AM Best rating)
cons
- Only term quotes available online
- Individual consideration for most cancer diagnoses
- Cancer survivors aren't eligible for Intelligent Underwriting
- Additional medical exams required for recent diagnoses
Nationwide is our top pick for customer experience. Applicants who completed cancer treatment without chemotherapy or radiation over 10 years ago may qualify for the standard plus rating. This rating also allows for one immediate family member who died before age 60 from cancer or cardiovascular disease.

Skin cancer survivors may be eligible for preferred plus rates, while those with other cancer diagnoses can qualify for standard rates. When applying for life insurance as a breast cancer survivor, expect to provide the grade or staging, treatment protocol, age at onset, time since diagnosis and other details for coverage. The provider will request the same information for prostate cancer and other internal cancer survivors.

The average cost of a 20-year term policy with $500,000 coverage is $54 per month for women and $68 per month for men. Rates increase by age and coverage level.

Data filtered by:


$100,000	$21	$257
$250,000	$34	$408
$500,000	$54	$653
$750,000	$79	$945
$1,000,000	$102	$1,225
$1,500,000	$150	$1,808
$2,000,000	$198	$2,379
$2,500,000	$246	$2,957
$3,000,000	$294	$3,534

- A.M. Best rating: A+
- NAIC complaint index: N/A
- J.D. Power score: 666 (fifth)
- Customer sentiment: 77% positive, 23% negative
- Max coverage: $10 million+ or $1.5 million without medical exam
- Medical exam required: No
- Ages supported: 18 to 55
- Riders and options: Accelerated death benefit, child term rider, waiver of premium, accidental death benefit, return of premium, multi-product bundling
- Policies offered: Term, Whole, Universal, Variable Universal, Indexed Universal

Best No-Exam Term: Pacific Life

Pacific Life

MoneyGeek Rating

4.5/ 5

4.4/5Affordability

4.5/5Customer Experience

4.7/5Coverage Points

Average Monthly Cost
$39 (women); $47 (men)
Average Annual Cost
$464 (women); $566 (men)

pros
- No-exam underwriting available up to $3M for ages 18 to 60 (applicants who qualify at Standard or better risk classes)
- Non-melanoma skin cancers (basal/squamous) may still get favorable classes
- Accelerated Death Benefit rider for terminal illness included at no added charge until used
- Strong financial strength (A.M. Best A+ rating)
cons
- Recent treatment or complex histories go to modified or full underwriting
- Availability, coverage limits and rider options vary by state and product
- Some cases need additional medical records or exams
Pacific Life offers the best no-exam term life insurance for cancer patients and survivors. The company reviews each applicant's cancer history individually. Internal broker guidelines show that basal or squamous cell skin cancer patients may qualify for preferred classes.

Non-skin cancer survivors usually get Standard ratings at best. Your rating depends on cancer type, stage, treatment and how long you've been in remission. Chemotherapy or radiation within the past year means you'll get extra review.

Pacific Life's PAL+ no-exam pathway processes eligible applications without invasive requirements. Other applications go to modified or traditional underwriting, which often needs exams and physician statements. The PL Promise Term policy includes an accelerated death benefit rider for terminal illness at no extra cost.

A 40-year-old woman pays $39 monthly for a $500,000, 20-year no-exam term policy. A 40-year-old man pays $47 monthly. Compare rates by age, coverage level and term length below.

Data filtered by:


$100,000	$14	$168
$250,000	$22	$257
$500,000	$39	$464
$750,000	$56	$671
$1,000,000	$74	$879
$1,500,000	$109	$1,293
$2,000,000	$144	$1,708
$2,500,000	$178	$2,123
$3,000,000	$213	$2,537

- A.M. Best rating: A
- NAIC complaint index: 0.08
- J.D. Power score: 657 (seventh)
- Customer sentiment: 72% positive, 28% negative
- Max coverage: $10 million+ or $3 million without medical exam
- Medical exam required: No
- Ages supported: 18 to 75
- Riders and options: Accelerated death benefit, child term rider, waiver of premium, accidental death benefit, guaranteed insurability, conversion options
- Policies offered: Term, Whole, Universal, Variable Universal, Indexed Universal

Life Insurance for People with Cancer: Buying Guide

Cancer survival rates continue to improve, with the five-year survival rate across all cancer types reaching nearly 70%. By 2030, the U.S. will have more than 22.1 million by 2030 cancer survivors. Better treatments and early detection mean more people beat cancer and need life insurance to protect their families.

Finding the right policy after cancer takes some work, but it's possible. The sections below show you how to get coverage and what affects your rates and eligibility.

How Does Cancer Affect Life Insurance?

A cancer diagnosis can change both whether you qualify for life insurance and what you pay for coverage. Insurers look closely at your medical background to decide if they will approve an application and how premiums are set. Common factors they review include:

The type of cancer
Your age at the time of diagnosis
The cancer’s stage or grade
How long ago the diagnosis occurred
Your treatment plan and whether treatment is complete
Length of remission
Family history of cancer
Whether the cancer is hereditary
Any history of multiple or recurring cancers

Not all cancers are viewed the same by insurers. Some are linked to higher risk, which can affect approval outcomes and premium levels. The table below shows survival rates for men and women across different cancer types to help put life insurance options into perspective after a diagnosis.

Recent Cancer 5-Year Survival Rates, SEER, National Cancer Institute

Type of Cancer	Male Survival Rate	Female Survival Rate
Anus, Anal Canal & Anorectum	64.50%	75.00%
Bones and Joints	66.50%	71.20%
Brain and Other Nervous System	31.20%	35.20%
Breast	84.30%	91.70%
Cervix	N/A	68.00%
Colon and Rectum (Including Appendix)	64.50%	66.40%
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma	87.80%	90.50%
Kidney and Renal Pelvis	77.90%	79.90%
Leukemia	67.50%	68.20%
Liver and Intrahepatic Bile Duct	21.70%	22.80%
Lung and Bronchus	23.80%	32.60%
Melanoma of the Skin	93.70%	96.10%
Oral Cavity and Pharynx	69.10%	70.60%
Ovarian	N/A	51.60%
Pancreas	13.10%	13.50%
Prostate	97.90%	N/A
Testicular	94.90%	N/A
Thyroid	96.50%	98.90%
Uterine	N/A	81.10%

Source: National Cancer Institute, Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program

SHOP AROUND

Even if your cancer has a low survival rate, you can still apply for life insurance if you need it. Each company has unique eligibility guidelines and requirements for coverage, so you may be surprised at what you can qualify for when you compare life insurance companies, policy types and rates.

How to Apply for Life Insurance with a Cancer History

Getting life insurance after cancer often works best with a clear, step-by-step plan. Based on patterns seen in approved applications from major insurers, the steps below can help improve your chances of approval.

1
Gather Your Medical Documents
Pull together all cancer-related records, such as diagnosis notes, treatment summaries and recent health reports. A letter from your oncologist confirming your remission status and overall outlook can help support your application.
2
Choose Your Application Method
You can apply online or work with an independent agent. Many cancer survivors prefer an agent because they understand which insurers tend to be more receptive to specific cancer types and stages.
3
Complete the Health Application Honestly
Answer every medical question clearly and truthfully. Include details about completed treatments and current health habits. Insurers check medical records, so consistency and accuracy are important throughout the process.
4
Schedule and Prepare for Medical Exam
Applicants with a cancer history are often asked to complete a medical exam that includes blood work and basic measurements. Plan to fast for eight to 12 hours, rest well the night before and bring a list of current medications.
5
Prepare for the Underwriting Review Process
The underwriting review often lasts eight to 12 weeks while insurers evaluate your medical history. Respond promptly to requests for additional records and stay in contact with your agent during this stage.
6
Review Your Decision and Options
An insurer may approve coverage at standard or higher rates, postpone a decision or decline the application. If coverage is denied, you may be able to submit updated medical information or apply with companies that focus on applicants with a cancer history.
7
Finalize Your Policy Details
Once approved, review the policy terms, coverage amount and beneficiary details before moving forward. Coverage starts after the first premium is paid and any remaining requirements are completed.

Talking with a licensed insurance professional and your health care team can help you make better, more informed choices about your coverage.

Best Life Insurance Quotes for Cancer Survivors

If you've had cancer, you can still get life insurance by working with the right company. Shop around and compare offers and prices to ensure you're getting the right coverage based on your needs. You can use our life insurance quote estimator below to get started.

We’ll give you a suggested amount of cover to buy in just 3 easy steps. — it's free, no personal information required, no spam.

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Rates updated:

Jan 07, 2026

Best Life Insurance Policy for Cancer Patients and Survivors

The best life insurance for cancer survivors and patients depends on individual circumstances and needs. Term life insurance is most often the best option. It's the most affordable and covers a set number of years.

If qualifying for traditional policies proves challenging, guaranteed life insurance for cancer patients provides an alternative. While this type of policy costs more, it offers coverage regardless of medical history.

Term Life Insurance

Term life is the best overall option because it's affordable and effective. It provides coverage for up to 40 years, depending on the company. Some companies have favorable rates for cancer survivors, especially those who are otherwise healthy.

To find the best life insurance for cancer survivors, look for companies with a track record of flexible underwriting guidelines, which can provide more accessible and affordable rates for those with a cancer history.

Simplified Issue Life Insurance

If you have a family history of cancer, especially hereditary cancer or haven't been in remission long enough, you may not qualify for term life insurance. Simplified issue life insurance doesn't require a medical exam, though the application includes health questions.

With less stringent underwriting guidelines, cancer survivors may have better luck getting coverage with simplified issue underwriting, and rates can still be affordable. These rates aren't as low as term life insurance.

Guaranteed Acceptance Life Insurance

If you can't qualify for simplified issue life insurance, the next best option is guaranteed acceptance life insurance. Though most often offered to those 45 and older, some companies offer guaranteed acceptance coverage to adults ages 18 and older.

This policy provides guaranteed coverage, so there are no health questions on the application or medical exam as part of the underwriting process. These policies are usually the most expensive option, so they could limit your coverage if you're on a budget.

MONEYGEEK DICTIONARY

A critical illness that requires immediate medical attention, such as a heart attack, stroke or cancer, can result in high medical bills. Critical illness coverage can provide a lump sum benefit to offset the medical costs from the diagnosis.

It can also offer a death benefit to your chosen beneficiary if you pass away due to a critical illness. It can be combined with life insurance or purchased alone, though most companies only offer it as an employee benefit, not a standalone policy.

Life Insurance for Cancer Patients and Survivors: Bottom Line

While it can be challenging to get life insurance after cancer, many companies offer plans that can suit your needs as a survivor. In this guide, MoneyGeek analyzed the best life insurance companies for cancer survivors and highlighted their product offerings to help you find the right company and policy.

Legal & General, Mutual of Omaha, Nationwide and Pacific Life are among the best life insurance companies for cancer patients and survivors. For most people, term life insurance is the best choice because it's affordable and easy to understand. Unfortunately, not everyone can qualify with cancer in their medical history. Those looking for life insurance after cancer have several options.

Life Insurance After Cancer: FAQ

Getting life insurance after cancer can be challenging, but it's not impossible. Here are answers to frequently asked questions about life insurance for cancer survivors.

How long after cancer treatment can you get life insurance?

Most insurers require at least two to five years in remission before offering traditional life insurance. Some cancers may need 10 years of cancer-free time. If you need immediate coverage, guaranteed acceptance life insurance is available without medical exams or health questions.

Does life insurance cover cancer?

Yes. Life insurance covers cancer-related deaths if the policy is active and not within the contestability or waiting period. Some guaranteed acceptance policies have a two-year waiting period before paying the full benefit, but accidental deaths are usually covered immediately.

Do I need to tell life insurance about cancer?

Yes. You must disclose your cancer history when applying for life insurance. Insurers use this information to determine eligibility and set premiums. Withholding medical history may result in denied claims, policy cancellation or higher costs if discovered later.

Our Ratings Methodology

Cancer changes everything about insurance shopping. Most people get approved for standard rates with minimal underwriting, but cancer patients and survivors deal with medical exams, detailed health questionnaires and potential coverage denials or premium increases.

We researched insurers that accept people with cancer histories. We prioritized companies with simplified underwriting processes, guaranteed issue policies and competitive rates for higher-risk applicants.

Our Research Approach

We evaluated each company across three categories that matter most when cancer complicates your insurance search:

Affordability: 55%
Customer Experience: 30%
Coverage Options: 15%

We analyzed 248,399 life insurance quotes across multiple coverage amounts and term lengths, plus financial strength ratings from AM Best, customer complaint data from the NAIC, J.D. Power satisfaction scores and online customer reviews. We also evaluated application processes, payment options and product variety to identify insurers that make coverage accessible for cancer patients and survivors.

Standard Term Life Insurance Research Profile:

40-year-old male
Nonsmoker
5 feet 9 inches tall, 160 pounds
Poor health rating
20-year term policy
$500,000 coverage amount

Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance Profile:

50-year-old male
Nonsmoker
5 feet 9 inches tall, 160 pounds
Poor health rating
$10,000 coverage amount

Cancer Life Insurance: Related Pages

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.

Read Full Bio »

sources

American Cancer Society Journals. "Cancer treatment and survivorship statistics, 2019." Accessed September 25, 2025.
J.D. Power. "2024 US Individual Life Insurance Study." Accessed September 25, 2025.
National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. "Cancer State Facts: Cancer of Any Site." Accessed September 25, 2025.
National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. "Cancer Statistics Explorer Network." Accessed September 25, 2025.

Best Life Insurance for Cancer Patients & Survivors in 2026

Best Life Insurance Companies for Cancer Patients and Survivors

Best Overall: Legal & General

Best Guaranteed Acceptance: Mutual of Omaha

Best Customer Experience: Nationwide

Best No-Exam Term: Pacific Life

Life Insurance for People with Cancer: Buying Guide

How Does Cancer Affect Life Insurance?

Recent Cancer 5-Year Survival Rates, SEER, National Cancer Institute

How to Apply for Life Insurance with a Cancer History

Best Life Insurance Quotes for Cancer Survivors

Life Insurance Calculator

Your Next Step:

Best Life Insurance Policy for Cancer Patients and Survivors

Life Insurance for Cancer Patients and Survivors: Bottom Line

Life Insurance After Cancer: FAQ

How long after cancer treatment can you get life insurance?

Does life insurance cover cancer?

Do I need to tell life insurance about cancer?

Our Ratings Methodology

Cancer Life Insurance: Related Pages

sources