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.
Best Life Insurance for Cancer Patients & Survivors in 2025
Explore the best life insurance for cancer patients and survivors. Compare policy options, coverages, and rates to find the right option for your needs.
Find out if you're overpaying for life insurance below.

Updated: November 8, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Legal & General, Nationwide, Pacific Life, Mutual of Omaha and Transamerica offer some of the best life insurance for cancer patients and survivors in 2025.
You can get life insurance if you have cancer through specialized companies that offer policies for cancer patients with flexible underwriting. Timing after treatment and your specific cancer diagnosis affect approval odds and premium rates.
Expect higher life insurance premiums after cancer, with costs varying by cancer type, stage at diagnosis, treatment response and years since remission started.
Guaranteed acceptance life insurance and simplified issue policies provide coverage options when traditional life insurance underwriting proves challenging for cancer survivors, though typically at higher costs with reduced coverage amounts.
Complete medical records, oncologist clearance letters and detailed treatment summaries help improve approval chances and can reduce premium increases.
Ensure you are getting the best rate for your insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.
Best Life Insurance Companies for Cancer Patients and Survivors
Overall | Legal & General | 4.9 | $55 | $657 |
Runner-Up | Nationwide | 4.6 | $68 | $819 |
Affordability (Term) | Transamerica | 4.6 | $54 | $653 |
No-Exam (Term) | Pacific Life | 4.5 | $47 | $566 |
Guaranteed Acceptance | Mutual of Omaha | 4.7 | $40 | $482 |
*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 significantly for cancer patients and survivors.
**This analysis is for educational purposes only and doesn’t constitute medical or insurance advice.

Legal & General
Best Overall
Average Monthly Cost
$55Based on a 20-year term policy with $500,000 coverage for a 40-year-old nonsmoker.Average Annual Cost
$657Based on a 20-year term policy with $500,000 coverage for a 40-year-old nonsmoker.
- 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)
consOnly 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 earns a Comdex (rating based on four insurance rating companies) score of 95 because of its excellent financial stability and ability to meet financial obligations, like paying life insurance claims. While J.D. Power didn’t include it in their top 21 best life insurance companies for customer satisfaction, it earned a "great" Trustpilot score of 4 out of 5 stars from over 2,000 reviews.
You can pick between from 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.
Legal & General offers term life coverage for up to 40 years with a minimum coverage amount of $100,000. You can include short-term riders on your policy and get up to $10,000 in children's term coverage at a flat rate for multiple children. Universal life coverage starts at $50,000 with issue ages from 20 to 75.
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.

Nationwide
Runner-Up
Average Monthly Cost
$68Based on a 20-year term policy with $500,000 coverage for a 40-year-old nonsmoker.Average Annual Cost
$819Based on a 20-year term policy with $500,000 coverage for a 40-year-old nonsmoker.
- 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)
consOnly 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 earned fifth place in the J.D. Power 2024 Individual Life Insurance Study, with 666 out of 1,000 points for customer satisfaction. The company also has an excellent financial strength rating of A+ from AM Best, showing its reliability in paying claims.
Nationwide offers term, whole life and universal life insurance products. Skin cancer survivors may be eligible for preferred plus rates, while those with other cancer diagnoses can qualify for standard rates.
Term life insurance is available for cancer survivors ages 18 to 70. Whole life and universal life policies allow some applicants to get approved up to age 85. Both term and universal life have a $100,000 coverage minimum, while whole life starts at $10,000 for those with smaller life insurance needs.
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.
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. These rating guidelines make Nationwide one of the more affordable companies for life insurance after cancer. Nationwide offers brochures and policy details online, but you can only find quotes for term life.

Transamerica
Best Cheap
Average Monthly Cost
$54Based on a 20-year term policy with $500,000 coverage for a 40-year-old.Average Annual Cost
$653Based on a 20-year term policy with $500,000 coverage for a 40-year-old.
- pros
Accepts some cancer survivors after five to 10 years remission
Offers affordable final expense policies for survivors
Includes living benefit riders on many life policies
consCurrent cancer patients may not be eligible, depending on status
Full underwriting required for most cancer histories
State availability varies for certain products and riders
Transamerica balances affordability with broader eligibility than many competitors. Most survivors encounter stricter underwriting, but Transamerica offers coverage after a remission period, particularly for skin, thyroid and other low-mortality cancers. Final expense policies make smaller coverage amounts accessible for those who can't qualify for traditional term or universal life. Strong financial stability and built-in living benefit riders provide reliable, budget-friendly protection for survivors.
Transamerica offers term life insurance policies with coverage from 10 to 30 years and flexible death benefit amounts. Universal life insurance products include Guaranteed UL and Indexed UL for long-term protection and potential cash value growth.
For smaller, affordable coverage, Transamerica offers final expense or burial insurance starting at approximately $2,000, making it accessible for cancer survivors who can't qualify for larger policies.
Transamerica offers tools to improve accessibility and affordability. The Placement Improvement Program can upgrade certain applicants to a Standard rating class, reducing premiums. Many policies come with living benefit riders at no extra charge, giving policyholders access to part of their death benefit for critical, chronic or terminal illness. Underwriting for cancer survivors is handled on a case-by-case basis, with detailed reviews of medical history to determine eligibility and rating classes.

Pacific Life
Best No-Exam Term
Average Monthly Cost
$47Based on a 20-year term policy with $500,000 coverage for a 40-year-old.Average Annual Cost
$566Based on a 20-year term policy with $500,000 coverage for a 40-year-old.
- pros
Accelerated (no-exam) underwriting available up to set limits (generally to $3M, ages 18–60) for applicants who qualify at Standard or better risk classes.
Non-melanoma skin cancers (basal/squamous) may still qualify for favorable classes
Accelerated Death Benefit (terminal illness) rider is included at no added charge until used
Strong financial strength (A.M. Best A+ rating)
consRecent treatment or complex histories are routed to modified or full underwriting
Availability, face-amount limits, and rider options vary by state and product
Some cases will require additional medical records or exams
Pacific Life placed 7th in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Individual Life Insurance Study with a score of 657/1,000, indicating above-average satisfaction versus the study average. The company maintains an A+ (Superior) financial strength from A.M. Best. Complaint data reported by regulators indicate a complaint level well below 1.00 on NAIC’s index (fewer complaints than expected for size).
Pacific Life’s consumer lineup centers on term life (PL Promise Term) and universal life options (including guaranteed-UL, indexed UL, and VUL). PL Promise Term features a $50,000 minimum death benefit, available term periods (10–30 years), and access to the accelerated underwriting program (PAL+) for qualifying applicants.
Pacific Life supports applicants with a history of cancer through individualized underwriting. According to internal broker guidelines, applicants with basal or squamous cell skin cancers may qualify for preferred classes, while survivors of non-skin cancers are more likely to be considered for Standard ratings at best, depending on the cancer type, stage, treatment and length of remission. Applicants who have undergone chemotherapy or radiation within the past year generally face additional scrutiny.
Pacific Life’s PAL+ no-exam pathway directs eligible applications through the least invasive process, while others move to modified or traditional underwriting that often requires exams and attending physician statements.
In addition, the PL Promise Term policy includes a built-in accelerated death benefit rider for terminal illness at no extra cost.

Mutual of Omaha
Best Guaranteed Issue
Average Monthly Cost
$40Based on $10,000 guaranteed life coverage for a 50-year-old.Average Annual Cost
$482Based on $10,000 guaranteed life coverage for a 50-year-old.
- pros
Guaranteed acceptance coverage for ages 45 to 85
Simplified issue options with basic health questions
Preferred rates possible after 5+ years cancer-free
Strong industry reputation and customer service
consCancer 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 is among the most recognized names in the life insurance industry. It earned sixth place for customer satisfaction, scoring 659 out of 1,000 points in the J.D. Power Life Insurance Study and holds an A+ rating from AM Best.
Mutual of Omaha offers term, universal and guaranteed acceptance whole life insurance. The company offers individual consideration to applicants after cancer treatment, particularly 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.
Term life insurance starts at $100,000 for ages 18 to 80, with level coverage for up to 30 years. Universal life products start at age 18 with $25,000 in coverage. Children up to age 17 can get up to $50,000 in simplified-issue whole life insurance.
You can get term and whole life insurance quotes online, but not universal life insurance. Mutual of Omaha offers guides and resources online about its products. The company uses flexible underwriting guidelines, especially for applicants who are a few years past cancer treatment and are otherwise healthy.
Life Insurance for People with Cancer: Buying Guide
Cancer mortality rates have declined in recent years, with the 5-year survival rate across all types reaching 69.9%. The number of survivors is expected to grow to over 22.1 million by 2030. Advancements in cancer research and treatment allow more cancer patients to live cancer-free, creating a growing need for life insurance after cancer.
The sections below explain how to find the best life insurance policy and how cancer affects eligibility and costs.
How Does Cancer Affect Life Insurance?
Cancer impacts both your life insurance eligibility and premiums. Insurance companies set rates and approve applications based on factors including:
- The type of cancer
- Age at onset
- Stage or grading
- Date of diagnosis
- Treatment protocol
- Time since going into remission
- Family history of cancer
- Whether it’s hereditary cancer
- If you had multiple types of cancer or recurrent cancer
Certain cancers are riskier than others, affecting eligibility and costs. The table below shows survival rates for men and women with various cancer types, highlighting key considerations for life insurance 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% |
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 requires a structured approach. We analyzed successful applications from major insurers and identified five critical steps that improve approval odds.
- 1Gather Your Medical Documentation
Collect all cancer-related medical records, treatment summaries and current health reports. Request a clearance letter from an oncologist confirming your cancer-free status and positive prognosis before submitting your application.
- 2Choose Your Application Method
Apply online or work with an independent agent. Cancer survivors often benefit from agent assistance since experienced professionals understand which insurers favor specific cancer types and stages.
- 3Complete the Health Application Honestly
Answer all medical questions truthfully and thoroughly. Focus on positive aspects like successful treatment completion and current healthy lifestyle. Insurers verify medical information, making accuracy essential for approval.
- 4Schedule and Prepare for Medical Exam
Most cancer survivors need medical exams, including blood work and basic health measurements. Fast eight to 12 hours beforehand, get adequate sleep and bring current medication lists to your appointment.
- 5Prepare for the Underwriting Review Process
Expect eight to 12 weeks of processing time while underwriters review your medical history. Respond promptly to requests for additional documentation. Stay in contact with your agent throughout the review period.
- 6Review Your Decision and Options
Insurers may approve applications with standard or substandard rates, or postpone or deny them. If denied, consider appealing with additional medical information or applying with different insurers that specialize in cancer survivor coverage.
- 7Finalize Your Policy Details
Once approved, review policy terms, coverage amounts and beneficiary information before accepting. Your coverage begins after you have paid the first premium and completed any final insurer requirements.
Consult with licensed insurance professionals and your health care team when making coverage decisions.
Documentation Checklist for Cancer Patients and Survivors
Essential Medical Records
- Complete medical records from diagnosis through current status
- Pathology reports with cancer type, stage and grade
- All staging documentation and imaging reports
- Hospital records and discharge summaries
- Emergency department visits related to cancer care
Treatment Documentation
- Treatment summaries from all healthcare providers
- Surgical reports and operative notes
- Chemotherapy protocol and response records
- Radiation treatment records and reports
- Biopsy and procedure reports
Current Health Status
- Oncologist clearance letter (within six months)
- Recent lab results and blood work
- Current imaging studies (CT, MRI, PET scans)
- Physical exam findings from recent visits
- Treatment response and survival documentation
Healthcare Provider Information
- Primary oncologist contact information
- Surgeon contact details
- Radiation oncologist information
- Current primary care physician details
- Specialist consultant contact information
Medication and Treatment Plans
- Complete current prescription medication list
- Dosages and prescribing physician names
- Follow-up care schedule and surveillance plan
- Ongoing treatment or hormone therapy details
Additional Requirements
- Family medical history with cancer details
- Medical records release authorization forms
- Treatment timeline with exact dates
- Insurance claim history (if applicable)
- Current health insurance information
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.
Life Insurance Calculator
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Rates updated:
Nov 08, 2025
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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. Permanent life insurance, like whole or universal life, might be a better choice, depending on your needs.Â
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. Consider these policy types when choosing what works best for your situation.
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.
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.
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 typically the most expensive option, so they could limit your coverage if you're on a budget.
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 Young Cancer Survivors
Young cancer survivors often have excellent life insurance prospects because of better treatment responses and longer life expectancy. The best options include term life insurance with conversion features and whole life insurance for permanent protection.
- Higher coverage amounts available
- Better premium rates due to age
- Conversion options for future needs
- Flexible underwriting for a favorable prognosis
Life Insurance Over 50 with Cancer History
Cancer survivors over 50 can access specialized life insurance products, including guaranteed issue policies and senior-focused coverage options. No medical exam life insurance becomes more readily available at this age.
- Guaranteed acceptance options available
- Simplified issue applications
- Lower coverage amounts but easier approval
- Focus on final expense coverage
Life Insurance for Stage 4 Cancer Survivors
Stage 4 cancer survivors face significant underwriting challenges. While some options exist, coverage may be limited to smaller amounts with higher premiums and waiting periods.
You can get financial protection through guaranteed issue life insurance, group coverage and specialized high-risk insurers. Focus on immediate coverage needs and final expense planning.
- Guaranteed issue policies (no health questions)
- Group life insurance through employers
- Final expense insurance options
- Accelerated death benefit riders
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, Nationwide, Pacific Life, Mutual of Omaha and Transamerica 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.
Ensure you are getting the best rate for your insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.
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.
How does being a cancer survivor affect life insurance?
Being a cancer survivor can affect your eligibility and life insurance costs. Depending on the type, grade, treatment and years since you became cancer-free, you may not qualify for traditional life insurance. Guaranteed issue life insurance is an option that doesn't ask health questions or require a medical exam, but typically charges higher premiums.
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 face 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:Â 55%
- Customer Experience:Â 30%
- Coverage Options:Â 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. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like 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.
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.





