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.

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Key Takeaways
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Legal & General, Nationwide, Pacific Life, Mutual of Omaha and Transamerica offer some of the best life insurance for cancer patients and survivors in 2025.

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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.

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

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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.

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Complete medical records, oncologist clearance letters and detailed treatment summaries help improve approval chances and can reduce premium increases.

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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
$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.

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Legal & General

Best Overall

MoneyGeek Rating
4.9/ 5
5/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Options
  • Average Monthly Cost

    $55
  • Average Annual Cost

    $657
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Nationwide

Runner-Up

MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.6/5Affordability
4.9/5Customer Experience
4.3/5Coverage Options
  • Average Monthly Cost

    $68
  • Average Annual Cost

    $819
Company Image

Transamerica

Best Cheap

MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
5/5Affordability
3.9/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Options
  • Average Monthly Cost

    $54
  • Average Annual Cost

    $653
Company Image

Pacific Life

Best No-Exam Term

MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.5/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Options
  • Average Monthly Cost

    $47
  • Average Annual Cost

    $566
Company Image

Mutual of Omaha

Best Guaranteed Issue

MoneyGeek Rating
4.7/ 5
4.9/5Affordability
4.5/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Options
  • Average Monthly Cost

    $40
  • Average Annual Cost

    $482

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%

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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 requires a structured approach. We analyzed successful applications from major insurers and identified five critical steps that improve approval odds.

  1. 1
    Gather 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.

  2. 2
    Choose 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.

  3. 3
    Complete 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.

  4. 4
    Schedule 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.

  5. 5
    Prepare 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.

  6. 6
    Review 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.

  7. 7
    Finalize 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

Treatment Documentation

Current Health Status

Healthcare Provider Information

Medication and Treatment Plans

Additional Requirements

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.

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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. 

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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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 typically the most expensive option, so they could limit your coverage if you're on a budget.

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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 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.

Compare Life Insurance Rates

Ensure you are getting the best rate for your insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

Why do we need ZIP code?

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?

How does being a cancer survivor affect life insurance?

Does life insurance cover cancer?

Do I need to tell life insurance about cancer?

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: 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 headshot

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.


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