Updated: August 11, 2025
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You can get life insurance if you have cancer through specialized companies that offer life insurance for cancer patients with flexible underwriting. However, timing after treatment and your specific cancer diagnosis affect approval odds and premium rates.
Expect 25% to 75% higher life insurance premiums after cancer compared to standard rates, with costs varying by cancer type, stage at diagnosis, treatment response and years since remission started.
Guaranteed issue 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.
Nationwide is the best overall life insurance company for cancer 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.
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)
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 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. With its reputation, longevity in the business, strong financial ratings and affordability, Nationwide earns a MoneyGeek score of 89.
Product Offering
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.
Support Features
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.
Available Policy Types
Preferred plus rating available for skin cancer survivors, except melanoma
No longer considers family history for preferred class
Can still qualify within one year after cancer treatment or with history of multiple cancers
Best life insurance for cancer survivors needing quick approval
Accommodates multiple cancer history cases
Only term quotes available online
Current cancer patients not eligible
Bladder, breast, prostate and thyroid cancer survivors may pay extra
Stricter medical exam requirements
Legal & General America 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. According to J.D. Power, the company didn't rank among the top 21 best life insurance companies for customer satisfaction, but it earned a "great" Trustpilot score of 4.1 out of 5 stars from over 1,300 reviews.
Product Offering
Those considering Legal & General can choose 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.
Support Features
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.
Available Policy Types
Guaranteed acceptance coverage for ages 45 to 85
Simplified issue options with basic health questions
Preferred rates possible after 5+ years cancer-free
Both term and whole life available online
Strong industry reputation and customer service
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 is among the most recognized names in the life insurance industry. It earned sixth place for customer satisfaction with 659 out of 1,000 points in the J.D. Power Life Insurance Study and has an A+ rating with AM Best. With affordable rates, flexible plans and excellent customer service and financial strength scores, Mutual of Omaha earns a MoneyGeek score of 91.
Product Offering
Mutual of Omaha provides term, universal and guaranteed acceptance whole life insurance options. The company offers individual consideration for those applying after cancer treatment, particularly for applicants with up to five years in remission. Depending on other health conditions, those 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. No medical exams or health questions are required. The same age group can get a lower rate 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. Several universal life products are available, starting 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.
Support Features
You can get term and whole life insurance quotes online, but not universal life insurance. Mutual of Omaha has guides and other literature online to help you learn more about its products. The company has flexible underwriting guidelines, especially if you are a few years past cancer treatment and are otherwise healthy.
Policy Types Available
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 treatments have made it possible for more cancer patients to live cancer-free, creating a growing need for life insurance after cancer.
Review the sections below for guidance on finding the best life insurance policy and understanding how cancer affects life insurance eligibility and costs.
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.
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.
Stage 4 cancer survivors face the greatest challenges but still have options through guaranteed issue life insurance, group coverage, and specialized high-risk insurers. Focus on immediate coverage needs and final expense planning.
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.
Rates updated:
Sep 02, 2025
The best life insurance for cancer survivors 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. However, 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.
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. However, 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. However, 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.
Cancer can impact both your life insurance eligibility and premiums. Insurance companies determine rates and acceptance based on several factors, including:
Certain cancers are riskier than others, affecting eligibility and life insurance costs. The table below shows survival rates for both men and women with various cancer types, highlighting key considerations for life insurance after a cancer diagnosis or for cancer survivors.
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.
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. Nationwide, Legal & General America and Mutual of Omaha are among the best life insurance companies for cancer 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.
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.
According to MoneyGeek research and analysis, Nationwide, Legal & General and Mutual of Omaha are the best life insurance companies for cancer survivors. Your age and date of onset, type and stage of cancer, treatment and time cancer-free determine which company is best for you.
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.
Yes, you can still get life insurance if you have cancer, but your options are limited. Few companies offer coverage while you're undergoing cancer treatment, and those that do charge much more. Speaking with a life insurance agent or broker can help you find the best life insurance companies for cancer patients.
Yes, obtaining life insurance for cancer survivors is possible. Companies offer policies tailored to those who've battled cancer, including term and guaranteed life insurance options for cancer patients.
Life insurance can include cancer coverage, particularly policies designed for cancer survivors. The payout depends on the policy's terms and the company's guidelines.
When applying for life insurance, you should disclose your cancer history. Transparency ensures that you find the best life insurance for cancer patients, with coverage that accurately reflects your health status.
To generate our ranking scores, we incorporated data from J.D. Power, AM Best, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and our own MoneyGeek affordability score, which we created by manually gathering thousands of quotes across major companies.
We used our qualitative research data to determine the best life insurance companies for cancer survivors based on each company's product offering and support features.
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!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
