Can You Get Life Insurance After Cancer?

Yes — life insurance after cancer is possible

Many cancer survivors successfully obtain life insurance in the UK. Whether you can get cover, and on what terms, depends primarily on:

• The type of cancer
• The stage and grade at diagnosis
• Treatment received and whether it was successful
• How long you have been in remission
• Whether there has been any recurrence

How long do I need to be in remission?

This varies by insurer and cancer type. Generally:

• Low-risk cancers (e.g. early-stage skin cancer, low-grade thyroid cancer) — some insurers will consider cover within 1–2 years of treatment
• Medium-risk cancers (e.g. early-stage breast cancer, bowel cancer) — typically 3–5 years in remission
• High-risk cancers (e.g. lung cancer, advanced cancers) — 5–10 years or longer; some may be uninsurable

What terms should I expect?

• Standard terms — for low-risk cancers with long remission periods
• Loaded premium — a higher premium to reflect the residual risk
• Cancer exclusion — life insurance provided, but with a cancer exclusion (meaning a future cancer-related death would not be paid)
• Postponement — some insurers will revisit after a longer remission period

Which insurers are best for cancer survivors?

Underwriting criteria vary significantly. Some insurers take a more sympathetic view of certain cancer types and longer remission periods. A whole-of-market specialist broker with experience in cancer cases can identify the best options.

What about critical illness cover after cancer?

CIC is harder to obtain after a cancer diagnosis — most insurers exclude any future cancer diagnosis if you've had cancer previously. However, the rest of the policy (covering heart attack, stroke, MS, etc.) may still be available with a cancer exclusion.