Beating cancer is one of the hardest battles a person can face. But even after the treatments, scans, and surgeries… another challenge often appears:
❓Can cancer survivors still get life insurance?
The answer is:
✅ Yes, you absolutely can.
But it takes the right company, right timing, and the right type of policy.
This guide covers everything you need to know about getting affordable, reliable life insurance after a cancer diagnosis — and who’s most likely to say yes in 2025.
🧠 Can Cancer Survivors Really Get Life Insurance?
✅ Yes — many cancer survivors qualify for coverage.
But what you’re approved for — and how much you’ll pay — depends on:
- Type of cancer
- Stage at diagnosis
- Treatment completed
- Time since recovery
- Recurrence risk
- Your age and current health
🩺 How Long Do You Have to Wait After Cancer?
Most companies require a waiting period after treatment before they’ll consider you for traditional coverage.
| Time Since Recovery | Likely Outcome |
|---|---|
| Under 12 months | Most applications postponed |
| 1–2 years | Possibly accepted with higher premium |
| 2–5 years | Many options open — moderate risk |
| 5+ years | Often eligible for standard or better rates |
💡 The longer you’ve been cancer-free, the more companies are willing to work with you.
🔍 What Factors Do Insurance Companies Look At?
When underwriting a cancer survivor, companies review:
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Type of cancer | Skin or thyroid? More lenient. Pancreatic or brain? More cautious. |
| Stage at diagnosis | Early stage = better outcome |
| Date of last treatment | More recent = higher risk |
| Follow-up care | Are you consistent with screenings? |
| Recurrence history | First-time or multiple battles? |
| Age at diagnosis | Younger = more concern |
| Lifestyle | Tobacco, alcohol, diet, etc. all factor in |
🏆 Best Life Insurance Companies for Cancer Survivors (2025)
These companies are known for working with cancer survivors and still offering competitive rates:
1. Prudential
- 🔹 Often accepts survivors 2+ years post-treatment
- 🔹 Covers a wide range of cancers
- 🔹 Term, whole, and IUL policies
- 🔹 Strong financial rating
✅ Why it’s great: Most flexible and open-minded when it comes to cancer underwriting.
2. Mutual of Omaha
- 🔹 Final expense and term options
- 🔹 Accepts some types of cancer after 12–24 months
- 🔹 No-exam coverage up to $40,000
- 🔹 Guaranteed issue available
✅ Why it’s great: Great fallback options if you’re declined elsewhere or need smaller coverage.
3. Banner Life (Legal & General)
- 🔹 Term life with strong pricing
- 🔹 Known for fair risk evaluation
- 🔹 May approve cases 3+ years post-recovery
- 🔹 Competitive with skin, thyroid, breast, and prostate cancer survivors
✅ Why it’s great: Balanced pricing + flexible terms for common cancers.
4. AIG
- 🔹 Guaranteed issue available
- 🔹 No medical questions
- 🔹 Approval for everyone ages 50–80
- 🔹 $5,000–$25,000 coverage
✅ Why it’s great: Last-resort coverage when traditional options are off the table.
5. SBLI (Savings Bank Life Insurance)
- 🔹 Solid underwriting for survivors 5+ years cancer-free
- 🔹 Term life with great pricing
- 🔹 Up to $1 million coverage
- 🔹 No exam options available
✅ Why it’s great: Ideal for survivors looking to rebuild solid financial protection.
💰 What Will It Cost?
Rates vary wildly based on your history, but here’s a rough guide:
| Age | Time Since Recovery | Coverage | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | 2 years | $250k Term | $50–$110 |
| 50 | 5 years | $100k Whole | $65–$140 |
| 60 | 3 years | $10k Final Expense | $45–$85 |
| 65+ | Any | Guaranteed Issue $10k | $70–$120 |
✅ Your rates will depend heavily on your type of cancer and recovery timeline.
📋 Real-Life Example
Maria, 47, had Stage 1 breast cancer at 42. She completed chemo and surgery, and has been cancer-free for 5 years.
She applied with Banner Life:
- $500,000, 20-year term
- Approved with a mild risk rating
- Monthly premium: $64
- No medical exam required — just doctor’s notes
✅ Because she waited and had no recurrence, she got solid coverage and a fair price.
🛠 What If You’re Still in Treatment or Recently Diagnosed?
You may need to wait for full coverage — but you still have options now:
✅ Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance
- Everyone approved
- No questions asked
- $5,000–$25,000
- 2-year graded benefit period
💡 Great for burial or emergency coverage if you can’t get term or whole yet.
🧾 Tips to Get Approved as a Cancer Survivor
✅ Work with a broker who specializes in high-risk life insurance
✅ Get a doctor’s letter confirming your remission and follow-up care
✅ Provide detailed medical records when requested
✅ Wait at least 12–24 months after treatment if possible
✅ Avoid applying to multiple companies back-to-back (can hurt your MIB file)
💡 Best Policy Types for Cancer Survivors
| Policy Type | Why It’s Smart |
|---|---|
| Term Life | Best value if you’re cancer-free and under age 60 |
| Whole Life | Good for legacy or permanent coverage |
| Final Expense | Small, easy, permanent coverage (often no exam) |
| Guaranteed Issue | Last-resort but available to everyone |
✅ Final Thoughts
Cancer doesn’t define your future — and it doesn’t have to prevent you from protecting the people you love.
There are companies out there that:
- Understand your story
- Offer real coverage
- And still respect your budget
You fought to survive. Now it’s time to ensure your family is financially protected — no matter what comes next.
Want to see which life insurance companies approve cancer survivors in 2025?
➡️ Click here to get your custom quote →