I am still in shock with the recent diagnosis of my mother having cancer. I’m totally clueless about getting life insurance for cancer. Can you tell me basic information about cancer and life insurance?
Linda
Houston Texas
This is definitely not an easy situation for your family, and so is getting a life insurance for a person with cancer. But don’t despair as getting a life insurance for your mother is not impossible. Following are some things you need to know about getting life insurance for cancer.
1. You most probably need to pay a higher premium for it. Insurance companies would factor in the risk factor in calculating the life insurance premium the higher the risk factor means higher premium. Since cancer is considered high risk, be ready to receive a higher insurance quote. Life insurance for cancer would probably be 40% more expensive than the standard insurance.
2. Don’t rush applying for life insurance for your mother. It is best to have your mother go through a thorough medical examination. Insurance companies would need full details of medical examination results. They need the following:
a. Type of cancer.
b. Stage of cancer – whether it’s in early or advanced stage.
c. Prognosis – the likelihood of recovery from the disease.
These details may affect your insurance policy. Don’t be surprised if the insurance company would conduct another medical examination on their own before they approve your life insurance for cancer application.
3. Insurance companies, generally, will not consider individuals with current cancer – not until treatment has been completed. Once your treatment is completed, a waiting period will be observed first by the insurance company before they consider giving you a life insurance for cancer. Depending on your cancer type, the waiting period ranges from two to five years. Exception to the waiting period is the carcinoma in situ type of cancer, where insurance can be available once medical reports indicate complete absence of the cancer.
4. Once you have all the medical diagnosis, it is time you consult an insurance broker who has experienced with high-risk individuals. They could help you in getting the best policy. You don’t need to worry about having to pay brokers as they get commission from insurance company.