best life insurance for cancer survivors in 2025

Why Cancer History Affects Life Insurance

Life insurance providers assess risk—and a past cancer diagnosis often increases that perceived risk. Key factors that insurers consider include:

• Type of cancer (e.g., skin cancer is often viewed more favorably than lung cancer)

• Stage and grade at diagnosis

• Treatment history (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, etc.)

• Time since last treatment

• Remission period (most insurers prefer at least 2–5 years cancer-free)

• Follow-up care and recurrence history

That said, cancer survivors can get life insurance—and in 2025, options are better than ever.

Types of Life Insurance Available for Cancer Survivors

1. Term Life Insurance

• Coverage for a specific period (e.g., 10, 20, or 30 years)

• Affordable premiums

• Requires medical underwriting

• Best suited for survivors in long-term remission (5+ years)

Example: A breast cancer survivor who has been cancer-free for 7 years may qualify for a 20-year term policy with standard rates.

2. Whole Life Insurance

• Lifetime coverage with fixed premiums

• Builds cash value over time

• More expensive than term life

• May require more stringent medical review

• Best for survivors who want guaranteed lifetime coverage

3. Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance

• No medical exam or health questions

• Guaranteed approval, even for those currently battling cancer

• Lower death benefits ($5,000–$25,000)

• 2–3 year waiting period before full benefit

• Higher premiums

Best For: Survivors who are still within treatment or just finished treatment recently.

4. Simplified Issue Life Insurance

• No exam, but health questions are asked

• Faster approval than traditional policies

• Higher coverage limits than guaranteed issue

• Suitable for survivors with mild or well-managed histories

Top Life Insurance Companies for Cancer Survivors in 2025

Here are the best providers offering life insurance to cancer survivors based on underwriting flexibility, approval rates, and cost in 2025.

1. Mutual of Omaha

Why it’s best for: Simplified issue and final expense insurance.

• Offers Living Promise Whole Life Insurance with lenient underwriting

• Covers survivors who have been in remission for as little as 2 years

• Available up to age 85

• No medical exam required

• Competitive final expense policies with up to $40,000 in coverage

Pros:

• High approval rate for cancer survivors

• Option to skip medical exam

Cons:

• Limited to smaller benefit amounts

2. AIG (American General Life Insurance)

Why it’s best for: Guaranteed issue whole life coverage.

• Offers policies with no medical exam and no questions asked

• Accepts applicants up to age 85

• Coverage up to $25,000

• Ideal for survivors currently undergoing treatment or recently diagnosed

Pros:

• Guaranteed acceptance regardless of cancer history

• Builds cash value

Cons:

• 2-year waiting period before full death benefit

3. Haven Life (backed by MassMutual)

Why it’s best for: Competitive term life options.

• Excellent digital platform and fast application process

• Cancer survivors in remission for 5+ years may qualify for affordable term coverage

• Up to $3 million in coverage

• Offers both fully underwritten and simplified products

Pros:

• Fast approval (many decisions in under a week)

• Great for younger survivors in long-term remission

Cons:

• Not ideal for those recently treated

4. Prudential

Why it’s best for: Flexible underwriting for various cancer types.

• One of the most lenient insurers for cancer survivors

• Accepts applicants with a wide range of medical histories

• Offers both term and permanent life insurance

• Personalized underwriting—looks at overall health, not just cancer

Pros:

• Strong reputation for insuring people with medical conditions

• May offer standard rates after 5+ years remission

Cons:

• Application process may be longer and more detailed

5. Ethos Life

Why it’s best for: Quick online applications and simplified underwriting.

• No medical exam needed for most policies

• Term and whole life options available

• Good for survivors who had low-risk cancers (e.g., basal cell skin cancer)

• Coverage up to $1.5 million

Pros:

• Easy digital process

• Transparent quotes online

Cons:

• Not suited for aggressive or recent cancers

Tips for Cancer Survivors Applying for Life Insurance

Wait Until Remission (If Possible)

Most companies want to see a minimum of 2–5 years cancer-free before offering traditional coverage. If you’re in remission, apply when you reach that benchmark.

Prepare Detailed Medical Records

Having a thorough history of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery helps underwriters evaluate your risk more fairly.

Work with an Independent Agent

An experienced agent can shop across multiple carriers and find companies with favorable underwriting for your specific cancer history.

Start with Simplified or Final Expense Coverage

If you’re recently out of treatment, begin with simplified or guaranteed issue coverage. You can apply for full coverage later.

Disclose Everything Honestly

Withholding information can result in claim denial later. Be honest about your cancer history.

What to Expect in Terms of Cost

Life insurance rates for cancer survivors depend on:

• Age

• Time since last treatment

• Cancer type

• Stage and grade

• Overall health

Example Cost Estimates (Monthly Premiums for $250,000 Term Policy):

These are rough estimates. Rates vary widely based on insurer, location, and health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I get life insurance if I currently have cancer?

Yes. You may qualify for guaranteed issue policies that don’t ask any health questions, though they have limited benefits.

How long after treatment should I wait to apply?

Most insurers require at least 2–5 years in remission, depending on the cancer type.

Will my premiums be higher?

In most cases, yes—especially if the remission period is short or the cancer was aggressive. But some may still qualify for standard rates after 5+ years cancer-free.

Can life insurance be denied due to cancer history?

Yes, if applying for traditional coverage too soon after treatment. But guaranteed issue policies cannot deny you.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, cancer survivors have more life insurance options than ever. Whether you’re in remission or still recovering, you can find a policy that fits your needs and offers peace of mind to your loved ones.

With providers like Mutual of Omaha, AIG, Haven Life, Prudential, and Ethos, and policy types ranging from guaranteed issue to term and whole life, there is something for every survivor.

Take control of your future today—compare quotes, speak with an agent, and protect what matters most.