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How to get life insurance with a benign brain tumor
Additional screening will likely be required, but you can still find coverage.
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With announcements by the National Brain Tumor Society from early 2019 about adaptive treatment research and new medicines available, it’s clear that care for brain tumors is ever evolving. Because each case is unique, your eligibility for life insurance and potential costs largely depend on the specifics of your condition and the provider you’re applying with.
What's in this guide?
Can I get life insurance if I’m diagnosed with a benign brain tumor?
Yes, you can find life insurance if you have a benign brain tumor, or if you’ve had one removed in the past. How it’s factored into your application may vary, but typically insurers will take one of four actions:
- Offer standard coverage after it’s removed. If you’ve had the tumor removed and it’s been several years, the provider might offer coverage as normal if you have documentation to support it.
- Exclude tumor complications. You may still be offered a policy, but the provider could include a clause that allows them not to pay your beneficiaries if you pass away due to complications from the tumor. Check for any exclusions and evaluate if the policy is worth its price for the coverage you’ll receive.
- Quote you a higher premium. A provider may offer you standard coverage, but at a higher premium than normal. This usually comes with being put in a higher risk class.
- Deny coverage. It’s possible that you won’t be offered coverage if you’re still undergoing treatment or have a recurrence. A denial doesn’t mean you should give up though, it just may take a little more time and research.
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What options do I have if I’m denied coverage?
Your first step will be to talk with the provider about why you were denied coverage. Having a loved one help with this conversation may make it easier to parse the reasoning later on, and make it easier to research next steps.
Next, continue to compare providers. The direct competition of the insurer that denied you coverage are likely going to do the same, so you may want to steer away from them.
How do I get life insurance after a benign brain tumor diagnosis?
Work with an independent insurance agent
An independent insurance agent who specializes in finding policies for those who are considered high risk may ease the burden of researching providers. You’ll likely be able to choose from a number of policies based on your health profile and insurance needs.
Read up on your employer-provided policy
Some group plans may include pre-existing medical conditions. So even if you weren’t signed up before your diagnosis, you still may be eligible for coverage.
Read the policy carefully to see what exactly is covered to avoid surprises down the road.
Work with a life insurance issuer directly
This option may take a little extra time and effort on your part. You can, however, contact providers directly and ask about policy details and the types of plans offered.
What information will I need to provide about my benign brain tumor?
You’ll find that the information required is different between providers, but typically you’ll need to provide information relevant to your specific condition.
If you still have the tumor:
- When you were diagnosed
- The type of tumor you were diagnosed with
- Any medication you’re taking and the dose
- Current treatment plans
If you’ve had the tumor removed:
- When the tumor was removed
- Aftercare plans
- Any instances of recurrence
Can I get a policy without a medical exam?
Yes, there are policies available that don’t require a medical exam. These policies typically come at a higher cost, and may have other requirements you must meet — such as minimum age.
Guaranteed issue life insurance
The tradeoff for not having to take a medical exam is higher premiums and less coverage than you’d find with a traditional policy. You may also need to meet a required minimum age in order to qualify.
Simplified life insurance
A simplified life insurance plan can usually be applied for online or over the phone. A medical questionnaire may still be included, even though it doesn’t require a full exam.
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Bottom line
Finding life insurance when you’ve been diagnosed with a benign brain tumor can be difficult, but not impossible. Take your time and compare different life insurance providers to find the policy that fits you best — both in coverage and price.
Frequently asked questions
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