Compare leading life insurance providers

Compare leading life insurance providers
- Compare the whole market
- Cheaper than buying direct
- Optional critical illness cover
Whether you’re battling cancer now or you’re a survivor, you could still be able to buy life insurance. Insurance providers will assess your medical history before deciding on your eligibility and what to charge you in premiums.
In many cases, cancer survivors are able to take out a life insurance policy. However, life insurance providers are unlikely to offer a policy for at least two or three years after you’ve recovered.
The first policy you get will probably be pretty expensive too, as insurers will see you as a high-risk customer – although prices should get better with time.
In very rare cases, you can get life insurance that excludes cancer-related claims, but these are hard to come by. Plus, it might not give you a whole lot of peace of mind if there’s a high chance your cancer might return.
Insurers will treat each person who applies differently and will review your case on an individual basis. When trying to work out how much of a risk you are now, and in the future, they will look at various factors, such as the following:
If you’re undergoing treatment for cancer, finding life insurance is far more difficult and will certainly be more expensive – however, it could still be possible.
Depending on your diagnosis, you may be able to sign up to medically underwritten insurance policies, whether they are term life or whole of life plans. However, you could well be rejected.
If you do get rejected, you could opt for an over-50s plan, which is a type of whole of life insurance that you can get without answering any medical questions. However, there are a few key features to watch out for:
Unless you’re applying for an over-50s policy, insurance companies will ask you a lot of questions about your cancer and your medical history, and they could ask you to undergo a medical exam. As these application processes can be upsetting and emotional, you might want to turn to a loved one for support and be ready to answer the following questions:
Yes, however your family’s medical history could affect the cost of your premiums. If a close relative such as a parent or sibling died from cancer at a relatively young age, an insurer may see you as being a higher risk. Distant family members and a cancer diagnosis later in life shouldn’t have much of an effect on your application.
When taking out a more standard life insurance policy, you can often get critical illness cover as an add-on. This pays out a tax-free lump sum if you suffer from a specified illness. It can help pay medical bills, but you can theoretically use the money on living expenses or even going on a holiday.
If you are in remission, you may be rejected, although it’s worth getting in touch with insurance providers to see if it’s possible. Make sure they’ll cover your previous cancer if you relapse too.
The following cancer types are commonly covered under critical insurance policies:
It’s important to keep in mind that insurers determine application approval and coverage based off of each individual situation.
Each insurance company will have its own decision processes for covering cancer patients and survivors, so don’t be disheartened by any rejections. Informally ask insurers over the phone or by email whether they are likely to cover your type of cancer because if you’re formally rejected by an insurer, other providers can find out about this – which could sway their decision. When you’ve done your homework, apply with several companies, and hopefully you should get some affordable offers that give you the protection you need.
Read our comprehensive guide on shareholder protection cover, including how it works, pros and cons for taking out a policy and how to set cover up correctly.
Use our online calculator to find out how much life insurance you need based on your own personal circumstances.
Find out all about life insurance beneficiaries and the current rules around them in the UK.
We take a closer look at the pros and cons of taking out more than one life insurance policy.
We explain the effect smoking has on life insurance claims and premiums, how to save and different ways to get cheaper cover.
If you are a new parent and looking for life insurance, read our comprehensive guide to find out what type of cover you need and what’s included.
Are you self-employed and looking for life insurance? Read our comprehensive guide on what options are available and what’s included.
If you’re thinking of cancelling your life insurance policy, rest assured that it can be done. Find out how to cancel, how much it costs and what the consequences might be.
Life insurance for mums can help ease the financial burden should something happen to you. Find out what’s covered and get a quote here.
Looking for life insurance for your children? Read our comprehensive guide on child life insurance and get quotes online today.