This wasn’t even a legitimate question in the not too distant past. The answer from underwriting was a swift “no” each and every time. If a person had any history of cancer, there was no way they’d get through underwriting.
As Bob Dylan sang, “The times they are a-changin’.” There have been numerous advances in the medical care and the treatment of breast cancer. Coupled with early detection, these advanced therapies have increased survival rates for women diagnosed. Not only is breast cancer survivable, but women can go on to lead long, active and fulfilling lives as evidenced by two of my friends. They are living!
Insurance companies have begun to change their underwriting guidelines as well. Over the past couple of years, several insurance companies are writing life policies for women survivors. I’ve personally quoted several successfully. Quoting life insurance for a breast cancer survivor begins with answering the following questions;
- When was the breast cancer diagnosed?
- What was the stage of the cancer?
- Was the cancer localized or had it spread to another location?
- Were any lymph nodes positive?
- What type of treatment was given (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy)?
- Are you or were you on encodrine chemotherapy such as Tamoxifen, Arimidex or Femara?
- Has there been any recurrence of the cancer?
- Which doctor treated you for cancer?
- When was your last follow-up evaluation for breast cancer?
Additional information will need to be provided including;
- What was the stage of the tumor?
- What was the grade of the tumor?
- Any metastasis to lymph nodes? If so, how many with Metastiasis?
- Was a mastectomy done?
- Was a lumpectomy done?
- Any other treatment? If so, what was it?
- Dates of treatment, including any recurrences.
- Date all treatment was completed.
- Physician contact data
If you’re a survivor and need life insurance, this is a good time to apply. These changes among insurance companies also go beyond breast cancer survivors. Many insurers are relaxing restrictions for survivors of colon and prostate cancer too! Do you have a question, comment or concern? You can tweet those to me @wiseinsgroup, post them on our Facebook page, write them in the comments section or email me at ed.wise@wiseinsurancegroup.com.
Congrats to those who’ve won the fight, prayers for those who still fight the fight, and tears (plus fond memories) for those who were taken from us too soon.
Ed Wise
