Was anybody able to get term life insurance after BC diagnosis?

muska

I tried getting one last year through my employer while I was still in active treatment and was denied for medical reasons. Applied again this year and will have to undergo a medical exam by paramedic. Was anybody approved for a term life after BC diagnosis?

Thank you.

Juliecc

I have $100k through work because they ask health questions for any amount above that. The first question asks if you have had cancer, heart disease, etc. in the last 7 years. I'll stick with the $100k.

muska

My insurer asks health questions no matter the amount and does not offer policiesunder 100K.

anotherday2015

AARP. I pay $10.05/month for $2,500. Enough to cremate me and send me off the way I want.

jenjenl

I was grandfathered into my work policy for 500k but it's still not enough if i was to pass. I can't up it unless i pass the health questions. My DH doesn't work right now but he's a chef and makes a crappy 14/h about 10/h after taxes. He'd never be able to support our kids on that. I'm the breadwinner. I tried last year through a different company and the lady i was talking to had BC 10 yrs ago and still can't get a substantial policy😞 I've been riding all my friends and families asses to get their policies now!

I'll be favoriting this to see if others had success.

Meow13

i had a 2.25 times my yearly salary but now I am retired and only have a 2,000 benefit. Colonial Penn has a no questions asked it is like 10 dollars a month per unit of coverage (whatever that is).

BrooksideVT

My company offers life insurance (term and permanent) once you are two years past treatment. Rates would be higher, of course. Yes, a nurse will visit and ask questions, and you will authorize the underwriters to contact your doctors for your medical records.

Whole life insurance is available without medical questions from several companies, including Gerber and MetLife. Most pay only the premiums plus interest if you die within the first two years, other than by accident. Most also require that you be 55. The MetLife policy is available at age 45.

muska

Well, my second attempt - first was last year when I was a few months out of active treatment - was unsuccessful. Last year, I was denied because of bc, no questions asked. This year, they sent me a letter stating they wanted blood test and medical records from my MO. A nurse came home on a Saturday and took blood and urine samples. About a month later, I got a letter from the insurance company explaining that I was denied because of blood test results - showed significantly elevated Alp Phos and GGT - and bc staging. They enclosed the labs and recommended I follow up with my medical provider which I am doing this week.

AmyQ

The only insurance I was able to get was accidental death and dismemberment for $250,000 for a mere $175 or so. I was denied term and whole life because of my dx...for some reason I feel better having something rather than no coverage at all.

Amy

MaxineO

jenjenl, I could have written your post. I am in exactly the same position. I am telling everyone to but insurance NOW.

I have tried NW Mutual and MetLife. No go. The irritating thing is that they won't tell you how far from diagnosis you have to be. I don't think the positive nodes/stage 3 is going to help my case.

My company permits changes to current group policy during open season, but they haven't had an open call in over 10 years.

I will be watching for positive posts...

BrooksideVT

Maxine, it's years from treatment, not diagnosis. If you contact an agent, that person can check his or her own company's underwriting guidelines, and often those of other insurers as well.

Also, everyone, check your employer policies. Many turn to dust when you retire.

jenjenl

Exactly that's my biggest concern, since mine is through work...it might be good but what happens if I exceed long term care or retire. Screwed. So pissed - you think you are doing the right things but then life changes course. Sucks.

armamp95

With some employer plans, you may have a right to convert to an individual policy when you leave the group. Read all that fine print!

MerrellGirl

Hi ladies, I just popped on because I was thinking about insurance yesterday.  I am not surprised at the rejections.  I was thinking about looking into mortgage insurance - anybody tried that?  At least it would free up the home. 

DivineMrsM

in case anyone is reading this thread, try Colonial Penn Insurance and Mutual of Omaha. I was able to get a policy from both after the bc dx. One is for 15,000 at about a 40 dollar a month cost and the other is 25,000 for about 75 a month.

ThePrincess

how long after treatments, etc. did you have to wait to apply?

Englishmummy

Here is what Massmutual requires timelines etc:  https://www.massmutual.com/mmfg/pdf/breast_cancer_surviviors.pdf

Here is some information on 'how to' http://quickquote.com/articles/how-to-get-term-life-insurance-if-you-have-breast-cancer/

 

ThePrincess

Thanks!!

DivineMrsM

I don't think there is any wait, you, just apply

BrooksideVT

Princess, if you are over age 50, you can apply for whole life (a policy with cash value) to a guaranteed issue company such as Gerber. Their application asks no health questions, but, for the first two years, if you die from a reason other than accident, they return your premiums plus a hefty interest. After two years, the contractual death benefit is paid without question.

Regardless of age, once you have completed treatment (surgery, rads, chemo), you can apply for an individually underwritten term or permanent policy. Different companies have different waiting times and somewhat different ways of determining health rating and premium. All will write to all your doctors.

Do speak with a agent and ask him or her to email your specifics (age, weight, tumor details, treatment) to an underwriter. He or she will then be able to tell you how that particular company will handle your application. Many companies have a page in the application where your signature allows them to "shop" other insurers in hopes of finding a better rating/lower premium.

It happens that I am an insurance agent and have just taken an application from a woman who had breast cancer eight years ago. I expect at least a standard rating, and, through one company or another, maybe even preferred. As your diagnosis is recent, I think your initial premium will be high (if they will insure you so soon after diagnosis), but once a certain time has gone on (usually one or two years) you can apply for a reduced premium/higher rating. Do feel free to PM me with questions.