Can You Get Life Insurance After Prostate Cancer
Can you get life insurance after prostate cancer? is a question many men find themselves asking. The answer is hopeful!
Just like searching for the perfect birthday gift, it’s all about finding what suits you best. The world of insurance has options that understand what you’ve been through and aim to have your back.
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Life Insurance for Someone with Prostate Cancer
Does prostate cancer affect life insurance?
With active prostate issues and ongoing treatment, many life insurance options might delay or decline coverage. After treatment, several follow-ups are typically required to ensure the issue is resolved if you’re considering prostate-specific life insurance.
In fact, life insurance for prostate cancer survivors is very achievable. We will go over this extensively in this article so YOU will have a better understanding.
Again, prostate cancer is considered a pre-existing medical condition and a high risk one at that. But you can get coverage if you talk to the right agent. Overall, if caught early, this is one of the cancers life insurance carriers are lenient with for its low mortality rate if caught early.
So don’t fret, prostate cancer survivors’ life insurance can be affordable!
Life Insurance After Prostate Cancer
Can I get life insurance if I had prostate cancer?
Trying to get life insurance with any pre-existing condition will be challenging especially after a diagnosis of prostate cancer. Although prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men, it is still cancer you want to catch early.
When applying for specialized life insurance after a diagnosis, the type of treatment, tumor stage, and grade play crucial roles in determining eligibility for coverage.
Here are the factors life insurance underwriters will consider when determining whether you are eligible for coverage:
- What age were you diagnosed
- Treatment (Radiation, Brachytherapy, Prostatectomy)
- Stage
- Grade
- Current PSA levels
- Gleason Score
Although less than 10% of prostate cancer survivors actually pass away, treatment and catching it early is the best way to have success for cancer patients seeking life insurance.
If you’re seeking a life insurance policy for someone with health concerns related to the prostate, rest assured it’s achievable! Most importantly, it’s essential to consult with a knowledgeable agent.
Life Insurance After Prostate Cancer Surgery
Following a diagnosis, available treatment options hinge on the stage and timing of detection. Doctors might recommend surgery, like a prostatectomy, depending on the disease’s stage, the patient’s health, and other factors.
A prostatectomy entails removing the prostate and occasionally nearby tissue to ensure the complete elimination of problematic cells. After a successful procedure, the patient’s PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) typically drops to less than .01.
Here are the 3 types of Prostatectomy:
- Radical Prostatectomy (Open)
- Robotic Prostatectomy
- Bilateral Orchiectomy
Above all, when you have the entire prostate gland removed with the combination of catching cancer early, there is a very good chance that you may be able to get affordable coverage.
Can I Get Life Insurance After Prostate Cancer
After successful treatment for prostate issues, securing life insurance is possible. While all forms of cancer carry risks, conditions related to the prostate typically progress at a slower pace.
After treatment has been completed there is a chance that obtaining a standard rate can be accomplished. Of course, there will be some criteria in order for this to be possible.
Above all, being able to secure a standard rate insurance quote will be based on the following.
Treatment of Radiation and/or Prostatectomy
- PSA does not rise during active surveillance (watchful waiting) if over age 60
- Older ages at diagnosis, Gleason Score < 6, No Gleason 4 or 5 reported
- PSA is persistently < 0.2 after radiation
- PSA is persistently undetectable (<.01) after radical prostatectomy
Understanding Life Insurance Underwriting with Prostate Cancer
Below are the basic Life Insurance Underwriting Ratings after Prostate Cancer. Overall, this will determine your rate class and what you will pay monthly.
Life Insurance Rating For Prostate Cancer:
Treated by Active Surveillance, Watchful Waiting
- Age 55-59: Postpone 5 years from diagnosis or until age 60
- Age 60+: Table 2 – Decline based on Gleason, Stage, PSA, and current age.
If treated by Radiation Treatment
- Age 50+: Table B-Decline based on If PSA is undetectable and over age 65 Table B possible.
- Unfavorable factors include PSA > 1,
- Hormonal therapy, Stage > cT2,
- Greason 4+3 or tertiary 5 (worse if Gleason 8-10).
- Decline if PSA is detectable.
Treated by Prostatectomy
- Standard – Decline: Unfavorable factors: PSA > 1.0,
- Gleason 4+3 or tertiary 5,
- Gleason unknown or 8-10,
- Stage > pT3a, hormonal therapy.
Now that you know it is possible to get coverage. The best way to secure life insurance is to shop around and deal with an independent agent that knows the guidelines.
Questions Asked By Underwriters
Please list date of first diagnosis. |
How was the cancer treated? Observation only? Radiation, Chemotherapy? |
What medications are you taking? |
What stage was the cancer? |
What was your Gleason Score? |
Please give the date and result of the most recent PSA test. |
Any other major health problems, such as heart disease, other cancer, etc.? |
These questions are very important in achieving prostate cancer life insurance underwriting approval.
Term Life Insurance After Prostate Cancer
Getting term life insurance after treatment related to prostate issues can be a challenge, but it’s attainable. However, securing such insurance while facing these health concerns might be more difficult.
When it comes to underwriting for a term policy there will be a paramedical exam, APS (Attending Physicians Statement) or medical records with the pathology report. The underwriter will want to see the entire picture to access risk appropriately.
In underwriting, prostate cancer will be assessed by stage and grade of the tumor. The stage is the tumor size. The Gleason score graded the aggressiveness of the tumor. The Gleason score ranges from 2-10. The higher the Gleason score the more likely it will spread.
Here are some examples of treatment and how it will impact a prostate cancer life insurance quote and company rates.
Example 1
John is 51 years old and was diagnosed with prostate cancer and had a radical prostatectomy. More than one year later with a Gleason score under 5 and PSA at undetectable levels, John had got a standard rate.
Example 1
Duration | 30 years |
---|---|
Coverage Amount | $500,000 |
Insurance Provider | Banner Life OPTerm |
Rating | Standard Non Tobacco |
Age Nearest | 51 |
Monthly Premium | $266.69/mth |
Yearly Premium | $3,100.99/yr |
Example 2
At 56, Steven was diagnosed with prostate-related concerns and underwent radiation. With the issue localized to the prostate, a Gleason score below 6, and a steady PSA under .02 for a year, he achieved approval at a standard rate.
Example 2
Duration | 20 years |
---|---|
Coverage Amount | $500,000 |
Insurance Provider | Lincoln Financial Group TermAccel (eticket) |
Rating | Standard Non Tobacco |
Age Nearest | 56 |
Monthly Premium | $255.37/mth |
Yearly Premium | $2,918.50/yr |
Example 3
Roger was diagnosed with prostate cancer at age 62, the cancer was confined to the prostate. At application and with the Gleason score under 6 and PSA under 10 and not rising the insurance company postponed for three years after diagnosis. He was then approved for Table 3/C at age 65.
Example 3
Duration | 15 years |
---|---|
Coverage Amount | $500,000 |
Insurance Provider | AIG Select A Term |
Rating | Standard non tobacco |
Age Nearest | 56 |
Table | 3 or C |
Monthly Premium | $267.63/mth |
Yearly Premium | $3,130.20/yr |
Clearly, to get the best rate after a diagnosis related to the prostate, the treatment plays a significant role. If this disease ever affects me, take my prostate.
Survival Rates For Prostate Cancer
If diagnosed with issues related to the prostate, insurance companies view it differently than they do other cancers, such as skin cancer (melanoma).The survival rate is the key.
For prostate cancer, the 5-year survival rate with local regional prostate cancer is nearly 10%. However, if cancer spread to other parts of the body or lymph nodes, the 5-year survival rate would be 30%.
FAQs
Why’s it so crucial to be in the know about prostate cancer when thinking about life insurance?
It’s all about being prepared. Understanding prostate cancer can help you navigate the life insurance world better, ensuring you get the best coverage for your unique situation.
I’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer. How’s that going to affect my life insurance options?
It might shake things up a bit, but it’s not a game over. With the right info and some dedicated searching, you can find policies tailored for folks with health conditions like prostate cancer. And hey, some companies specialize in just that!
Are there any life insurance hacks for someone concerned about prostate cancer?
Definitely! First off, living a healthy life can sometimes help you score better insurance rates. And if you’ve got a family history of prostate cancer, consider looking into policies that are lenient with family medical histories. Always good to shop around and compare.
Just got the big diagnosis. Any tips on finding life insurance that doesn’t break the bank?
It’s all about research and asking the right questions. Some insurers are more understanding than others when it comes to health challenges. Get multiple quotes, ask about policies tailored for prostate cancer patients, and don’t be shy about negotiating.
Can someone with prostate cancer still land a killer life insurance deal and live life to the fullest?
Absolutely! Life insurance is all about peace of mind, and there are policies out there that cater to everyone, even those riding the prostate cancer wave. And with the right coverage in your pocket, you can keep chasing dreams without missing a beat.
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Conclusion
Look, we get it. Wading through the world of life insurance after a prostate hiccup can feel like a maze. But don’t lose heart! Just as doctors are finding better ways to help folks like you, insurance companies are adapting too.
Stay curious, ask loads of questions, and hunt for policies that genuinely get where you’re coming from. Remember, it’s not just about getting a policy; it’s about feeling secure and letting your family know they’re taken care of.
You’ve got this!
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