Jason Fisher To be diagnosed with a tumor can have serious implications for your life… and maybe even your life or health insurance.
Though a benign tumor isn’t malignant, and thus isn’t cancerous, it can still pose several risks life insurance companies must take into consideration.
The tumor won’t spread to other parts of the body (like cancer) but it can still cause serious health problems, especially if located on vital organs, blood vessels, or nerves.
The best life insurance companies understand the risks of a benign tumor. They also understand the outlook for most benign tumors is very good.
They’ll take this information into consideration during your application process.
Here is what you need to know to get the best rates on life insurance with benign tumors.
Pay Less For Life Insurance with Benign Tumors
Benign tumors are very common. Tens of thousands of Americans are diagnosed with them ever year.
According to WebMD, a tumor is an abnormal growth of cells serving no purpose. A benign tumor is not a malignant tumor, which is cancer. It does not invade nearby tissue or the body the way cancer can.
The risks of a benign tumor are generally low. Cancer Research UK says the outlook is very good and the patient should be able to live a normal life. Usually a benign tumor can be left alone and doesn’t require treatment.
However, there are certain scenarios where a benign tumor does require treatment. As mentioned above, this is usually when the tumor is located on a vital organ, blood vessels, or nerves. A benign tumor on one of these locations might require operation.
So, why do people develop benign tumors and what are risk factors? The most common known causes include:
- Genetics
- Poor diet and high-stress lifestyle
- Exposure to environmental toxins
- Inflammation or infection
- Injury to local area
Benign tumors are classified by where they appear on the body. Healthline.com lists the most common types of benign tumors as:
Adenomas – Located in epithelial tissue covering organs and glands. Common in colon, liver, and thyroid.
Fibromas – Can grow in any organ. Most common in uterus.
Hemangiomas – Caused by a buildup of blood vessels. Sometimes appear as a birthmark. Usually go away on their own.
Lipomas – Located in fat cells. Common on neck, shoulders, and back.
Menigiomas – Grow on membrane surrounding brain or spinal cord. Benign 90% of time but should be checked regularly by a doctor.
Myomas – Located in smooth muscle such as the stomach and uterus.
Nevi – Commonly known as a mole. Grow on skin. Be sure to have new moles checked by a doctor to ensure they’re not malignant.
Neuromas – Located on nerves. Surgery is often needed to reduce pain.
Osteochondromas – Grow in bones. Often on knees, shoulders, and other joints.
Papillomas – Located in epithelial tissuse. Common in skin, cervix, and inside of eyelid. Often caused by an infection.
Be sure to work with a life insurance agent, like us, who understands the many types of benign tumors and their risks. This will ensure you find the best life insurance policy possible.
The Application Process After Benign Tumors
Life insurance carriers carefully vet each potential client before making an offer of coverage. One of the main factors they take into consideration is their medical history. They don’t want to take on a client who poses an undue risk.
Fortunately, a benign tumor usually isn’t considered high risk. It generally won’t cause big problems when seeking a life insurance policy.
It’s important to be prepared when you speak to us, regardless. You can expect us to ask you numerous questions. Be prepared to answer the following:
Overall Health – You’ll be asked about your medical history and current health, aside from your benign tumor. Do you have any other medical conditions affecting your health?
Diet, Exercise, and Lifestyle – A healthy diet, regular exercise, and a smoke-free lifestyle score big points with life insurance companies. The healthier you are, the better the chance you’ll qualify for a Preferred or Standard rate.
Date of Diagnosis – When were you first diagnosed with your benign tumor?
Tumor Type and Location – Your insurance agent will ask you several questions about your benign tumor. Chiefly they’ll ask what type it is and where it’s located.
Treatment – Have you sought or intend to seek treatment related to your benign tumor? Does your doctor recommend taking this course of action?
We’ll help you narrow down your search to a life insurance company who asks these questions. They give the company a better understanding of your individual situation so they can give you the best rates possible.
Common Results
According to the American Cancer Society, a benign tumor doesn’t put you at a higher risk of developing cancer in the future.
The best life insurance providers know this. Unless there are complications, they won’t judge you more harshly based on the presence of your benign tumor, though several recurring can become more difficult to work around.
Many people will find life insurance with a benign tumor at a Preferred rate. Most others should qualify for a Standard rate. Of course, you’ll only qualify for these ideal premiums if you lead an otherwise healthy lifestyle and have no other medical conditions.
Generally, the only reason you’ll receive a Sub-Sstandard rate is if your benign tumor is located on a vital organ, or is recurring. Tumors located on such organs have the potential to cause complications down the road. The underwriter will access the specifics of your condition before deciding on the premium to give you.
Get the best results by documenting each doctor visit, and always attending regular checkups. You don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for life insurance, even with a benign tumor, if you do things right.
What to Do Next
Start your research right away. Contact us immediately so we can help sort out what your options may be.
We work closely with several of the best life insurance companies, and more than 40 total. We can help you sort through them to find the best premium and coverage possible.
