Jason Fisher An important piece of financial planning for your family is life insurance and endometrial cancer, unfortunately, can make this particular piece of the puzzle harder to get. But, it’s not impossible and there are several solutions you may find appropriate for you and your dependents.
Of the many different varieties of health risks we can assist you with, cancer is one which is much more involved throughout the process, both for you and the insurance company. Since we’ve been through this process many, many times, we can help you get it right the first time, in less time.
Today we’re discussing how endometrial cancer patients can get life insurance, what types are best, and what you can do to set yourself up for the best possible rates.
Better Life Insurance After Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial cancer, otherwise called uterine cancer, could see as many as 55,000 newly diagnosed cases this year; more than 10,000 will die from cancer of the endometrium in the same time frame. A vast majority of new cases are found in women over the age of 45.
Even though greater than half a million women have survived this type of cancer, it’s a health risk life insurers must account for. By way of higher premiums, postponements, or even declines, carriers choose what applications to accept by their own strict underwriting guidelines. As a consumer, it would be very difficult if not impossible to explore these on your own.
If you need life insurance and endometrial cancer is something you’ve battled or are battling, you need an impaired risk specialist, like us, to help you sort through the vast number of life insurance companies. We have a system to walk you through which enables us to not only pick the right carrier, but discover what type of policy is best for you.
Our Process
Understanding your health profile is our expertise, and this is what helps us to get you approved at the best possible rates in the industry. It’s best not to apply for coverage until you have a good idea of which type of policy you might be accepted for, and at what rate. A common mistake is to apply to the first company you come across just to see what happens; a postpone or decline does not look good on any future applications.
We start by asking pointed questions about your uterine cancer so we understand the past and present. Here are some of the questions you’ll need to be able to answer before we can proceed without sacrificing accuracy:
- When originally diagnosed with endometrial cancer, how old were you?
- At the time of your diagnosis, what stage was the cancer in?
– Stage 0 (in situ)
– Stage I
– Stage II
– Stage III
– Stage IV - What types of treatments did you undergo? (Cervicectomy, Chemotherapy, Hysterectomy, Lymphadenectomy, Oophorectomy, Radiotherapy, Salphingectomy) Were they successful?
- What types of medication were you prescribed? Are you still taking any medications currently?
- How long has it been since your last positive result for cancer?
- Do you have any other health concerns of any kind, both current and historical?
- Does your family have a running history of cancer?
- Do you, or have you ever, use tobacco products?
These questions will begin to outline a better picture of your overall battle with cancer, and this allows us to both make an educated guess on possible policies to apply for, and at what price and rating you can expect.
The two most important factors are your age at diagnosis, and what stage the cancer was at its worst. Younger endometrial cancer patients are harder to insure than older, and late stage is much more difficult than those who discovered the cancer in the womb early on. Tobacco use comes in a tight third, as long term tobacco use has been shown to drastically elevate chances of developing cancer.
Any other factor, such as additional health risks, adverse motor vehicle or criminal records, hazardous occupations or activities, and even previous bankruptcies can negatively impact your rates.
Possible Outcomes of Approval
Largely dependent on the stage of uterine cancer, life insurance underwriting results can vary drastically from one life insurance company to the next. While one carrier may take on a risk at standard, another may not consider it at all. This is why it’s so important to work with an impaired risk agent who understands the following in great detail.
Stage 0 (Carcinoma in Situ)
If abnormal cells are found in the uterus or along the wall of the womb, but has not spread, this is considered Stage 0 and will see the best rates of life insurance after endometrial cancer. Standard is likely the best possible outcome, though this varies deeply from carrier to carrier. Applicant would need to be in good health, not a smoker, and have a clean family history.
Stage I
This is the first true stage for endometrial cancer, and means the cancerous cells have begun to go beyond the endometrium and have protruded into the myometrium, the layer of tissue directly behind the endometrium. Stage IA and Stage IB would both yield, at best, mild Sub-Standard ratings. In addition, the applicant would likely be required to wait at least a year since the date of their last treatment. Recurrence, a tobacco history, or family history of cancer could lower this to moderate Sub-Standard or postpone for longer duration.
Stage II
The final stage at which someone could buy life insurance with a history of endometrial cancer is Stage II. The cancer cells, tumor or mass have spread into the surrounding connected tissue beyond the myometrium. Because of the long term risks and mortality numbers of this particular stage, applicants can expect moderate to high Sub-Standard approvals, at best. Most likely, high rates or lengthy postponements (2 years minimum) are the normal expected outcome, if not a decline.
Stage III
The best case scenario for a Stage III uterine cancer patient is a graded policy, if insurance is available at all. Typically, one would need to be five to ten years from the date of last treatment, but even then may have trouble securing coverage.
Stage IV
The best case scenario for a Stage IV uterine cancer patient is a guaranteed policy, where applicable.
Final Thoughts
Early stage endometrial cancer patients have the most positive outcomes, but they aren’t guaranteed to be underwritten the same from one person to the next. We suggest talking to an impaired risk agency, like us, who can provide more accurate quotes, and much more successful application processes.
You can start a quote in the sidebar to get started.
