Can you get life insurance with ovarian cancer?

Congratulations! If you are reading this article, perhaps you are one of the lucky survivors. Undoubtedly you are blessed. We pray for your long life. But what now? While looking for life insurance after surviving an ovarian cancer, most of the women roam around clueless. They remain ignorant as in where to head since most insurance companies would deny them, at least for the time being. Life insurance companies consider any kind of cancer as a serious threat. Ovarian cancer accounts for nearly 5% of all cancers in women and is the 4th leading reason for deaths of women due to cancer in the U.S. Typically, life insurance underwriters determine the life insurance rate for an ovarian cancer patient by assessing the grade and stage of the cancer, as well as the type of cancer cells that are present. Your rates will be determined based on your pathology report as it will have the necessary details required. Whatever, be prepared to pay higher rates that you used to pay when healthy.

What are the effects that ovarian cancer have on insurance rates?

The first table below will give you insight into the different stages of ovarian cancer and the 5 year survival rates. Just like any other cancer, ovarian cancer too is staged according to the size when it is diagnosed. The earlier an ovarian cancer is detected, the lower the stage is and hence, chances are pretty less that it has spread to other parts of the body. An earlier detection also increases the survival chances. The second table is all about the kind of ratings and flat extras one receives depending on her stage of cancer. table, th, td { border: 1px solid black; border-collapse: collapse; } th, td { padding: 10px; } Ovarian Cancer Stage Classification Stage Description 5-year survival rate 1 Cancer limited to ovaries 70% to 90% 2 Cancer limited to pelvis 50% to 70% 3 Cancer limited to abdominal cavity 25% 4 Distant metastasis (has spread to other parts of the body) 10% table, th, td { border: 1px solid black; border-collapse: collapse; } th, td { padding: 10px; } Ratings Stage Usual Characteristics Expected Rating 1 Cancer present in one or both ovaries Postponed for 1 year following last treatment; then Standard through Table 2 plus $5-$10 per $1000 flat extra for 5 years 2 Cancer is present in other areas of the pelvis Postponed for 3 years following last treatment; then Standard through Table 2 plus $10 per $1000 flat extra for 5 years 3 Cancer present in lymph nodes and may be present in abdomen Postponed for 5 years following last treatment; then Standard through Table 2 plus $15 per $1000 flat extras for 5 years 4 Cancer is present in area outside the abdomen and lymph nodes Usually Declined; individual consideration occasionally given after 5 year postponement While only 1 in 7 women has chances of getting diagnosed, unfortunately, ovarian cancer is one of the types not typically found during early stages, until it has spread beyond the ovaries. This dramatically decreases the chances of survival and hence it becomes difficult to avail any insurance. Though not for every women, a traditional life insurance policy can still be purchased. However, you’re offered a policy only after going through your physician’s statement, prescriptions and driving records. Below are few questions to check if you should apply for a traditional policy:

1. When were you diagnosed? 2. What stage the ovarian cancer was during the diagnosis? 3. What are the infected areas? 4. What types of cancer cells were present? 5. Did you undergo any treatment? If yes, what type? 6. When were you last detected as positive? 7. Does your family history involve cancer?

However, if you were looking for a last resort, you could consider a graded or guaranteed issue life insurance policy. A guaranteed issue life insurance may mean smaller death benefits, limited payouts in the first years, but comes with less underwriting or none at all. Tables courtesy: llgfinancial.com