Life insurance and cancer

Life insurance pays out a cash sum if you pass away, or if you’re diagnosed with a terminal illness during the length of your policy. So, if cancer is the cause of death or is the cause of a terminal illness diagnosis then, yes, it is covered. 

With L&G, a terminal illness is defined as having a definite diagnosis by your hospital consultant of an illness that satisfies both of the following:

• The illness either has no known cure or has progressed to the point where it cannot be cured; and
• In the opinion of your hospital consultant and our Medical Officer (a qualified doctor employed by L&G), the illness is expected to lead to death within 12 months.

Additionally, if you add Critical Illness Cover for an extra cost when taking out a life cover policy with us, you’ll have further financial protection in the event you’re diagnosed with a specified condition covered by the policy. In order to claim for cancer (excluding less advanced cases), your diagnosis would need to meet the definition in the policy booklet.

Later in this guide, we’ll explain whether you can get life insurance if you have a history of cancer.

There are around 200 types of cancer, many of which are covered by L&G’s Critical Illness Cover. But what matters isn’t just the type of cancer but the extent to which the cancer has spread, and where it originated.

Some types of cancer are not covered by our Critical Illness Cover. For example, we do not currently cover cancers that are ‘historically classified’ as pre-malignant or non-invasive. The ‘historical classification’ refers to the type of tissue and location of the body where the cancer started.

You can find more information about the conditions covered in our Critical Illness Cover policy booklet. If you already have Critical Illness Cover with us, please refer to your original policy documents for the full terms and conditions and definitions available to you, as the conditions you’re covered for may be different.

Yes – depending on the nature and extent of the cancer, it’s possible to get life insurance after surviving certain cancers. This includes the four most common types of cancer:

• Breast cancer
• Bowel cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Lung cancer. 

However, if you’ve previously had a cancer such as these, there may be a period of time before you can get life insurance. Additionally, the amount you pay for the policy (the premium) may end up higher.

You will need to tell your insurer about your medical history when you apply for cover. They will assess whether to offer you a life insurance policy. This won't just be on the basis of your cancer history. They'll also take account of things like your age, other medical information, and how much cover you wish to take out.

Similarly, you can get critical illness cover after cancer, but whether you get cover depends on factors like the type of cancer and its severity.

You can buy life insurance from L&G directly online or over the phone. We try to make this straightforward and offer support from start to finish. Our policies are also available from advisers if you want more help. 

Please remember, life insurance is not a savings or investment product and has no cash value unless a valid claim is made.

If you are aged 50-80, there is also the option of Over 50 Life Insurance, which has guaranteed acceptance with no medical questions. The maximum amount of cover is £10,000, so whether this type of insurance would be suitable depends on your needs. But it could be an affordable way for you to leave some money for your loved ones after you die. It could be used to help settle unpaid bills, as a gift, or to help towards the cost of a funeral. Full cover is payable after one year. 

Other types of life insurance may be available if you can answer health and lifestyle questions. Speak to an adviser if you need help.

A family history of cancer can affect both a life insurance and critical illness cover application. For example, inherited conditions, like certain types of bowel, breast or ovarian cancers could make cover more expensive. For Critical Illness Cover we might not pay a claim that’s linked to your family history. 

We’ll always explain what your policy will cover and how much it will cost before you buy. That means you can make an informed decision about whether to go ahead or shop around.