Life insurance, health insurance and loans after cancer

It cannot tell you whether a particular insurer will offer you cover, how much it will cost, or how long you need to wait after treatment. These vary between insurers, policies and cancer types.

It also cannot give legal or financial advice. Speak to a qualified adviser for personal guidance.

Health insurance portability

Existing health insurance can often be moved to another insurer while keeping some credit for time already covered. Check terms carefully before switching, and do not let your old policy lapse until the new one is confirmed.

Critical illness policies

Critical illness cover pays a lump sum on diagnosis of specified illnesses. After cancer, new policies often exclude cancer or are harder to obtain. Read definitions and exclusions carefully.

Loans and credit

Some lenders require life cover for home or business loans. If standard cover is difficult, ask about alternatives, such as assigning existing policies or offering other security.

Family members

A family history of cancer may be asked about on relatives' applications. Answer honestly.

Keeping records

Keep copies of applications, disclosures, policy documents, premium receipts and claim correspondence.

Emotional impact

Being refused insurance can feel like another consequence of cancer. It is understandable to feel frustrated. Support from family, advisers and survivor groups can help.

Waiting periods and exclusions

New health insurance policies usually have waiting periods before pre-existing conditions are covered, and some exclude them permanently. Read the policy wording on pre-existing diseases carefully and ask the insurer to explain in writing.

Group insurance when changing jobs

If you rely on employer group cover, find out what happens when you leave the job, including whether you can convert to an individual policy without new medical checks.

Government health schemes

Government schemes, such as national and state health protection schemes, may cover hospital treatment for eligible families at empanelled hospitals, regardless of private insurance. Check eligibility with the hospital's scheme desk.

Claims during follow-up

If you need tests or treatment related to cancer after your policy starts, check whether they are covered before booking, and keep all reports and bills.

Working with an adviser

An insurance adviser familiar with medical conditions can help compare policies, explain exclusions and prepare applications. Check their registration and ask how they are paid.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance may exclude claims related to cancer. Declare your history and look for policies that cover pre-existing conditions if you travel.

Protecting your family in other ways

If life insurance is difficult, other ways to protect your family, such as savings, employer benefits or existing policies, may help. A financial adviser can suggest options.

Children who had cancer

Parents should keep records safe, as childhood cancer survivors may be asked about their history when applying for insurance as adults.

Reviewing policies regularly

Review your insurance each year, especially after changes in health, job or family, to make sure cover still meets your needs.

Getting help with forms

Hospital social workers or insurance desks can help you understand forms and gather the medical documents insurers ask for.

Being patient

Applications after cancer can take longer. Start early and keep track of correspondence.

Asking for reasons in writing

If you are declined or charged more, ask for the reasons in writing, which helps when applying elsewhere.

What to do next

Keep existing policies active, disclose your history honestly, gather medical reports, compare insurers and use advisers, check employer and government options, read exclusions carefully, and use grievance processes if you are treated unfairly.