Are you wondering if you can get life insurance after thyroid cancer? While most insurance companies still consider someone that has been successfully treated for prostate cancer as a form of High Risk Life Insurance, there are several factors that will help determine if an insurance provider will offer you coverage, when they will offer it and at what cost. As medicine and treatments have improved, more companies are willing to insure thyroid cancer survivors, but it will be based on your specific case details. The following are the main factors that will be considered.
How Does An Insurance Companies View Thyroid Cancer
Types. Thyroid cancer is primarily classified into four types which vary in the amount of risk they present
- Papillary carcinoma is the most common type, accounting for 85% of thyroid cancer cases. This cancer type has the best prognosis, especially in patients who are younger. If this is the type of cancer you have, you are likely to still receive standard life insurance rates.
- Follicular carcinoma is the second least risk presenting form of thyroid cancer. Often times this type will still be eligible for standard insurance rates.
- Medullary thyroid carcinomas present a higher risk as they are not as easy to treat. They develop from the C cells of the thyroid gland, and often are genetically inherited. Coverage can be more difficult with this type of cancer.
- Anaplastic carcinoma (undifferentiated carcinoma) is a rare form of thyroid cancer which sometimes develops from papillary or follicular cancers that already exist. It is the most aggressive and life threatening. Coverage is not likely if you have this type of cancer, unless it has been treated and time has passed without it reappearing.
Stage. Similar to the other types of cancer, thyroid cancer is also classified into stages. These stages depend on the acuteness of the disease, and how far away from the thyroid gland it has spread. It is classified using the TMN system: T for the size of the primary tumor; N for the extent of its spread to adjacent lymph nodes, and M for whether the cancer has metastasized to other organs. Each key factor is gauged by the numbers 1-4, in order to denote the cancer’s level of severity. The more acute your cancer is or was, the better chance of coverage you will have.
Treatment. Treatment for thyroid cancer is largely dependent on what type of thyroid cancer you are diagnosed with. There are five options for a patient with thyroid cancer:
- surgery (lobectomy, thyroidectomy, etc.);
- external radiation therapy which may also include radioactive iodine theory;
- chemotherapy;
- thyroid hormone treatments or supplementation and t
- targeted therapy.
The treatments you have undergone will be considered to assess the likelihood of the cancer returning.
Follow-up. After undergoing treatment, patients with thyroid cancer should become more vigilant in terms of their health status. Regular check-ups should be attended in order to ensure that proper care is being given, including additional medications and treatments. Included in routine checkups, are blood samplings and imaging examinations for diagnostic and evaluation purposes. Being able to show a track record of follow-up care, will be considered when determining your risk to a company.
Being diagnosed with cancer and receiving treatment is no easy feat, but it doesn’t completely disqualify you from attaining life insurance. If you have conquered thyroid cancer, or are in the process of curing it, your case will be analyzed based on the above factors and may still qualify for a life insurance policy.
If you are interested in getting a quote, contact one of our insurance agents for a free consultation.
Nisona serves the insurance needs of the Treasure and Space Coast.