It's estimated that around 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime[1] in the UK. It's also the 2nd most common cancer in the UK, accounting for 14% of all new cancer cases[2].
Having life insurance could make a world of difference for your loved ones financially. If you’ve had prostate cancer, you might wonder whether this affects your chances of getting cover. Or if you have a family history of prostate cancer, you may be concerned about its implications for future insurance policies.
The good news is that having had prostate cancer doesn't automatically disqualify you from applying for life cover. In this guide, we'll explain how it can affect a potential policy as well as what insurers tend to look at.
If you’re over 50, Black, or have a family history of the disease, your risk may be higher. The earlier it’s found, the easier it is to treat. Use Prostate Cancer UK's risk checker to learn more.
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Does life insurance cover prostate cancer?
Life insurance typically covers deaths as a result of cancer, including prostate cancer. As long as you have an active policy and you were honest about your medical history, your policy should pay out as normal. When this happens, your family will receive a cash lump sum as agreed upon in your policy.
It’s important to note that life insurance doesn’t pay out on diagnosis alone. A claim is only valid if the policyholder dies during the term of the policy, or is given less than 12 months to live (a terminal diagnosis).
Some people choose to add critical illness cover alongside life insurance. This is a separate benefit that can pay out a lump sum if you’re diagnosed with a serious illness, including certain types of cancers.
Can you get life insurance if you've had prostate cancer?
It may be possible to get life insurance after prostate cancer. As with any health condition, your ability to get cover will depend on the severity. When you apply for cover, insurers will ask you a series of questions about your history of prostate cancer. This usually includes;
The age of your cancer diagnosis
Stage and grade of prostate cancer
Your Gleason score
Any treatment you received, such as surgery, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, etc.
How long you’ve been in remission
Your PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) reading then/now
Current health and follow-up checks
Insurers will also take into account any additional medical conditions you have. For example, if you have a chronic illness in addition to a history of prostate cancer, your risk profile might be considered higher.
If you're unsure whether you'd be eligible for life insurance, our specialist advisers can help. They'll be able to guide you through the application process and find a policy suitable for your circumstances. Speak to an adviser today.
Can you be denied life insurance because of prostate cancer?
If you're still living with prostate cancer, receiving treatment, or recently recovered from prostate cancer, you may be denied standard cover or your application may be postponed.
Over 50s life insurance, however, is not medically underwritten, so you’re guaranteed cover, but it does exclude pre-existing conditions.
For anyone under 50, there are specialist providers that may be able to do non-medically underwritten cover, but these are typically only available through an insurance adviser.
You can contact our team of insurance advisers on
01392 436193
(Monday to Thursday 9am – 5.30pm, Friday 9am – 5pm)
Many people who are in remission and have recovered fully are still able to obtain life insurance. However, the terms and premiums of the policy may vary depending on your medical history and overall health.
For more information, please see our guide on what you can do if you've been declined life insurance.
How long after prostate cancer can you apply?
This will depend on your insurer's underwriting process, as how they assess risk can vary.
Some insurers may allow you to apply after a complete response period of just one or two years.
Others may require a more extended remission period, such as five or ten years, before considering your application.
In most cases, the longer you have been free from cancer, the more likely you are to receive cover. By this time, they will be able to determine that a full recovery has been made and that there's less chance of the cancer returning.
How does prostate cancer affect premiums?
How much you pay for life insurance usually depends on factors such as your age and the type of policy you wish to buy. However, if you have a pre-existing condition (in this case, prostate cancer), your premiums will likely be higher than usual.
The same applies if you have any additional health issues or risk factors that could impact your overall life expectancy, such as being a smoker.
Insurers will always conduct a detailed review of your medical history. This includes the stage and grade of the prostate cancer, treatment received, and current health status, to assess the risk.
Working with a specialist life insurance adviser can be particularly helpful. We understand how different insurers assess prostate cancer and can help find the most suitable and cost-effective policy for your situation.
Types of life insurance that may be available
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to secure policies such as:
Whole life insurance – covers you for the rest of your life, paying out a cash lump sum in the event of your death. Your premiums and payout amount are fixed throughout the policy.
Term life insurance – covers you for a specified time, typically between 5-50 years. The policy pays out so long as you die within the agreed term; if not, it expires, and no payout is made. It's often used to cover expenses like mortgages. Premiums are usually fixed unless you add on indexation.
Joint life insurance – usually purchased as a term policy, covering two people under one policy. It pays out after one of the policyholders dies or once both have died. It's usually purchased by couples who want to protect each other in the event of death. Premiums are usually fixed unless you add on indexation.
Over 50s life insurance – designed for people aged 50-80, offering guaranteed acceptance for cover. No medical information is required, though there is typically a waiting period of 12-14 months. Premiums are usually fixed for this type of policy.
If you are unable to apply for these types of policies, there are other options available such as guaranteed life insurance. This is intended for people who may have difficulty qualifying for traditional policies due to medical histories.
Like over-50s cover, it does not require a medical exam or health questions. However, it typically offers lower cover amounts, higher premiums and a waiting period before benefits are paid.
Do you have to tell insurers about your cancer history?
When you apply for life insurance, you have to be 100% honest about the information you give, including a previous prostate cancer diagnosis. Failing to disclose such information can lead to consequences, including your policy being cancelled or having a future claim denied.
Even if you think it could increase your premiums, it's always better to be upfront and transparent with your insurer.
Still unsure?
Get expert advice from Cavendish Online
If you’re still unsure about your eligibility for life insurance after prostate cancer, our specialist advisers are here to help.
They can answer any questions you have, explain how insurers assess risk, and guide you through the application process to find a policy that suits your circumstances. Speak to an expert today and explore your options with confidence.
