How To Get Burial Insurance With A Two-Year Look-Back For Cancer
Written by Daniel Ray, Life Insurance Expert |
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Fact Checked by
Lisamarie Monaco |
Editorial Disclosure
Navigating through the realm of burial insurance with a two-year look-back for cancer can initially seem like a daunting task, laden with medical jargon and insurance terminology that may feel overwhelming.
Life is filled with uncertainties, especially for seniors diagnosed with cancer. In a whirlwind of doctor visits, treatments, and emotional turmoil, the last thing anyone wants to think about is the financial burden left behind for their families.
Thankfully, the realm of burial insurance, especially policies like the “two-year look-back for cancer,” offers a glimmer of hope and assurance. Let’s dive into this world and see how it provides comfort during challenging times.
Table of contents
Understanding Burial Insurance for Cancer Patients
Burial insurance with a two-year lookback for cancer is a type of life insurance that pays out upon death, but only if you die from cancer within a specified period after purchasing the policy.
The insurer usually looks back at least two years from when you buy the policy to see if it will pay out on your death, although some policies will go back longer.
Burial insurance with a two-year lookback for cancer is one of the most affordable options. It’s also one of the most popular because it provides peace of mind if you or your loved one becomes ill.
The lookback period refers to how long an insurer will pay out benefits in case of death from cancer.
For example, if you have a policy with a two-year lookback period, it means that if you die from cancer within those two years, your family will receive the total payout amount.
However, after those two years, your policy will become invalidated, and your family won’t receive any more money.
Some policies have a lifetime lookback period so that your family will always be able to claim benefits if you pass away from cancer at any point during the plan term.
However, these policies are usually more expensive than ones with shorter periods of waiting for coverage. In addition, we have plans for age 85 and over.
What is Cancer and its Symptoms?
Cancer is any disease in which cells divide uncontrollably and spread to other body parts. It can affect almost any part of your body and has more than 100 types.
Cancer can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The most common cancers are breast, lung, and prostate, but there are many others.
A lump can sometimes be felt in the breast or armpit if cancer develops there, but other symptoms include:
- tiredness, weakness, and weight loss;
- a change in bowel habits;
- unexplained bleeding or discharge;
- sores that do not heal;
- a lump or swelling anywhere on the body;
Impact of Two-Year Look-Back For Cancer on Burial Coverage
The answer is complicated and depends on the type of policy you have. In most cases, a person who has been diagnosed with cancer can still get burial insurance coverage. However, there are some exceptions.
A burial policy will pay out upon death if you die within two years after the policy was issued. If you live longer than that, the policy will not pay out unless it has been renewed and paid for again (usually on an annual basis).
So, if you have been diagnosed with cancer and have not yet renewed your burial policy, it may not pay out upon your death.
Best Insurance Policy Option for Two-Year Look-Back with Cancer
Cancer-free for more than two years.
As you have been cancer-free for two years or more, you can answer the cancer questions on the application by saying “No.” With this plan, you can get the lowest rate on life insurance.
You’ll receive a smaller death benefit and coverage that starts the next day.
The immediate issue-level death benefit plan is less complicated than a traditional life insurance policy because it will not run an extensive medical examination and only asks some questions to determine coverage.
This plan starts with first-day coverage and has a level premium that doesn’t change once chosen. Your insurance will never reduce in price, and your beneficiary will get a 100% payout when you die.
The low-cost death benefit plan has a competitive price point and provides the same essential coverage as a guaranteed burial insurance policy.
If you’ve been successful with the treatment for more than two years, you meet all requirements for this plan.
Carrier Guidelines:
Past Cancer (excluding basal/squamous cell skin cancer) Insurance Criteria
| Aetna (Protection Series) | If treated within 3 years, Decline |
| American Amicable (Senior Choice) | If treated within 2 years, ROP. If treated between 2 and 3 years ago, Graded. If “Has the prospect ever had cancer more than once?” answered “Yes” , ROP |
| Americo | If treated within 2 years, Decline. If “Has the prospect ever had cancer more than once?” answered “Yes” , Decline. If “Has the prospect ever had metastatic cancer?” answered “Yes” , Decline |
| CVS (Aetna Accendo) | If treated within 2 years, Decline. If “Has the prospect ever had cancer more than once?” answered “Yes” , Decline |
| Foresters (PlanRight) | If treated within 3 years, Basic. If “Has the prospect ever had cancer more than once?” answered “Yes” , Decline |
| Great Western | If treated within 3 years, Graded. If “Has the prospect ever had recurrent cancer (excluding basal cell skin cancer) of the same type?” answered “Yes” , Guaranteed Issue. If “Has the prospect ever had metastatic cancer?” answered “Yes” , Guaranteed Issue |
| Liberty Bankers | If treated within 3 years, Modified. If “Has the prospect ever had cancer more than once?” answered “Yes” , Decline |
| Mutual of Omaha (Living Promise) | If treated within 2 years, Decline. If treated between 2 and 4 years ago, Graded. If “Has the prospect ever had metastatic cancer?” answered “Yes” , Decline. If “Has the prospect ever had recurrent cancer (excluding basal cell skin cancer) of the same type?” answered “Yes” , Decline |
| Royal Arcanum (Graded Benefit) | Graded |
| Royal Arcanum (SIWL) | If treated within 2 years, Decline |
| Royal Arcanum (Whole Life) | If treated within 3 years, Decline |
| Royal Neighbors | If treated within 2 years, Decline |
| SBLI (Living Legacy) | If treated within 6 months, Decline. If treated between 6 months and 3 years ago, Modified |
| Security National (Loyalty Plan) | If treated within 3 months, Decline. If treated within 3 years, Modified. If treated between 3 months and 2 years ago, Modified |
| Trinity Life | If treated within 2 years, Decline |
Have cancer or receiving treatment for it
Some types of cancer, like non-basal or squamous cell carcinoma, can make it hard to find an insurance company that will underwrite your life insurance.
If you’re undergoing treatments or have a medical condition, you might also be eligible for a specialized type of policy.
Insurance companies refuse to provide coverage because of your current medical condition. If you have a pre existing medical condition and need life insurance, there are options for you.
One exciting option is guaranteed issue or guaranteed acceptance insurance which does not require a medical exam. This type of policy will cover you regardless of your health situation.
The insurance company will approve your application without asking about your health, which may result in a slightly higher cost for the policy.
Here is the policy: if you are over 50 or 80 years old, a U.S. citizen, and can enter into a legal contract with us, it is easy to get this policy.
Treatment in the past two years
You may qualify for a first-day benefit plan if you were diagnosed with cancer in the last two years and are still undergoing treatment.
With this plan, you would be covered from the first day, and your death benefit would be phased in over time.
Getting Burial Coverage After a Cancer Diagnosis
Many insurers offer “cancer riders” as their standard burial insurance policies.
These riders allow you to receive benefits for claims related to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer within two years of your policy’s effective date or any time after that during the term of your coverage.
The difference between this type of policy and those offered by other insurers is that it protects against cancer only — not other diseases.
That’s because it’s explicitly designed to protect against financial hardship caused by the cost of treating cancer.
Do I need a medical test to qualify for Burial insurance with A Two-Year Look-Back For Cancer?
No. No medical test is required to qualify for burial insurance with A Two-Year Look-Back For Cancer.
You only have to answer a few basic questions about your health when applying for funeral insurance.
You won’t need to submit any medical reports or urine or blood samples throughout the application process. The insurance provider will usually give you an official approval in minutes!
Burial Insurance Underwriting With Cancer
If you’re looking for a way to help your loved ones cover the costs of your final expenses, burial insurance is a great option. And, to get the best possible rate on your premiums, apply for coverage with underwriting.
It would help if you answered some health questions to get burial insurance. Companies that underwrite this type of insurance typically offer the best price and immediate coverage.
Many burial insurance companies offer competitive pricing and immediate coverage.
Cancer being such a good chance disease can lead to problems later on. That’s why there are a lot of insurance questions about whether you have cancer or not when you take out their medical health questionnaire.
“Health-related” questionnaire
Life insurance is available as burial insurance which lets you skip the medical exam. Instead of a medical exam, the companies will check your:
- The application can answer your health questions.
- In some countries, a medical record known as the Medical Information Bureau contains your entire medical history.
- A typical patient’s medical history would include what prescription drugs they are taking or have taken in the past.
- You can now get your driving record through the Department of Motor Vehicles, and other companies may want to do a phone interview.
The answers on your health questionnaire determine if you are eligible for the insurance.
“knockout” section option
All life insurance companies will require information about sickness on the “knockout” section of your health questionnaire. There is a two-year minimum lookback period.
When you’re in remission from cancer, most insurance companies require that the remission lasts for at least some time, such as two years, before they offer you the best tier plan.
Do you have cancer now?
Have you had more than one case of cancer in the past, either the same type or a different type?
Have you ever been diagnosed with metastatic cancer?
“Modified or Graded” Section
Sorry, but Modified and Graded are just words these companies use to indicate a high-risk client, which will result in increased premiums and waiting periods.
Here are some questions you may see on a test/quiz about cancer.
- In the last two years, were you diagnosed with cancer?
- Did you receive radiation therapy or chemotherapy in the last two years?
- Were you advised to receive either of these treatments?
If you answer “yes” to the following three questions, you will not qualify for a plan with first-day coverage.
Approved medications for cancer
Other than asking health-related questions, insurers can also check your health by looking at what prescriptions you take. Cancer treatment can involve taking prescription medication.
If you have been on any of these medicines in the last two years, more insurers will understand that your medical history may include or imply cancer treatment.
Common Approved Medications For Cancer
| Generic Name | Brand Name |
|---|---|
| Bortezomib | Velcade |
| Oxaliplatin | Eloxatin |
| Chlorambucil | Leukeran |
| Gemcitabine | Gemzar |
| Imatinib | Gleevec |
| Cyclophosphamide | Cytoxan, Neosar |
| Irinotecan | Camptosar |
| Irinotecan liposome injection | Onivyde |
| Tamoxifen | Nolvadex |
Cancer has a minimum lookback period of two years.
Every company will at least check your cancer history for the last two years. No company will only ask about cancer within the last 12 months.
If you have had cancer within the past two years, you will be subjected to whatever penalties the insurance carrier applies.
Types of cancer that they don’t care about.
Cancer is as varied as the individuals it affects, and there’s nearly always a type of cancer that will be more or less dangerous to someone. Cancer rates are not always relevant, depending on the type of cancer you have, though.
- Basal Cell Carcinoma
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma
When there is an exception for cancer in a final expense life insurance application, you can sometimes choose to include treatable forms of cancer that you may have at the time of applying. The form doesn’t impact coverage.
Benefits of Getting Burial Insurance For Cancer
The benefits of getting burial insurance with a two-year lookback for cancer:
First, it is essential to note that this type of policy can be purchased even if you are not currently suffering from cancer. It is meant to cover the cost of your funeral and burial expenses should you suffer from the disease.
However, many believe that they do not need this type of insurance because they do not have any history of cancer in their family. But this is not true!
You never know when your risk increases, so it’s better to take precautions early on than wait until it is too late.
Another benefit of getting burial insurance with a two-year lookback for cancer is that it can be used as an investment tool and a means for covering burial costs after death.
For example, suppose you have purchased this type of policy and later decide that you want to cancel it. In that case, you can use the money from an annuity or other investments to pay for your funeral and burial expenses.
This way, you will not have wasted all your money on something that may never happen!
Understanding Cancer’s Role in Burial Plans
Every insurance carrier operates differently, each with its own set of guidelines and criteria when considering coverage. While there are general questions most carriers will ask, it’s essential to recognize that these are merely broad strokes in a detailed picture.
Given these nuances, it becomes pivotal to consult an experienced agent. They possess a deep understanding of what individual carriers prioritize and can provide invaluable insights tailored to your unique situation.
By working with an expert, you can navigate this complex terrain with confidence, ensuring the most suitable protection for you and your family.
Factors to determine if you can get burial insurance with cancer
| The date of your cancer diagnosis |
| How long ago did you undergo cancer treatment? |
| Types of treatment you underwent: chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, radiation, and surgery. |
| The prescription medications you are taking |
| The amount of time you have been in remission. |
How to get the most affordable burial insurance for cancer:
Cancer, with its unpredictability and challenges, brings about profound reflection on life and legacy. While these reflections might bring up concerns about the future, especially regarding the financial well-being of loved ones, solutions exist.
From understanding the nuances of the two-year look-back for cancer to considering final expense insurance, there’s a roadmap to peace and security. All it requires is informed decision-making and a heart filled with hope.
Access to A+ rated insurance companies ensures the best policy tailored to individual needs. Additionally, there are innovative benefits uncommon in this type of insurance.
Passion drives the mission, aiming to provide top-notch burial or final expense insurance coverage for everyone, irrespective of their health issues.
Call (855) 380-3300 now, and we’ll be happy to help you.
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FAQs
- What is a two-year look-back in burial insurance?
Well, in simple terms, a two-year look-back means the insurance company will examine any health issues or treatments you’ve had in the past two years. If you’ve faced a major health event like cancer during this period, it might influence your policy details. But don’t worry, once you move past this timeframe, many companies offer more flexibility.
- Can I still get burial insurance after a cancer diagnosis?
Absolutely! While a recent cancer diagnosis may adjust certain terms or premiums, it doesn’t mean you’re ineligible. Different insurance carriers have their own guidelines, so it’s essential to explore options and chat with an experienced agent who can guide you.
- How do A+ rated insurance companies differ from others?
Great question! An A+ rating indicates that the company is top-tier, with a strong financial foundation and a reputation for honoring claims promptly. So, when you choose an A+ rated company, you’re essentially opting for reliability and peace of mind.
- What kind of unique benefits might I find with burial insurance?
Well, aside from the standard coverages, some policies might offer benefits like accelerated death benefits, premium waivers in case of disability, or even cash value growth over time. It’s always a good idea to check the specifics and see which perks resonate with your needs.
- Do all insurance companies have the same guidelines for cancer patients?
Not at all! Every insurance carrier has its own approach. While some might be more lenient with cancer patients, others could be stricter. That’s why it’s crucial to shop around, gather information, and consult with knowledgeable agents to find the best fit.
Conclusion
If you have been recently diagnosed with cancer, you may be wondering if you are eligible for burial insurance.
Many insurance companies have a two-year lookback period for cancer diagnoses. It means you will not be eligible for coverage if you have been diagnosed with cancer in the last two years.
You can still qualify for affordable life insurance if you have cancer. If you are a cancer survivor and have been in remission for more than two years, you have the best option.
If you are a cancer survivor and have been in remission for more than two years, it is time to consider getting affordable life insurance.
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