Life Insurance After Cancer UKGetting Cover After a Cancer Diagnosis

Yes. Life insurance after cancer is available from most UK life insurance providers, though the terms depend on the type of cancer, the stage at diagnosis, the treatment received, and how long you have been in remission.

According to the Aviva Claims Report 2025, cancer accounts for approximately 62% of all critical illness claims — making it the single most common reason for a CI payout. This high claims rate means insurers have extensive actuarial data on cancer survival and recurrence.

The ABI's Access to Insurance initiative commits the industry to improving coverage for people with health conditions, including cancer survivors. The FCA's vulnerability guidance requires insurers to treat cancer survivors fairly.

For broader guidance on insurance with health conditions, see our pre-existing conditions guide.

Getting new life insurance with a current cancer diagnosis is difficult with mainstream underwritten policies — most insurers will postpone an application until treatment is complete. But you are not without options:

• Existing policies still pay out — if you took out life insurance before your diagnosis, cancer is covered. Life insurance pays out for cancer deaths like any other cause, provided the policy was in force and your application was answered honestly.
• Terminal illness benefit — most UK term policies include an early payout if you are diagnosed with a terminal illness with a life expectancy under 12 months. Check your policy documents before assuming you need new cover.
• Guaranteed acceptance over-50s plans — if you are aged 50–80, over-50s life insurance requires no medical questions at all. There is usually a 12–24 month waiting period before full cover for non-accidental death, and sums are smaller (typically up to £25,000), but acceptance is guaranteed regardless of a cancer diagnosis.
• Specialist brokers — a broker experienced in impaired-risk cases knows which insurers take a pragmatic view of specific cancers and can approach the right underwriters first.

If you are applying after remission, see our guide to life insurance with pre-existing conditions for how disclosure and loadings work.