Can you get life insurance with prostate cancer? Yes — whether you’re a survivor or managing the condition, here’s what you need to know.
This guide shows you everything you need to know to get approved for the best life insurance policies based on your prostate cancer history.
Can You Qualify for Life Insurance With Prostate Cancer?
Yes. Many men with prostate cancer – whether recently diagnosed, in active surveillance, or cancer-free after treatment – can qualify for life insurance. But success depends on:
The right strategy can mean the difference between getting approved for affordable life insurance and and getting declined.
How Life Insurance Companies Underwrite Prostate Cancer
Every life insurance company evaluates prostate cancer underwriting differently, but all consider:
Quick Tip: Some companies will approve men undergoing treatment or active surveillance, not just those who have completed treatment.
Life Insurance Options By Treatment Type
Your cancer history and treatment path plays a significant role in your life insurance approval. Here’s how different treatment options affect your rates.
Active Surveillance or Monitoring
Ideal for:
- Diagnosed at age 60+
- Stage 1 (T1a) cancer
- Gleason score 6 or lower
- PSA ≤10 and stable for 12+ months
- Regular PSA testing every 6-12 months
After Prostate Cancer Surgery (Prostatectomy)
You may qualify as early as 3 months after surgery.
Most favorable when:
- Diagnosed at age 60+
- PSA ≤ 10 before surgery
- Cancer stage T2b or lower
- Gleason score 6 or lower
- PSA undetectable (<0.2) after surgery
- Negative surgical margins
Note – If Gleason is 7 or higher or surgical margins were positive, expect a 12-month waiting period.
After Radiation Therapy
Most companies require at least 12 months after radiation before applying.
Best-case criteria:
- Diagnosed at age 60+
- PSA ≤ 10 before treatment
- Cancer stage T2b or lower
- Gleason score of 6 or below
- PSA <0.2 after radiation
Common Mistakes That Lead to Life Insurance Denials
Here are the top reasons men get denied life insurance:
- Applying Too Soon – before the waiting period ends.
- Choosing the Wrong Company – Not all insurers specialize in cancer cases.
- Incomplete Medical Records – Missing checkups, PSA tests, etc., will derail your app.
- Other Health Conditions – Significant health conditions such as a heart condition, diabetes, or gastrointestinal conditions may contribute to a decline.
What If You’ve Already Been Denied?
A denial doesn’t mean you can’t get coverage.
Most men who are declined either applied too soon or picked a company that’s not open to prostate cancer cases.
What to do next:
I’ll review your case, contact the best life insurance companies for prostate cancer, and provide feedback, often without requiring a full application.
Turnaround time: 3 to 4 business days.
Example: A client declined after prostate surgery by a major insurer was approved at Non-Smoker Plus rates with Prudential, cutting his original premium by more than 50%.
What to Expect When You Apply
Here’s what to plan for:
- Waiting Periods – 3-12 months (or longer) depending on treatment.
- Medical records – Full documentation and follow-ups required.
- Delays – It takes time to receive medical records and get them reviewed.
- Higher Rates – The best case scenario is a Standard – Standard Plus rate.
- Paramed Exams – No-exam policies are rare for cancer survivors.
A flat extra expense and possibly a table rating are common when coverage is available. These are additional premiums that insurers charge when you’ve had cancer.
Sample Life Insurance Rates for Prostate Cancer Cases
Sample life insurance quotes for prostate cancer survivors – Stage 1, Gleason 6, undetectable PSA level after treatment.
| Age | $100,000 | $250,000 | $500,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | $638 | $1,185 | $2,285 |
| 65 | $1,076 | $1,970 | $3,855 |
| 70 | $1,918 | $3,563 | $7,040 |
| 75 | $3,515 | $7,373 | $14,660 |
Can You Qualify for a Preferred Rate?
3 companies may consider a preferred rate after an extended time since the treatment. Those companies are:
- Prudential
- John Hancock
- Symetra
Here’s the thing – it’s almost impossible to get a preferred rate even with these companies, and the rates you can get today will be less than a preferred rate 5-10 years from now.
Final Thoughts – Life Insurance is Possible With Prostate Cancer
- Approval is possible – even if you’re still managing prostate cancer.
- Your treatment history, PSA levels, and timing all matter.
- Picking the right insurer can save you thousands.
Don’t risk another denial or an overpriced policy.
Request a personalized, no-obligation quote today. Let’s find the best coverage for your situation.
Sources for This Article
- Prudential Financial, Inc. (2017) Prostate Cancer [PDF file]
- Lincoln National (2020) Prostate Cancer Life Insurance Application Result
- Prudential Financial, Inc. (2016) Good News for Clients Treated for Cancer [PDF file]
- John Hancock Insurance (2018) Field Underwriting Guide – Your Guide to Underwriting Impairments, Part II Pg. 23 [PDF file]
- Prostate Cancer Foundation
