Published 30/09/2025

Did you know?

  • There are around 56,900 new breast cancer cases in the UK every year, that’s more than 150 every day.
  • Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, accounting for 15% of all new cancer cases.
  • Men can also be affected with around 390 new cases each year.

*Source – Cancer Research UK

Can You Get Life Insurance with Breast Cancer?

Yes — but approval depends on several factors insurers use to assess risk:

  • Stage and grade of the cancer (early stage, invasive, or metastatic)
  • Time since treatment (many insurers require 1–5 years in remission before offering standard terms)
  • Type of treatment received (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, etc.)
  • Ongoing medical follow-ups (regular scans and check-ups are considered)
  • Your overall health and lifestyle (e.g. smoking status, weight, other conditions)

If you are currently undergoing treatment, most insurers will postpone applications until treatment is complete.

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Life Insurance Options After Breast Cancer
Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for:

  • Standard Life Insurance – Available if you’ve been in remission for several years. Premiums may be higher, but some applicants eventually secure normal rates.
  • Specialist Life Insurance Providers – Some insurers specialise in cover for people with pre-existing conditions, including breast cancer.
  • Group Life Insurance (through work) – Often easier to access, as underwriting is less strict for employee benefit schemes.

If you had life insurance before your breast cancer diagnosis, your existing policy should remain valid as long as you keep paying premiums.

Critical Illness Cover After Breast Cancer

Critical illness cover pays out a lump sum if you’re diagnosed with certain serious conditions. Most policies already list breast cancer as a claimable condition — though payouts usually apply to invasive or advanced cancers.

  • If you already had critical illness cover before diagnosis, you may be eligible for a claim.
  • If you’re applying after a diagnosis, most insurers will decline cover for breast cancer specifically, but you may still get cover for other conditions (with breast cancer excluded).
  • Some specialist insurers may offer “cancer exclusion” critical illness cover, giving protection for other serious illnesses like heart disease or stroke.

Income Protection and Breast Cancer

Income protection insurance replaces part of your salary if you can’t work due to illness. This can be especially valuable during or after breast cancer treatment.

  • If you already had a policy before diagnosis, you may be able to claim while off work.
  • Applying for income protection after a diagnosis can be more challenging, but some insurers may offer cover with cancer exclusions.
  • Employer sick pay and group income protection schemes may also provide support.

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Cover

  • Work with a specialist advice firm such as Future Proof – They know which UK insurers are more flexible with breast cancer cases.
  • Prepare your medical history – Having treatment dates, hospital records, and consultant letters helps speed up the process.
  • Apply at the right time – Waiting until you’ve completed treatment and are in remission will usually improve your chances.
  • Be transparent – Always disclose your full medical history, as non-disclosure could void your policy.
Family Walking Along Track In Autumn Countryside With Children Running Ahead

Getting life insurance with breast cancer is possible, but it can be more complicated than standard applications. Whether you’re in remission or newly diagnosed, you still have options for protecting yourself and your loved ones — from life insurance and critical illness cover to income protection.

Every situation is unique, so it’s best to speak with a specialist insurance adviser such as Future Proof who can guide you to the most suitable insurers for your circumstances. That way, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your family’s financial future is secure.

Better still, our advice is no-obligation, and we are paid by the insurer if you decide to take out a policy.

SJP Approved 30/09/25

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