Can I get life insurance with a history of thyroid cancer?

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The Good News

When it comes to cancer, thyroid cancer is one of the most favorable from a life insurance standpoint. Many applicants — especially those with papillary or follicular thyroid cancer — qualify for affordable coverage, sometimes even at standard or better rates.

A diagnosis doesn’t mean the end of your options. In fact, life insurance after thyroid cancer is often more possible than most people realize.

What Insurers Look At

1. Cancer Type
   
   • Papillary and Follicular Thyroid Cancer
     
     • These make up the vast majority of thyroid cancers.
     • They generally respond well to treatment and have excellent long-term survival rates.
     • Many applicants qualify for standard or near-standard offers once enough time has passed.
   • Medullary Thyroid Cancer
   • Less common, with a higher risk of recurrence.
   • Approvals are still possible, though rated (higher premium) offers are more likely.
   • Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
     
     • Very rare and aggressive.
     • Usually results in postponement or decline, though guaranteed issue life insurance may still be available.
2. Time Since Treatment
   
   • 1–2 Years After Treatment: Applications may be postponed until there’s more proof of remission.
   • 3–5 Years After Treatment: Papillary/follicular cases may qualify for standard or mildly rated coverage.
   • 5+ Years After Treatment: Many applicants see favorable terms, sometimes even preferred nonsmoker if overall health is strong.
3. Treatment & Follow-Up
   
   • Most applicants undergo thyroidectomy (surgical removal of the thyroid), often followed by radioactive iodine therapy.
   • Stable or improving thyroglobulin (Tg) levels are a positive sign for insurers.
   • Regular follow-up with an endocrinologist adds confidence.
4. Other Health Factors
   Even with a thyroid cancer history, underwriters consider the big picture:
   
   • High blood pressure
   • High cholesterol
   • Heart disease
   • Build/weight (see Overweight and Life Insurance)
   • Smoking status
   • Age and overall lifestyle

Realistic Coverage Outcomes

• Papillary/Follicular, >5 years remission → Standard or better possible.
• Papillary/Follicular, 2–4 years post-treatment → Table ratings (mild–moderate extra cost).
• Medullary, recent → Higher table ratings or postponement.
• Anaplastic → Often declined; guaranteed issue policies may be the fallback.

Why This Matters

A thyroid cancer history does not automatically disqualify you from life insurance. In fact, compared to many other cancers, thyroid cancer is often viewed favorably — especially when time, treatment, and clean follow-ups are on your side.

For a broader perspective, see Life Insurance After Cancer as well as The Ultimate Guide to Life Insurance Approval. Both explain how insurers weigh medical history and lifestyle to determine approval.

Bottom Line

Life insurance after thyroid cancer is absolutely possible — and for many, coverage is affordable and straightforward. The key factors are cancer type, treatment history, and years in remission, along with overall health.

💬 Tip: Even if you’ve been declined before, re-applying later — with more time in remission and updated medical records — can completely change the outcome.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)