Life Insurance after a Brain Tumour

Recently I have arranged several life insurance policies for clients with benign brain tumours.

But I do remember the first time someone came to me looking for help with a brain tumour.

I was so naieve, I thought there was no chance of getting cover.

In fact the majority of benign tumours don’t cause a problem when applying for life insurance.

But it very much depends on the type and the insurer you apply to.

The most common ones are usually fine, or at least are after removal & a postponement period.

I’m thinking of things like

• a pineal gland tumour
• acoustic neuroma
• meningioma
• and pituitary tumours

Others can be still be a problem depending on where on the brain they are located.

The issue is whether they were large or spreading, as how the pressure affects normal brain tissue is the problem.

Benign tumours are usually slow-growing and rarely fatal, however they can cause problems due to their size.

Space for growth is limited, so there is a danger the growing tumour can press on areas of the brain and affect normal functioning.

It’s sometimes also difficult to confirm complete removal (pituitary tumours don’t always need to be removed).

What’s the difference between a benign brain tumour and a malignant brain tumour?

• Malignant brain tumours invade the surrounding tissues
• Benign brain tumours do not spread outside the brain itself.

Can you get life insurance after a brain tumour?

If you have had a brain tumour in the past, if it was benign and completely removed, you will normally be accepted at the standard price for life insurance after an initial postponement period.

Get your indicative life insurance quote here.

The postponement period is usually three years.

This means you can get life insurance three years after you have had the tumour successfully removed.

If it was malignant, cover is usually possible after a postponement period but you will have to pay an increased premium usually for the first 10 years after treatment has finished.

However, if there have been complications such as

• recurrence
• incomplete removal
• post surgery symptoms
• or neurological deficit

then it will be more difficult to get cover.

What medical information is required when applying for life insurance after a brain tumour?

Initially I will need to know

• the exact diagnosis,
• date of diagnosis
• whether the tumour has been removed
• what symptoms you have suffered.

With that information I can speak with my underwriters to check whether it is worthwhile going ahead with an application.

If you’re given the green light to apply, the insurer will write to your GP for a detailed medical history.

Is serious illness cover possible after a brain tumour?

Yes, where a full recovery has been made.

As serious illness cover policies pay out for benign brain tumours, there will be an exclusion here meaning you cannot claim in the future if the tumour returns.

Over to you..

Are you considering applying for life insurance after a brain tumour?

If you are, please contact me before making an application.

Some insurance companies are very strict when it comes to underwriting life insurance after a brain tumour. Make sure you apprach the correct insurer for your health condition.

Feel free to call me in confidence on 05793 20836 or give me a quick outline below and I’ll be right back.

Nick McGowan
lion.ie | making life insurance easier