CancerCompass message board discussion started by JuliaM on 5/30/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,24534,0.htm Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ I was recently diagnosed with Lobular Carcinoma and had a surgery. I was told that even if this is a benign condition I am more likely to have Breast cancer in a future. Two months before my diagnosis I had my first baby and so now came time to get life insurance.  I figured it would be a slam dunk because I'm very athletic, never smoked, don't drink, don't work, no history of any cancers in the family, etc.  The Lobular Carcinoma was my only health issue ever, and  its now fixed.  So I thought I'd get the best rating which is "Preferred Best".  However I got 3 ratings lower "Preferred" based only on my condition.  The premium is more than twice the price.So now to my questions:Has anyone had a similar experience ?Has anyone found a life insurance company that does not consider thisa major issue (20 year term policy) ? JuliaM Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT I was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer - estrogen+ in 2003.  I had a small spot in my lymph node which was removed.  I wanted to upgrade my existing life ins. policy (one that I had carried for 20 years).  They said wait one year after treatment and then I could do it.  I did so, passed the physical tests by leaps and bounds, and we sent in my policy.  The underwriters denied it because they said I had lymph node involvement.  I never denied that in the first place.  Then they said I would have to wait 5 more cancer-free years.  Three years later, I got the cancer back and had a small tumor removed from my lung.  I am 1-1/2 years cancer free (after Taxotere, Herceptin and now on Arimidex).  I now know that I will never have ANY chance to upgrade my policy.  I did, however, get something in the mail from Physicians Mutual and it said they had a policy that COULD NOT be denied.  I sent in for it and I got it!!  My credit union offered something similar and I applied for that and got that too!!  The only stipulation is that I live for two years (all premiums would be paid back if I don't).  I have full intentions of making it that two years as I have a wonderful life and am actually quite healthy!  These are win-win policies.  Maybe search the internet for such policies or check your mail for occasional flyers.  If it says you cannot be denied, then they have to follow that.Insurance companies really need to update their policies!  Cancer survivors are living longer and longer and they need to realize that many of us will be around for a long time and deserve to have those life insurance privileges given back to us!  How can underwriters determine my life expectancy when my own doctor is filled with optimism!  I've wanted to take this to a higher level somehow to make insurance companies be held accountable, but not sure how to do it.  I have a friend that is a state representative, maybe that would be a good place to start. Good Luck!Marcia marcia63 Sat, 07 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT