Reader’s Question:

Are we able to know if a person had a life insurance before he died? Some people don’t have relatives living near to them and when they die, will the insurance company be freed from their responsibilities to the policy holders? Are there cases like that? I’m just curious and it kills me.

Benedict

Albany, NY

Hello, Benedict! That’s true that some people may be confused of how dead people will enjoy their benefits from their policies if nobody knows where he placed his policy documents.

You may check his important documents on his working station or personal cabinets and the safety deposit box, as well. Call agencies that you suspect the person has done business with regarding life insurance, home insurance, investments, retirement planning, etc. You may also contact the family lawyers of your relative who passed away. The lawyer may be informed of the insurances of the dead person.

You may also check his emails if you have an access to the person’s accounts.
Life insurance is often purchased for a purpose of protecting the insured against loss of income, but policyholders commonly fail to inform the beneficiary(s) of the policy’s existence. This may result to policies go unclaimed based on long dormancy periods or lack of awareness. Insurance companies distribute what is rightfully due as stated in the policy, but the responsibility to claim benefits lies with the beneficiaries.

You may also go to the bank where the deceased had an account and check for the regular withdrawals.
If you have more information regarding the owner’s job, try to contact their company and ask.

These are just many scenarios that could possibly trigger you to inform your beneficiaries of your commitment in insurance companies. We can never tell what will happen in the next 24 hours or so, so get ready as often as you could!

Reader question:

What do I need to do to compare rates for life insurance coverage policies with cancer in my medical history, and still get good quotes?

Molly

Thanks for asking, Molly.

Well, when you compare rates for life insurance policies with cancer coverage, you might want to look at two of the following options to get the best and cheapest rates: either join into a group policy, such as one with your employer, or you can purchase a graded policy, which only affords you limited benefits for the first couple of years that you have it.

Whatever policy type you choose when you compare rates for life insurance policies with cancer coverage, you need to come prepared. Grab up every last one of the medical records you have detailing how your cancer treatment went, what you did, what the doctor did, and what the two of you have been doing since then. This will show the life insurance company the strength of your recovery and how your own actions had a part in it.

If you want to show that, though, you have to walk the walk. This means following all of the treatment plans your doctor requires of you, staying healthy, and keeping track of your cancer so that you can do what is in your power to make sure it won’t come back.

take care,

Fashun

Reader question:

Why can’t I get term life insurance coverage with terminal cancer?

Amy

Thank you for asking, Amy.

Over a million people every year are diagnosed with some form of cancer in the United States. At the same time, over half a million people die of some form of cancer. It is a risky disease, and the doomed prospects facing those who have terminal cancer scares most life insurance companies away. After all, they don’t want to insure you for $300,000 if you have only 2 years to live and will only be paying $500 a month (which is pretty high for life insurance). They would lose a lot of money if they did that with everyone.

There are some types of cancer which might give you more of a chance to get term life insurance coverage with terminal cancer than others do. This is because these types tend to end in total recovery more often than others, and these include some kinds of breast and prostrate cancer. If you go into remission, you may even be able to get the regular rates with these.

Others, though, such as colon cancer or leukemia, pretty much preclude you of getting any kind of term life insurance coverage with terminal cancer at all. Speak with a broker first to see if a company which will insure you can be located.

take care,

Fashun

Reader question:

Can I buy life insurance coverage with cancer?

Jackie

Great question, Jackie.

While most life insurance companies will offer policies to people who are in remission, very few companeis dare to cater to people looking for life insurance coverage with cancer. The risk is simply too high, and since life insurance companies generally rate their policies based on things such as life expectancy, it’s very hard to do so when the life expectancy of the person buying the policy is so short.

This, however, doesn’t mean it is impossible, although it may seem that way most of the time. If you have any chance of getting life insurance coverage with cancer at all, then you should look for guaranteed issue and no exam term life insurance policies. You may be able to contact your state department of insurance for some guidance. Know, though, that if you do end up finding a company which will offer you a life insurance policy, then your rates will be extremely high. It may be best to invest your money elsewhere, although you should make this decision based on the quotes you are able to get.

take care,

Fashun