Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, the network of glands and vessels that helps fight infection. Hodgkin lymphoma is one type. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a family of many subtypes, some fast-growing and some slow-growing, and they behave very differently.
Insurers need the exact subtype, such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma or follicular lymphoma, and the stage at diagnosis. Your haematology letters and end-of-treatment summary will have both. Without them, the insurer will usually write to your consultant, which adds weeks.
Some people had lymphoma as a child or teenager and have been well for many years. Insurers still ask about it, but a long period with no recurrence often leads to good terms. If you attend a long-term follow-up clinic, mention it and give the date of your last appointment.
Treatment, remission and watch and wait
Insurers ask about chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and any stem cell transplant, and the date treatment ended. They also ask whether you are in remission, whether you are having maintenance treatment and whether the lymphoma has ever come back.
Some slow-growing lymphomas are monitored rather than treated, an approach known as watch and wait or active monitoring. Insurers ask how long you have been monitored and whether the condition has stayed stable. Some will offer terms, while others prefer to wait.
- Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin, and the subtype
- Stage at diagnosis
- Treatment and the date it ended
- Remission status and any relapse
- Maintenance treatment or watch and wait
The outcomes you might see
Hodgkin lymphoma treated successfully some years ago can lead to standard terms or a loading. For non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the terms depend heavily on the subtype, the stage and how long you have been in remission. Recent treatment or a relapse often leads to a postponement.
Critical illness cover usually excludes cancer after a lymphoma diagnosis, and some insurers decline it. Life cover is generally the easier place to start, with the insurer pricing for your history rather than excluding it.
Mention any long-term effects
Some lymphoma treatments can have effects that show up years later, for example on the heart, lungs or thyroid. If you have been told about any of these, or have regular checks for them, mention it. Insurers may ask about follow-up scans and late-effects clinics.
Give the full history, including any relapse and second-line treatment. A complete picture leads to a fair decision and keeps the policy secure if your family needs to claim.
How Hi Tomorrow helps after lymphoma
Lymphoma is complex, and insurers vary widely in how they assess the different subtypes. We gather your subtype, stage and treatment dates, then approach insurers on our panel that tend to take a fair view of your particular history.
If you are on watch and wait or recently finished treatment, we can tell you whether applying now or later is likely to give a better result, and keep in touch so you do not miss the right moment.