A mesothelioma diagnosis often brings overwhelming medical costs, lost income, and urgent financial decisions. Many policyholders don’t realize that life insurance may offer immediate financial help. You may be able to access life insurance funds after a mesothelioma diagnosis through a viatical settlement, allowing you to sell your policy for a lump sum while you’re still living.
What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer usually caused by exposure to asbestos. Most cases affect the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), but it can also impact the abdomen or heart. Because symptoms often appear decades after exposure, many people are diagnosed at advanced stages, making treatment both complex and costly.
Common Treatments and Their Costs
Mesothelioma treatment often requires a combination of therapies. Even with insurance, out-of-pocket expenses can be overwhelming. Common treatments and their estimated costs include:
- Chemotherapy (pemetrexed and cisplatin): $10,000–$50,000 per cycle
- Immunotherapy (Opdivo, Yervoy): $100,000–$250,000 per year
- Surgery (pleurectomy/decortication or extrapleural pneumonectomy): $50,000–$100,000+
- Radiation therapy: $10,000–$50,000 depending on duration and facility
- Targeted therapy or clinical trials: Varies widely; some costs may not be covered by insurance
- Travel and lodging for specialty care: $5,000–$20,000+ depending on location and duration
These expenses often come in addition to loss of income, caregiving costs, or legal expenses related to asbestos exposure.
What Financial Help Is Available?
Traditional health insurance may not cover the full cost of surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or travel to specialty cancer centers. When out-of-pocket costs grow quickly, many people explore ways to tap into existing resources, like their life insurance policy.
A viatical settlement allows eligible individuals with a serious illness to sell their life insurance to a licensed provider for more than the surrender value, but less than the death benefit. Funds can be used for:
- Medical and treatment expenses
- Legal or travel costs related to asbestos exposure claims
- Living expenses or caregiving
- Anything else you choose
Who Qualifies?
To qualify for a viatical settlement, you typically must:
- Have a life insurance policy (convertible term, whole, or universal life)
- Be diagnosed with a serious illness such as mesothelioma
- Have a policy with a face value of $100,000 or more (though smaller policies may also qualify)
Some term policies may need to be convertible, but not always. Each case is reviewed individually.
Why Consider Selling Your Policy?
A mesothelioma life insurance payout may offer:
- Immediate cash relief when you need it most
- Freedom to use the funds however you wish
- No obligation to repay, unlike loans
- Relief from future premium payments
It also gives you the option to take control of your finances rather than letting your policy lapse unused.
How to Get Started
The process is simple and confidential. After an initial review of your policy and health history, a direct buyer may make an offer. There’s no obligation to accept, and if you decide to move forward, the payout is typically received in a few weeks.
If you or a loved one is facing this difficult diagnosis, don’t overlook the potential value of your life insurance. It may provide critical financial support during a time when it’s needed most. Learn if you qualify in a short 5-10 minute phone call. 800-973-8258
DO YOU QUALIFY?