Applying for mortgage protection after recovering from cancer

Under the Insurance (Disregard of Certain Medical History and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2026 (the Act), insurers must disregard an applicant’s medical history relating to a cancer diagnosis when certain conditions are met. This means that, for eligible applicants, a previous cancer diagnosis will not result in an additional premium or a refusal of cover because of that cancer history alone. Other medical conditions unrelated to cancer may still be considered as part of the underwriting process.

What does the legislation mean for cancer survivors?

You may benefit from the legislation if you are applying for decreasing mortgage protection and:

• Your active cancer treatment ended at least five years before your application; and
• You have been in complete remission for at least five years; and
• The amount of mortgage protection required does not exceed €650,000 per applicant; and
• The mortgage relates to your principal private residence; and
• You are applying for a new individual decreasing term life policy without serious illness cover attached (life cover only).

Where these conditions are met, Zurich will disregard your disclosed cancer diagnosis when assessing your application for mortgage protection. However, other medical conditions unrelated to cancer may still be considered as part of the underwriting process.

Please note: Meeting these criteria does not automatically guarantee acceptance. All applications remain subject to underwriting and the insurer’s normal terms and conditions.

What is the definition of ‘treatment has ended’?

Treatment has ended means being in “complete remission” and “active treatment” having ended at least five years prior to the date of the application.

“Complete remission” is determined by a cancer survivor’s treating oncologist. This includes the absence of signs and symptoms related to a disclosed cancer diagnosis which may be determined by, but not limited to, physical examination, radiological investigation, and serum biomarkers.

The term “active treatment” means the use of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, biological agents, immunotherapy, bone-marrow transplant or any other evidence-based therapies to treat cancer, but shall not include:

(a) anti-hormonal medications, or

(b) any form of preventative therapy or medicine, intended to reduce the risk of recurrence of cancer following the end of active cancer treatment.

Do cancer survivors that meet the criteria still need to disclose their history of cancer?

Yes. Applicants are still required to answer all questions on the application form honestly and with reasonable care.

Where the qualifying criteria under the Act are met, Zurich will disregard the disclosed cancer history when assessing the application for mortgage protection. This means that the cancer diagnosis will not, in itself, result in an additional premium or a refusal of cover.

However, applicants must continue to disclose any relevant medical information requested as part of the application process. Medical conditions unrelated to the cancer diagnosis may still be considered during underwriting and could affect the terms offered, including whether cover can be provided.