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What is a Viatical Settlement?

Viatical settlements enable individuals diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, known as ‘viators,’ to sell their life insurance policies for immediate cash. The buyer is typically an institutional investor, such as a viatical settlement company like American Life Fund. This transaction is a legally binding agreement between the viator and the settlement company, providing financial support during a challenging time.

Financial Relief for Cancer Patients Through Viatical Settlements

Facing cancer is overwhelming—physically, emotionally, and financially. The average cost of cancer treatment can range from $10,000 to $30,000 per month, quickly placing a heavy burden on families. With the median U.S. household income around $70,000 annually, it’s easy to see how treatment costs can outpace what most families can afford.

But there is a potential solution: converting your life insurance policy into immediate funds through a viatical settlement.

At American Life Fund, we specialize in helping cancer patients access financial support through viatical settlements. Whether you’re in active treatment or managing ongoing care, our team is here to walk you through the process with compassion and clarity. We’ll explain how viatical settlements work, what benefits they offer, and what you need to consider—so you can focus on your health, not your financial stress.

Viatical Settlement in Texas

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How Viatical Settlements Work for Cancer Patients

A viatical settlement can be a financial lifeline for cancer patients navigating the high costs of treatment. By selling your life insurance policy to a third party for a lump-sum cash payment, you can receive immediate funds when you need them most. This money can be used for medical bills, daily living expenses, travel for treatment, or simply to improve your quality of life during a difficult time.

Eligibility: To qualify for a viatical settlement, you must have a serious health condition such as cancer. The type of life insurance policy, your diagnosis, and the policy’s value all help determine your eligibility. Our team will review your situation and guide you through whether this option fits your needs.

Evaluation: Life settlement providers will assess your policy and medical history to determine your eligibility and estimate your policy’s value.

Settlement Process: If you qualify and accept an offer, the buyer takes over future premium payments and collects the death benefit when the time comes. You, in turn, receive a tax-free lump sum payment that you can use however you choose.

The Viatical Settlement Process for Cancer Patients

Beginning the viatical settlement process may feel overwhelming, especially when you’re also managing cancer treatment—but understanding each step can make it much more approachable. Here’s what to expect:

1. Choosing a Company:
Your first step is selecting a trusted viatical settlement company. Working with an experienced and reputable team—like American Life Fund—can simplify the process and help ensure you receive the highest possible value for your policy.

2. Submitting Documentation:
You’ll need to provide medical records, insurance policy details, and basic personal information. Providing accurate and complete documentation upfront helps avoid delays and speeds up the evaluation process.

3. Underwriting & Evaluation:
Our team will review your life expectancy, the value of your policy, and premium obligations. This thorough review helps us present an offer that reflects your unique situation as a cancer patient.

Viatical Settlement in Texas

Applying for a Viatical Settlement with Cancer: What to Expect

viatical settlement companies

Application & Documentation
To begin the process, gather key documents such as your medical records and life insurance policy information. These materials help the provider assess your eligibility and craft an appropriate offer based on your current health and policy details.

Once your application and documentation are submitted, the provider carefully reviews everything. If you’re approved, a letter of declaration is issued, and funds are typically disbursed within three business days of the policy transfer.

Evaluation & Offer
During this stage, the provider evaluates:

  • Life Expectancy – Estimated based on your cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

  • Policy Value – The death benefit or face value of your insurance policy.

  • Premium Payments – The ongoing cost required to keep the policy active.

These details ensure that the offer you receive is fair and reflective of your unique situation.

Closing & Payment
Once you accept the offer, the closing process begins. This includes:

  • Reviewing and signing the legal closing documents

  • Transferring ownership of the life insurance policy

  • Receiving a lump-sum cash payment

The final agreement outlines all terms, including payment details and any cancellation rights. For cancer patients, this lump sum often brings immediate financial relief, allowing more focus on healing, comfort, and quality of life.

Call today to speak with one of our experts about your options and qualifications, your consultation is 100% FREE.

The Pros And Cons Of A Viatical Settlement

Not sure if a viatical settlement is a right move for you or your loved one? Here are some things to keep in mind.

Pros:

  1. You’ll get a one-time payout much higher than the cash surrender value through a viatical.
  2. Help pay for medical expenses such as medical premiums, treatment, or long-term care.
  3. Use your money for better care, travel, or anything else to make you happier.
  4. With a viatical settlement, you can stop making premium payments. The new owner i.e. the viatical settlement company, will take over those responsibilities. They will also be in charge of any other maintenance costs.

Cons:

  1. Government assistance programs such as Medicaid are need-based programs based on your income and assets, so you may lose eligibility if your finances improve.
  2. Beneficiaries won’t be able to receive the death benefit from your life insurance policy  unless you choose to give them part of your viatical settlement payout.

Viatical Settlement Eligibility for Cancer Patients

Not everyone qualifies for a viatical settlement, but many cancer patients do—especially those with an advanced or life-threatening diagnosis. Here’s what you need to know about eligibility requirements.

Health Status & Life Expectancy
Your current health condition and estimated life expectancy play a major role in determining eligibility. For cancer patients, this means providing medical records that include your diagnosis, treatment history, and prognosis. A shorter life expectancy generally increases the likelihood of qualifying and receiving a higher offer.

Health conditions that commonly qualify include:

  • Cancer

  • ALS

  • Alzheimer’s or Dementia

  • Advanced Heart Disease

  • Kidney Failure

Policy Age & Value Requirements
In addition to your health, the life insurance policy itself must meet certain criteria:

  • Face Value: Most viatical settlement companies require a minimum policy value of $150,000.

  • Policy Age: Your policy typically needs to be at least 2 years old to qualify.

These requirements ensure that your policy has built up enough value to result in a meaningful cash settlement.

Estimated Offer Range
If eligible, the lump-sum offer you receive will typically range from 30% to 70% of your policy’s face value—providing significant financial relief when it matters most.

Important Considerations for Cancer Patients Exploring Viatical Settlements

While viatical settlements can provide crucial financial support during cancer treatment, it’s important to fully understand the implications before making a final decision. Here’s what both sellers and buyers should keep in mind:

For Cancer Patients (Sellers):

  • Loss of Life Insurance Coverage:
    Once your policy is sold, your beneficiaries will no longer receive the death benefit. It’s important to weigh whether your loved ones might still need this coverage in the future.

  • Changing Health or Financial Priorities:
    If your condition improves or your financial situation changes, you may wish you had held onto the policy. Take time to consider how your needs may evolve and whether a viatical settlement aligns with your long-term goals.

For Buyers (Investors):

  • Life Expectancy Uncertainty:
    Returns depend on the policyholder’s life expectancy, which can vary—especially with cancer, where treatment outcomes can differ widely.

  • Ongoing Premium Obligations:
    Buyers are responsible for maintaining premium payments once the policy is transferred. This is factored into the investment decision and overall return calculation.

  • Liquidity Limitations:
    Viatical settlements are not typically liquid investments. They are meant to be held until maturity and may not be easily sold beforehand.

  • Valuation & Insurance Carrier Stability:
    Investors should verify that the policy is accurately valued and that the insurance carrier is financially stable and reliable.

Get started today by checking if you qualify or call us at 877-261-0632 for a free consultation.

Viatical Settlement in Texas

Alternatives To Viatical Settlements

Not sure if a viatical settlement is right for you? Here are some other options to consider

Is a Viatical Settlement Right For You?

With life insurance policies increasing daily, it’s important to consider all options before deciding. For those with a chronic or terminal illness – selling your policies may be one way to afford quality care while still securing a financial cushion that will help you improve your quality of life.

If you or a loved one is facing a life-threatening illness and needs a Viatical Settlement, please call us at 877-261-0632 to see how we can help.

Get a personalized Viatical Settlement estimate.

We will get you the best possible offer for your policy.