Life Insurance with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Life Insurance

It is understood that multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable condition as relapses can occur without warning and permanent physical symptoms may develop. It is known that individuals with MS lead fulfilling lives and we are able to provide you with the necessary insurance coverage.

Information we need to be aware of:

• What type of Multiple Sclerosis do you have? eg (relapsing remitting MS, secondary progressive MS or primary progressive MS?)
• When were you diagnosed with multiple sclerosis?
• What are your symptoms?
• When was your last relapse or symptoms?
• What medication do you take?
• How does your MS affect your daily living?
• Do you use any mobility aids?

Individuals with multiple sclerosis are eligible to apply for Life Insurance with no problem. In cases where the condition is effectively managed, there are providers that may offer Life Insurance based solely on the application form. It’s important to know that many providers will likely reach out to your GP to get more information about your condition. There is no charge for this, and it will help the insurance provider offer Life Insurance with a complete understanding of your condition.

Individuals with multiple sclerosis applying for Life Insurance may experience a slight premium increase reflecting their condition. The amount of premium increase is based on the insurer you pick, benefit amount needed, chosen term, and severity of symptoms.

Critical Illness

Critical Illness Cover may be available with certain insurers even if you have MS. Typically, this treatment will only be an option for those with relapsing-remitting MS who have not experienced any relapses in several years. The insurer will inquire about the impact of multiple sclerosis on your daily life and whether any secondary conditions have arisen as a result. Most offers of Critical Illness Cover will likely include an exclusion for multiple sclerosis, and potentially for blindness as well. For strong and regular MS flare ups, consider a specialist insurer for coverage.

Income Protection

Currently, the options for Income Protection for people with multiple sclerosis are quite restricted. It is advisable to consult with a specialized adviser who can thoroughly explain the various options available for Income protection.

The real significance of policies such as income protection can sometimes be difficult to grasp. The value they provide isn’t just about the money. The potential lies in how you utilize the funds along with the extra services they offer.

How Underwriters Assess an MS Diagnosis for Life Insurance

When you apply for life insurance with a multiple sclerosis diagnosis, the underwriter’s decision depends heavily on specific clinical detail rather than the diagnosis alone. You’ll typically be asked for the exact MS type (relapsing-remitting, primary progressive or secondary progressive), the date of diagnosis, your EDSS (Expanded Disability Status Scale) score if recorded, how many relapses you’ve had and when the most recent one occurred, and details of any disease-modifying therapy you’re currently on.

Why a GP report matters more than the application form

Insurers almost always request a General Practitioner Report (GPR) or a Consultant’s report before making a decision on an MS-related application. This report gives the underwriter your actual treatment history and specialist notes, rather than relying solely on the answers given on the application form. Applications are frequently delayed simply because the GP practice takes several weeks to return the report — starting the process early, before you need cover in place, avoids this becoming a problem.

What affects the outcome

Time since diagnosis and relapse frequency both matter: someone several years post-diagnosis with no recent relapses and stable EDSS scores is assessed very differently to someone recently diagnosed or with frequent relapses. Some insurers apply a specific loading or exclusion based on these factors, while others may defer a decision for a set period after a recent relapse until your condition has stabilised.

Guaranteed acceptance vs full medical underwriting

Guaranteed acceptance life insurance (no medical questions) is available but typically comes with a lower maximum cover amount and a limited early-cover period. Fully underwritten policies, which do ask full medical questions, usually work out better value for MS applicants who are in a stable phase of their condition, because the premium is priced to your actual circumstances rather than a flat rate for anyone regardless of health.

Why using a specialist adviser helps

Insurers price MS risk differently from one another, so an application declined or heavily loaded by one insurer may be accepted on standard or near-standard terms by another. An independent adviser who regularly places MS-related applications knows which insurers currently take a more favourable view of your specific MS type and stability, rather than applying to whichever insurer you’d choose by default.

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