Life Insurance Options For People With Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. It is a progressive condition that can cause a range of symptoms, including fatigue, difficulty walking, numbness, vision problems, and coordination issues. While it is possible to get life insurance if you have MS, it can be challenging. People with MS are considered high-risk applicants, and the rates and types of policies available to them will depend on various factors related to their condition. These include the type and stage of MS, overall health, age, and lifestyle habits. This article will explore the options available for people with MS seeking life insurance and provide expert advice on navigating the application process.

Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS)

The duration of relapses can vary from very short periods of a few days to several months, with symptoms usually lasting for a number of weeks. While many people make a good recovery from a relapse, with complete remission, around half of all relapses may leave some lingering problems. Over time, the body finds it harder to repair the damage caused by each relapse, leading to a gradual worsening of symptoms and increased disability.

Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are available to reduce the number of relapses and slow down the progression of the disease. These treatments are most effective when started as soon as possible after diagnosis. However, DMTs cannot undo any permanent disability that has already occurred due to MS.

When applying for life insurance with RRMS, insurance companies will assess your insurance risk based on factors such as your age, gender, lifestyle habits, and overall health profile. The progression of your condition, your current age, the age at which you were first diagnosed, and your ability to perform activities of daily living will also be considered.

While having RRMS may result in higher insurance rates or limited coverage options, it is still possible to obtain life insurance. Some insurance companies, such as Transamerica, Lincoln Financial, and Prudential, are known for offering more flexible guidelines and competitive rates for individuals with RRMS. It is recommended to work with an MS life insurance specialist who can guide you towards insurance companies that view MS more favourably and help you find the best rates for your unique risk profile.

Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS)

Secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) is a form of multiple sclerosis that is considered the next stage after relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). With SPMS, there are no longer any signs of remission, meaning the condition is worsening despite treatment. However, treatment is still recommended to help reduce attacks and slow the progression of disability.

SPMS is a common stage of MS, and most people with MS will develop SPMS at some point if they are not on an effective disease-modifying therapy (DMT). The sooner treatment starts, the better the chances of reducing new symptoms and worsening of the disease.

In the RRMS stage, the first noticeable symptoms include numbness or tingling, incontinence (bladder control problems), and walking difficulties. These symptoms can come and go, and some people might not have any symptoms for several weeks or months, known as remission. However, symptoms can come back, which is called a flare-up or relapse. A relapse typically lasts for several days to several weeks and can be treated with IV steroids.

At some point, many people with RRMS no longer experience periods of remission or sudden relapses. Instead, their MS symptoms continue and worsen without any break, indicating the progression to SPMS. This usually occurs 10 to 15 years after the first MS symptoms, but it can be delayed or possibly prevented with early intervention using effective MS DMTs.

During the secondary-progressive stage, symptoms become more challenging. SPMS is marked by the absence of relapses, but it is still possible to have an attack of symptoms or a flare-up, which is usually worse in heat and during times of stress.

While there is no cure for SPMS, early treatment is essential. Medical treatments can significantly improve quality of life, and there are drug treatments, as well as physiotherapy and exercise, that can help manage symptoms.

Primary Progressive MS (PPMS)

Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS) is a type of MS that occurs in approximately 10-15% of people diagnosed with the disease. PPMS is characterised by a steady worsening of neurological functions from the onset of the disease, with no relapses or remissions. While PPMS can affect people differently, symptoms often include pain, electric-shock sensations, trouble with balance, cognitive issues, and problems with bowel and bladder control.

PPMS is typically diagnosed in people in their 40s, though some sources state that symptoms can begin as early as age 35. Diagnosis of PPMS is based on a patient's history of symptoms, which must show a worsening of disability over at least a year, as well as MRI scans and lumbar puncture results that indicate the presence of MS.

Currently, there are no FDA-approved medications specifically for PPMS. However, healthcare providers may use medicines approved for other forms of MS, or focus on treatments that relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Physical and occupational therapy, regular exercise, and adequate sleep may also be beneficial for managing PPMS.

Regarding life insurance, while having MS is considered a pre-existing condition that increases insurance risk, it is still possible to obtain life insurance. The availability and cost of coverage will depend on the type and stage of MS, as well as other factors such as age, gender, and overall health. People with PPMS may find it more challenging to obtain traditional life insurance coverage compared to those with other forms of MS. In such cases, alternative options like guaranteed issue life insurance or graded death benefit life insurance policies may be more suitable. These policies often have higher premiums and may have waiting periods before benefits can be paid out.

Progressive Relapsing MS (PRMS)

Progressive-relapsing multiple sclerosis (PRMS) is the least common form of the disease, affecting only about 5% of patients. It is characterised by a progressive worsening of the condition from the beginning, similar to primary-progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS). However, patients with PRMS also experience occasional relapse episodes of intensified symptoms, similar to those with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS).

The progressive worsening of the condition in PRMS is caused by nerve damage or loss, while the relapse episodes are due to inflammation. The main symptom of both forms of the condition is a gradual worsening of disability. This may be experienced through increased numbness or tingling, vision problems (such as double vision), spasticity or stiffness of the muscles, difficulty controlling the bladder or bowels, problems with cognition (such as learning and memory or information processing), difficulty with walking and coordination, and sexual dysfunction.

PRMS tends to be diagnosed when patients are in their mid-to-late 30s, and the condition affects men and women equally. Diagnosis begins with a detailed medical history and neurological examination, and may include an MRI scan of the brain and spinal cord, a lumbar puncture, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, nerve function tests, and blood tests to rule out other conditions.

While there is currently no cure for PRMS, it is not classified as a fatal disease. Symptoms associated with relapse episodes may be managed with corticosteroids, which can shorten and lessen their severity. Physical and occupational therapy may also be used to help manage symptoms and adjust patients to living and working situations. Interferon beta medications, injected into the muscle, can also aid in reducing inflammation.

Regarding life insurance, it is possible to get traditional life insurance if you have multiple sclerosis (MS). The coverage options and premiums will depend on the progression of your condition, your current age, the age you were diagnosed, and other factors. Some insurance companies that view MS favourably include American General, Banner Life, MetLife, Mutual of Omaha, Transamerica, Protective, and Prudential.

Underwriting for MS

Health Status and Medical History:

MS patients applying for life insurance will need to disclose their health status and medical history related to MS. This includes information such as the frequency and progression of symptoms, current treatments, medications, and their ability to perform daily activities. The underwriter will also consider the type and stage of MS, as this significantly impacts the applicant's insurance risk.

Age and Gender:

Underwriters will take into account the age of the applicant at the time of diagnosis, with younger ages typically resulting in higher premiums. The applicant's gender is also a factor, as women are more likely to be diagnosed with MS than men.

Lifestyle Habits:

Lifestyle choices, such as smoking or nicotine use, can impact the underwriting process and result in higher premiums or even denial of coverage.

Overall Health Profile:

In addition to MS-specific information, underwriters will evaluate the applicant's overall health profile, including their medical history, family medical history, and other factors such as occupation and hobbies.

Insurance Risk and Premiums:

The underwriter's assessment of the applicant's health status and other factors will determine their insurance risk classification, which in turn influences the premiums they will pay. Applicants with MS may fall into the Standard or Table 2 health classification, with the latter resulting in higher-than-average premiums.

Availability of Coverage Options:

The progression of MS can impact the availability of traditional coverage options like term life or whole life insurance. Some individuals with MS may be denied traditional coverage but can still access alternatives like guaranteed issue life insurance or group life insurance.

Overall, the underwriting process for MS patients is comprehensive and tailored to their unique circumstances. It is designed to assess the insurance risk, determine eligibility, and set appropriate premiums for life insurance coverage.

Frequently asked questions