Life insurance with back problems and spinal conditions
Back problems are extremely common in the UK. Most have minimal impact on life insurance premiums. Where back conditions really matter is income protection, where they are one of the most common reasons for claims and exclusions. This guide covers both, so you know exactly what to expect whichever type of cover you need.
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The short answer
Mild to moderate back pain with no surgery and no significant time off work typically gets standard life insurance rates. More serious conditions (spinal surgery, degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis) may attract a minor loading for life cover. The real impact of back problems is on income protection, where insurers frequently apply a back-related exclusion or loading. Back problems are one of the leading causes of income protection claims in the UK, and insurers price accordingly.
What insurers ask about back problems
For life insurance, the questions about back problems are relatively brief. For income protection, they are far more detailed. Across both, expect the following:
- What is the specific diagnosis? (general back pain, herniated disc, sciatica, stenosis, etc.)
- When did symptoms start and when were you diagnosed?
- Have you had any investigations? (MRI, CT scan, X-ray)
- What treatment have you had? (physiotherapy, injections, surgery)
- Are you currently on pain medication? If so, what type?
- How much time off work have you had due to your back in the last 2-5 years?
- Have you had any surgery? If so, what type and when?
- Are you still under specialist care (orthopaedic or neurosurgical)?
- Can you perform your normal daily activities and work duties?
General back pain and muscle strain
Non-specific lower back pain is the most common back complaint and one of the most common conditions seen by GPs in the UK. For life insurance, it is rarely significant.
Typical underwriting for life insurance
Standard rates
Occasional back pain managed with over-the-counter painkillers, physiotherapy, or exercise, with no significant time off work and no surgical intervention, is standard rates from virtually every insurer. There is no loading for routine back pain.
Herniated (slipped) disc
A herniated or slipped disc occurs when one of the discs between the vertebrae bulges or ruptures. It is common, particularly in people aged 30-50, and often resolves with conservative treatment.
Typical underwriting for life insurance
Resolved with conservative treatment
Standard rates. A single episode of a herniated disc that resolved with physiotherapy and pain management, with no ongoing symptoms, is a non-issue for life insurance.
Required surgical intervention (discectomy, microdiscectomy)
Standard to minor loading once recovered. Most insurers will want to see 3-6 months of post-surgical recovery before offering terms. A successful outcome with return to normal activities is key.
Sciatica
Sciatica is pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, typically from the lower back down one leg. It is a symptom rather than a diagnosis, usually caused by a herniated disc or spinal stenosis pressing on the nerve.
Typical underwriting for life insurance
Resolved episode - standard rates. A single bout of sciatica that has resolved is treated the same as general back pain.
Chronic or recurring sciatica - standard to minor loading for life insurance. The underlying cause matters more than the sciatica itself. If the underlying disc problem has been treated, terms improve.
Back pain affecting your insurance options?
The specific diagnosis and treatment history determine your terms. A quick call with your details gives you a clear answer for both life cover and income protection.
Get QuoteSpinal stenosis and degenerative conditions
Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), degenerative disc disease, and spondylolisthesis (a vertebra slipping out of position) are more significant diagnoses for insurance purposes, though still very insurable for life cover.
Typical underwriting for life insurance
Mild to moderate, managed conservatively
Standard rates to minor loading (0-25%). If you are managing with physiotherapy, exercise, and occasional pain medication, and you are working normally, most insurers will offer good terms for life cover.
More severe, requiring injections or regular specialist care
Minor loading (25-50%) for life insurance. Epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, or nerve root blocks indicate more significant symptoms. Regular specialist involvement suggests the condition is harder to manage.
Requiring or awaiting surgery
Postponement until surgery is complete and recovery is established. Most insurers will not offer terms while you are on a surgical waiting list. Once recovered (typically 6-12 months post-surgery), terms depend on the outcome.
After spinal surgery
Spinal surgery covers a range of procedures, from relatively minor microdiscectomies to major spinal fusion or decompression surgery. The type of surgery and your recovery determine your insurance terms.
Typical underwriting by procedure
Microdiscectomy or simple discectomy
Standard to minor loading once recovered (3-6 months). Successful single-level surgery with good recovery and return to normal activities is viewed favourably.
Spinal decompression (laminectomy)
Minor loading (25-50%) once recovered. More significant surgery but generally good outcomes. Recovery period of 6-12 months before insurers typically assess.
Spinal fusion
Minor to moderate loading (25-75%) for life insurance once recovered. This is the most significant spinal procedure for underwriting. Multi-level fusion or fusion with complications may attract a higher loading. Full recovery typically takes 12+ months.
The honest answer
For life insurance, back problems are rarely a significant issue. Even if you have had spinal surgery, the loading is typically modest once you have recovered. Where back problems genuinely cause difficulty is income protection. Back pain is one of the top reasons people claim on income protection in the UK, and insurers know this. If you have a history of back problems with time off work, expect an income protection exclusion for back-related claims from most insurers. Some specialist insurers may offer cover without an exclusion at a higher premium, but this is not guaranteed. We are honest about this because we want you to understand your cover fully before you buy it.
Income protection with back problems
This is where back problems have the greatest impact on insurance. Income protection pays out if you are unable to work, and back pain is one of the most common causes of long-term absence from work in the UK.
What to expect
Mild back pain, no time off work
Income protection may be available without a back exclusion, particularly if your back pain has not caused any absence from work and you have not seen a specialist. Standard or minor loading.
Moderate back problems with some time off work
A back-related exclusion is the most likely outcome. This means the policy would not pay out if you are unable to work due to your back, but would cover all other conditions. Some insurers may offer cover without exclusion at a significant loading.
Significant back problems, surgery, or ongoing treatment
Back exclusion almost certain from all mainstream insurers. A broader musculoskeletal exclusion may also apply. The policy still covers cancer, mental health, cardiovascular, and all other conditions, so it remains valuable even with an exclusion.
It is important to understand that an income protection policy with a back exclusion is still extremely valuable. It covers every other reason you might be unable to work, including cancer, heart conditions, mental health, accidents, and more. Do not dismiss income protection simply because it excludes back claims.
Need income protection with a back condition?
Our specialist brokers know which insurers are most flexible on back-related exclusions. Call to explore your options - even with an exclusion, income protection is worth having.
Get QuoteCritical illness cover with back problems
Back conditions generally do not affect critical illness cover. Critical illness policies pay out for specific defined conditions (cancer, heart attack, stroke, etc.) and back problems are not among them. You should expect standard or near-standard critical illness terms regardless of your back history, unless the back condition is part of a broader neurological or systemic condition.
Put your policy in trust
Every life insurance policy should be written in trust. This ensures the payout goes directly to your beneficiaries without probate delays or inheritance tax. Our partner brokers set this up at no cost on every policy.
Read our full guide to trusts and estate planning
Frequently asked questions
Does back pain affect life insurance premiums?
In most cases, no. General back pain managed conservatively has little to no impact on life insurance premiums. Even a herniated disc that resolved with physiotherapy is typically standard rates. Spinal surgery may attract a minor loading, but back pain alone is rarely a significant factor for life cover.
Will I get income protection with a bad back?
Yes, but with a back-related exclusion in most cases. If you have a history of back problems with time off work, most insurers will offer income protection that covers everything except back-related claims. This is still extremely valuable cover. Some specialist insurers may offer full cover at a higher premium.
I am on strong painkillers for my back. Does this matter?
For life insurance, prescription pain medication (tramadol, codeine, gabapentin, pregabalin) is noted but usually has minimal impact on terms unless you are on very high doses or opioid-based medication long-term. For income protection, strong pain medication suggests significant ongoing symptoms and increases the likelihood of a back exclusion.
I had spinal fusion surgery. When can I apply for life insurance?
Most insurers prefer to wait until your recovery is established, typically 6-12 months post-surgery. Once you have recovered and your surgeon is satisfied with the outcome, life insurance is available with a minor to moderate loading depending on the procedure and recovery.
Does seeing a chiropractor or osteopath count as treatment?
Yes, it is considered treatment for insurance purposes and should be declared. However, regular chiropractic or osteopathic treatment for maintenance is viewed very mildly by most life insurers. For income protection, it may contribute to an underwriter's view of ongoing back problems.
I have degenerative disc disease. Is this viewed as serious?
Degenerative disc disease is extremely common, particularly with age, and many people with the diagnosis have minimal symptoms. For life insurance, it is typically standard to minor loading. For income protection, the impact depends on your symptoms and functional ability rather than the diagnosis itself.
Get the right cover for your back condition
Whether you need life insurance, income protection, or both, our specialist brokers will find the best terms for your specific back condition. Tell us your diagnosis and treatment history.
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