Life insurance with multiple sclerosis (MS)
We are honest about this: multiple sclerosis is one of the harder conditions for life insurance. The type of MS, your level of disability, relapse frequency, and current treatment all matter enormously. Some people with MS can get underwritten cover. Others face very limited options. We explain exactly where you are likely to stand.
The short answer
Life insurance with MS is challenging but not impossible. Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) with low disability (EDSS under 3-4) and infrequent relapses has the best chance - some specialist insurers will consider these applications, typically with significant loadings. Secondary progressive MS (SPMS) and primary progressive MS (PPMS) are much harder, with very limited underwritten options. Guaranteed acceptance policies, over 50s plans, and group life through your employer are available regardless of MS type. Critical illness cover often covers MS as a listed condition - check any existing policy.
What insurers ask about MS
Insurers need a detailed picture of your MS. Many will request a report from your neurologist. Having these details ready helps determine your options quickly.
What type of MS do you have?
Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), secondary progressive MS (SPMS), or primary progressive MS (PPMS). These are viewed very differently. RRMS is the most favourably viewed because it typically progresses more slowly and has periods of stability between relapses.
When were you diagnosed?
Time since diagnosis matters, but the current level of disability is more important than how long you have had MS. Someone diagnosed 10 years ago with minimal disability is viewed more favourably than someone diagnosed 2 years ago with significant disability.
What is your current disability level (EDSS score)?
The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) runs from 0 (normal) to 10. It is the key measure insurers use. EDSS 0-3 (minimal disability, fully ambulatory) is the most insurable range. EDSS 4-6 (walking limitations, may need aids) narrows options significantly. EDSS 7+ (wheelchair dependent) makes underwritten cover very difficult.
How frequently do you relapse?
For RRMS, relapse frequency is a critical factor. One relapse every 2-3 years or less is viewed more favourably than annual or more frequent relapses. The severity of relapses and how completely you recover from them also matters.
What disease-modifying therapy (DMT) are you on?
Platform therapies (interferon beta, glatiramer acetate) indicate more stable disease. Higher-efficacy DMTs (natalizumab, ocrelizumab, alemtuzumab, fingolimod) may indicate more active disease but also proactive management. Insurers are still developing their understanding of newer DMTs.
How is your mobility?
Whether you walk unaided, use a stick or crutch, use a wheelchair part-time, or are wheelchair-dependent is a significant factor in underwriting. Mobility is a practical measure of how MS is affecting you day to day.
Know your MS type, EDSS score, and relapse history
These three pieces of information let our specialist brokers tell you exactly where you stand. Your neurologist can provide your EDSS score if you do not know it.
Get QuoteHow different types of MS affect cover
The type of MS you have is the starting point for all underwriting decisions. Each type is viewed very differently.
Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS)
Best chance of cover
RRMS with low disability (EDSS under 3-4), infrequent relapses, and stable or improving function has the best insurance prospects. Some specialist insurers will consider these applications. Expect significant loadings (150-300%+), but the cover amounts can be meaningful. Time since diagnosis with minimal progression is a strong positive factor. A small number of mainstream insurers may also consider very mild RRMS.
Secondary progressive MS (SPMS)
Very limited options
SPMS indicates that MS has moved from a relapsing-remitting pattern to steady progression. Most mainstream insurers will decline. A small number of specialist underwriters may consider early SPMS with low disability on a case-by-case basis, but options are very limited. Guaranteed acceptance, over 50s plans, and group life are the primary routes.
Primary progressive MS (PPMS)
Standard cover generally not available
PPMS is characterised by steady progression from onset without distinct relapses. Standard underwritten life insurance is very difficult to obtain with PPMS. Guaranteed acceptance policies, over 50s plans (if age-eligible), and group life through your employer are the realistic options.
Why the EDSS score matters so much
The Expanded Disability Status Scale is a 0-10 scale that measures neurological disability in MS. It is the most important single number for insurance purposes.
| EDSS range | What it means | Insurance outlook |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2.0 | Minimal or no disability. Fully ambulatory. | Best chance. Specialist insurers likely to consider. |
| 2.5-3.5 | Mild disability but fully ambulatory. | Some specialist insurers may consider. Higher loadings. |
| 4.0-5.5 | Walking limitations. May need rest or aid for longer distances. | Very limited. Most insurers decline. GA and group life main options. |
| 6.0+ | Walking aid, wheelchair, or more significant disability. | Standard underwritten cover not available. GA, over 50s, and group life. |
GA = guaranteed acceptance. These ranges are indicative. Individual circumstances, including MS type, relapse history, and rate of progression, all influence the outcome.
The honest answer
MS is genuinely one of the harder conditions for life insurance. We will not pretend otherwise. If you have RRMS with minimal disability and infrequent relapses, there are real options - specialist insurers who will underwrite your application and offer meaningful cover, albeit at significantly elevated premiums. If you have progressive MS or significant disability, underwritten cover is very limited, and our partner brokers would not want you to waste time on applications that will not succeed. What they can do is be completely honest about which route is realistic for your specific situation: underwritten cover through a specialist, guaranteed acceptance, over 50s plans, or existing group life through your employer. Knowing which one applies to you is the most valuable thing they can provide.
Critical illness cover and MS
This is an important point for anyone with MS: most critical illness policies list multiple sclerosis as a covered condition. If you took out a critical illness policy before your MS diagnosis, you may have a valid claim.
The definition varies by insurer, but most critical illness policies pay out for MS that results in persisting neurological symptoms. Check your policy wording carefully, as some require symptoms to persist for a specified period (often 3-6 months) or require a confirmed diagnosis by a consultant neurologist.
Getting new critical illness cover after an MS diagnosis is not possible through standard underwriting, as insurers will not cover a condition that is already diagnosed.
Income protection with MS
Income protection with MS is very difficult to obtain through individual underwriting. MS is a leading cause of disability in working-age adults, and the unpredictable nature of the condition makes it a high risk for income protection insurers. Most will decline or offer cover with a comprehensive MS exclusion.
Group income protection through your employer may be available and is worth checking. If your employer offers group income protection with free cover (no individual underwriting up to a certain salary level), this can be extremely valuable for someone with MS.
Already have critical illness cover?
If you were diagnosed with MS after taking out a critical illness policy, you may have a valid claim. Our partner brokers can help you check your policy wording.
Get QuoteOptions that are available with MS
Specialist underwritten cover (RRMS with low disability)
For RRMS with EDSS under 3-4, infrequent relapses, and stable disease, a small number of specialist underwriters will consider applications. Loadings are typically significant (150-300%+), but the cover amounts can be meaningful - often enough for mortgage protection or family financial security. Access to these underwriters requires a specialist broker.
Guaranteed acceptance life insurance
Available regardless of MS type or severity. No medical questions. Cover is typically capped at around 25,000 with a moratorium period of 1-2 years. After the moratorium, the full benefit is payable regardless of cause of death. More expensive per pound of cover, but guarantees a baseline.
Over 50s life insurance
For those aged 50-80, no medical questions. Fixed monthly premiums with a moratorium period. Cover amounts are typically lower, but the plan can provide a meaningful sum for funeral costs, debts, or a legacy. Worth considering alongside other options.
Group life through your employer
Death-in-service benefit (often 2-4x salary) provided through your employer without individual medical underwriting. This is often the most valuable and cost-effective cover available to someone with MS. If you are considering changing jobs, the availability of group life benefit is a factor worth weighing.
Put your policy in trust
Whatever cover you obtain, writing it in trust ensures the payout goes directly to your beneficiaries outside your estate. This avoids inheritance tax (potentially saving 40% of the payout) and probate delays. It is free and takes minutes. Our partner brokers set it up on every policy.
Read our full guide to trusts and estate planning
Frequently asked questions
I was only recently diagnosed with RRMS and have minimal symptoms. Should I apply now?
For RRMS with minimal disability, applying sooner rather than later has advantages. Your current low disability level is a strong factor in your favour, and if MS progresses over time, your options may narrow. However, some insurers prefer to see at least 12 months since diagnosis to establish the pattern of your disease. A specialist broker can advise on the right timing for your specific situation.
Does my disease-modifying therapy affect my insurance options?
The specific DMT is less important than what it indicates about your disease activity. Being on treatment is generally viewed positively, as it shows proactive management. Higher-efficacy treatments (natalizumab, ocrelizumab, alemtuzumab) may suggest more active disease, but effective disease control on these treatments is a positive factor. The key metrics remain your EDSS, relapse rate, and overall disease trajectory.
I have benign MS - does this help?
The term 'benign MS' (minimal disability after 10+ years) is less commonly used by neurologists now, but the concept matters for insurance. If you have had MS for many years with minimal progression and low disability, this is the most favourable scenario. Some specialist insurers are specifically willing to consider long-standing MS with a demonstrably benign course.
Can I get life insurance for a mortgage with MS?
For RRMS with low disability, yes - mortgage-level cover may be available through specialist underwriters. For progressive MS, guaranteed acceptance products can provide some cover, though they may not match the full mortgage amount. Group life through your employer can also serve as mortgage security. Some lenders will accept alternative arrangements. Our partner brokers can help you work through the options.
My MS has been stable for years. Will insurers recognise this?
Yes. Long-term stability is one of the most positive factors in MS underwriting. Stable EDSS score, infrequent or no relapses, and consistent treatment all indicate a favourable disease course. An MS that has been stable for 5 or more years is viewed significantly more favourably than recently diagnosed or recently progressive MS.
Should I check my existing critical illness policy?
Absolutely. If you had critical illness cover before your MS diagnosis, you almost certainly have a valid claim. MS is a listed condition on the vast majority of critical illness policies. The policy definition usually requires persisting neurological symptoms confirmed by a consultant neurologist. Do not delay in checking this - the claim is typically valid from the point of confirmed diagnosis.
Get honest advice about life insurance with MS
Tell us your MS type, EDSS score, and relapse history. Our specialist brokers will tell you exactly what is realistically available and help you secure the best option.
Get QuoteFree. No obligation. Takes 2 minutes.