Life insurance with Parkinson's disease
A Parkinson's diagnosis understandably raises questions about life insurance. Options are more limited than for many other conditions, but they are not impossible - particularly for early-stage Parkinson's with a good response to medication. The key is understanding how insurers assess Parkinson's and approaching the right insurer for your situation.
The short answer
Life insurance with Parkinson's disease is difficult but not impossible. Early-stage Parkinson's with a good response to levodopa and maintained mobility offers the best chance of cover, typically with a significant loading. Young-onset Parkinson's (diagnosed under 50) is harder to insure due to the longer potential claim period. Critical illness cover usually lists Parkinson's as a covered condition - but only if you take out the policy before diagnosis. Income protection after a Parkinson's diagnosis is extremely difficult to obtain.
What insurers actually ask about Parkinson's disease
Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition, and insurers assess it carefully. When you apply, they will request detailed information - often including a GP report or consultant letter. Here are the specific factors they focus on.
When were you diagnosed?
Time since diagnosis is critical. Recent diagnosis (within the last 1-2 years) with stable symptoms is viewed more favourably than a long-established diagnosis, as the rate of progression is harder to predict early on.
What is your current UPDRS score or stage?
The Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) or the Hoehn and Yahr staging system tells insurers how far the disease has progressed. Stages 1-2 (mild, unilateral or bilateral without balance impairment) are the most insurable. Stage 3 and above becomes very difficult.
How are you responding to medication?
A good response to levodopa (Sinemet, Madopar) is a positive indicator. Insurers want to know that symptoms are well-controlled with medication. If you are experiencing motor fluctuations (on-off periods) or dyskinesia, this suggests more advanced disease.
What is your current mobility and functional status?
Can you walk independently? Do you need assistance with daily activities? Are you still working? Maintained independence is viewed positively and widens your options.
Is there any cognitive impairment?
Parkinson's can affect cognition over time. If you have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease dementia or significant cognitive decline, this substantially narrows insurance options.
How old were you at diagnosis?
Young-onset Parkinson's (diagnosed under 50) is underwritten more cautiously because the potential claim period is much longer. Diagnosis over 65, while more common, is often associated with slower progression.
Have your details ready before you call
If you can share your diagnosis date, current medication, and how your symptoms are managed, our specialist brokers can quickly assess which insurers may offer terms.
Get QuoteHow disease stage affects your options
Parkinson's is a progressive condition, and the stage you are at when you apply determines which insurers will consider your application. Here is a realistic breakdown.
Early-stage (Hoehn and Yahr 1-2)
Cover possible with significant loading
Mild symptoms, usually on one or both sides of the body. Good medication response, maintained mobility and independence. This is where cover is most achievable. Some specialist insurers will offer life insurance with a loading of 100-200% or more, depending on age and time since diagnosis. A small number of mainstream insurers may also consider applications at this stage.
Moderate-stage (Hoehn and Yahr 3)
Very limited options
Balance impairment but still physically independent. Motor fluctuations may be present. At this stage, most mainstream insurers will decline. Some specialist insurers may still consider an application for life cover, but terms will be heavily loaded and cover amounts may be restricted.
Advanced-stage (Hoehn and Yahr 4-5)
Standard cover unavailable
Significant disability, may require wheelchair or be bed-bound. Standard underwritten life insurance is not available at this stage. Guaranteed acceptance products (no medical questions, lower cover amounts up to 25,000, with a moratorium period) remain available. Group life insurance through an employer, if available, may also provide cover without individual medical underwriting.
Realistic pricing expectations
Parkinson's disease carries significant loadings when cover is available. These examples are illustrative and depend heavily on your individual circumstances.
| Profile | Cover | Indicative monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| 60-year-old, diagnosed 18 months ago, stage 1, good levodopa response, fully independent | 100,000 level term, 15 years | 80-160/month |
| 55-year-old, diagnosed 3 years ago, stage 2, stable on medication, working full time | 100,000 level term, 10 years | 100-200/month |
| 48-year-old, young-onset, diagnosed 2 years ago, stage 1-2, good response to treatment | 100,000 level term, 15 years | 120-250/month |
These are indicative figures based on typical specialist market rates. They are not quotes. Actual premiums may be higher or lower depending on your full circumstances and the insurer selected.
The honest answer
Parkinson's disease is one of the harder conditions to insure. Most mainstream insurers will decline or have very limited appetite. However, if you are in the early stages with a good response to medication and maintained independence, specialist insurers can often offer life cover - albeit with significant loadings that make premiums substantially higher than standard rates. The window for obtaining cover narrows as the disease progresses, so if you are considering life insurance, applying sooner rather than later genuinely matters. For those at a more advanced stage, guaranteed acceptance products and employer group schemes remain available options.
Critical illness cover and Parkinson's
Here is an important distinction. Most critical illness policies list Parkinson's disease as one of their covered conditions. This means that if you already hold a critical illness policy and are subsequently diagnosed with Parkinson's, you can make a claim.
However, taking out a new critical illness policy after a Parkinson's diagnosis is a different matter entirely. Most insurers will decline critical illness cover for someone who already has Parkinson's, as the risk of further claims on related conditions (such as dementia) is significantly elevated.
If you have an existing critical illness policy and have just been diagnosed with Parkinson's, check the policy wording carefully. Most policies require a confirmed diagnosis by a consultant neurologist and may have specific definitional criteria that must be met before a claim is accepted.
Income protection after a Parkinson's diagnosis
Income protection is extremely difficult to obtain after a Parkinson's diagnosis. The progressive nature of the condition means that most insurers view the risk of future incapacity as too high.
If you already have income protection in place before diagnosis, it will usually continue to cover you - including for Parkinson's-related claims. This is another reason why having income protection in place before any health issues arise is valuable.
For those diagnosed and currently working, employer group income protection schemes may provide cover without individual medical underwriting. Check with your employer or HR department.
Recently diagnosed with Parkinson's?
The sooner you explore your options, the more options you are likely to have. Get in touch for a free, no-obligation assessment from our specialist brokers on what cover may be available to you.
Get QuotePut your policy in trust
If you do obtain life insurance with Parkinson's, it is especially important to write the policy in trust. Without a trust, the payout enters your estate on death, potentially facing 40% inheritance tax and months of probate delays - time your family may not be able to afford during what is already a difficult period.
Writing a policy in trust is free, takes about 2 minutes, and ensures the money goes directly to your beneficiaries without delay or tax. Our partner brokers set this up on every policy they arrange.
Read our full guide to trusts and estate planning
Frequently asked questions
Can I get any life insurance at all with Parkinson's disease?
Yes, in many cases. Early-stage Parkinson's with a good medication response is insurable through specialist insurers, though premiums will be significantly higher than standard rates. As the disease progresses, options narrow. Guaranteed acceptance products are always available regardless of health status, offering cover up to around 25,000 with no medical questions.
Does young-onset Parkinson's affect insurance differently?
Yes. A diagnosis under 50 is underwritten more cautiously because the potential claim period is much longer. Insurers face a greater financial risk with a longer policy term, so premiums are typically higher and fewer insurers will offer terms compared to a diagnosis at age 65 or older.
Should I apply for life insurance immediately after diagnosis?
It depends. Insurers generally want to see a period of stability on medication - typically 6-12 months - before they can fully assess your risk. However, delaying too long means the disease may progress. The ideal time is usually once you are established on medication with a demonstrable good response, typically 6-12 months after diagnosis. Our partner brokers can advise on timing for your specific situation.
Will my existing life insurance be affected by a Parkinson's diagnosis?
No. If you already have life insurance in force, a subsequent Parkinson's diagnosis does not affect it. Your policy continues on the same terms with the same premiums. This is one of the most important protections of guaranteed premiums - once in force, the insurer cannot change the terms regardless of changes to your health.
What if I have been declined for life insurance because of Parkinson's?
A decline from one insurer does not mean all insurers will decline. Different insurers have different appetites for neurological conditions. A specialist broker can identify insurers who are more likely to offer terms. If underwritten cover is not available, guaranteed acceptance products and employer group schemes remain options worth exploring.
Get specialist advice on Parkinson's life insurance
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