
TL;DR
Securing critical illness cover in the UK with Multiple Sclerosis is challenging but achievable. WeCovr's expert brokers help navigate neurological exclusions to secure valuable cover for cancer, heart attack, and stroke from major UK insurers.
Key takeaways
- Insurers will almost always apply a Multiple Sclerosis exclusion to a critical illness policy.
- Despite exclusions, the policy remains highly valuable, covering the most common claims like cancer, heart attack, and stroke.
- Life insurance is often more straightforward to obtain with MS than critical illness or income protection cover.
- Full income protection is very difficult to secure, but specialist options like Executive Income Protection may be available for company directors.
- Using a specialist broker like WeCovr is crucial to finding the right insurer and presenting your application effectively.
Navigating neurological exclusions while securing cover for cancer and heart disease
A diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) brings significant uncertainty. Amidst managing your health, securing your financial future becomes a paramount concern. Many individuals we speak to assume that a chronic neurological condition like MS makes it impossible to get valuable protection insurance like Critical Illness Cover.
The reality is more nuanced and, importantly, more hopeful.
While obtaining cover for MS-related conditions is not possible, you can absolutely secure a policy that protects you and your family from the financial impact of other major illnesses. The key is understanding how insurers view MS and working with a specialist to navigate the market.
This definitive guide explains how you can get critical illness cover with MS, what to expect during the application process, and why a policy with exclusions can still be one of the most important financial safety nets you can have.
At WeCovr, we specialise in helping clients with pre-existing medical conditions find the cover they need. We understand the underwriting complexities and can guide you to the insurers most likely to offer favourable terms.
Understanding the Insurer's Perspective on Multiple Sclerosis
To understand the options available, it's essential to first see Multiple Sclerosis from an underwriter's point of view. Insurers assess risk, and MS is considered a higher-risk condition for several reasons:
- Progressive Nature: MS is a long-term condition that can change and worsen over time. This unpredictability makes it difficult for insurers to calculate long-term risk, particularly for policies like Income Protection and Total and Permanent Disability (TPD).
- Impact on Lifespan: While many people with MS live a near-normal lifespan, some studies indicate a potential reduction of 5 to 10 years on average. This is a factor for life insurance underwriting.
- Increased Risk of Other Conditions: Research suggests potential links between MS and other health issues, which underwriters must factor into their risk models.
- Types of MS: The specific type of MS significantly influences an insurer's decision:
- Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS): This is the most common form, characterised by flare-ups (relapses) followed by periods of recovery (remission). Well-managed RRMS with infrequent relapses is viewed more favourably.
- Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS): This may develop after an initial RRMS phase and involves a steady worsening of symptoms over time, with or without relapses.
- Primary Progressive MS (PPMS): From the outset, symptoms gradually worsen without relapses or remissions. This form is considered higher risk by insurers.
Because of this, when you apply for protection insurance with MS, insurers will need detailed information to make an informed decision.
What is Critical Illness Cover and Why is it Still Valuable?
Before we delve deeper into the application process, let's clarify what Critical Illness Cover (CIC) is and the crucial role it plays.
Critical Illness Cover is a type of insurance policy that pays out a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of the specific serious illnesses listed in the policy.
This is different from life insurance, which pays out on death, and income protection, which provides a replacement monthly salary. The lump sum from a CIC claim is designed to remove financial pressure at a time of immense personal stress.
People typically use the payout to:
- Repay a mortgage or other debts
- Cover lost income for themselves or a partner who becomes a carer
- Pay for private medical treatments or specialist care
- Fund necessary home or vehicle adaptations
- Simply provide a financial buffer to allow them to focus on recovery
The crucial point for applicants with MS is this: while your policy will not cover you for an MS-related claim, it will cover you for the most common reasons people claim on critical illness policies.
According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), the vast majority of claims are for three main conditions:
| Condition | Approximate Percentage of Claims |
|---|---|
| Cancer | ~60% |
| Heart Attack | ~12% |
| Stroke | ~7% |
Combined, cancer, heart attacks, and strokes account for around 80% of all critical illness claims. Your MS diagnosis does not increase your immunity to these conditions. A policy that provides a significant financial payout for these events offers immense peace of mind and security.
The Underwriting Process: What to Expect When You Apply
When you declare MS on an application for critical illness cover, the insurer will begin a detailed medical underwriting process. Honesty and accuracy are non-negotiable; failing to disclose your condition can lead to a future claim being denied.
You will be asked a series of specific questions, including:
- Date of diagnosis: When were you first officially diagnosed?
- Type of MS: RRMS, SPMS, or PPMS?
- Symptoms: What symptoms have you experienced (e.g., fatigue, mobility issues, vision problems, cognitive difficulties)?
- Relapses: When was your last relapse, and how frequent and severe are they?
- Treatment: What medications or Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMTs) are you on?
- Mobility: Do you use any walking aids? How far can you walk unaided?
- Daily Living: How does the condition affect your ability to work and perform daily activities?
- Consultant: Who is your neurologist or specialist?
In almost all cases, the insurer will request a GP Report (GPR) or a report from your specialist to verify this information. This is a standard part of the process.
A WeCovr Adviser Tip
Presenting your medical history clearly can make a significant difference. Before you apply, gather all your key medical information. A specialist adviser can help you frame this information accurately and completely on the application form, ensuring the underwriter gets a full and fair picture of your health, including periods of stability and a positive prognosis. This proactive approach can lead to a smoother and more favourable underwriting outcome.
Likely Underwriting Outcomes for Critical Illness Cover with MS
Once the insurer has all your information, they will make a decision. For critical illness cover, there are three primary outcomes.
-
Decline: An insurer may decline to offer cover altogether. This is most likely if:
- The diagnosis is very recent.
- You have a progressive form of MS (SPMS or PPMS).
- You have experienced recent, frequent, or severe relapses.
- The condition significantly impacts your mobility or ability to work.
-
Increased Premium (Rating): If an insurer agrees to offer cover, they will almost certainly increase the standard premium. This "rating" or "loading" reflects the increased overall health risk they associate with the condition. The increase could be anywhere from +50% to +150% or more, depending on the specifics of your case.
-
Exclusions: This is the most important and near-certain outcome. The insurer will apply specific exclusions to the policy. This means the policy will not pay out for claims directly or indirectly related to Multiple Sclerosis.
The typical exclusions you will see are:
- A specific Multiple Sclerosis exclusion: This states clearly that no claim will be paid for the diagnosis of MS.
- A Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) exclusion: TPD is a standard definition in most CIC policies that pays out if you become permanently unable to work ever again. As MS can lead to this, insurers will remove this benefit.
- A general neurological condition exclusion: Some insurers may apply a broader exclusion for a list of related neurological conditions.
It is vital to understand that an exclusion is not a reason to reject the policy. It is the mechanism that allows the insurer to offer you valuable cover for all the other conditions, like cancer and heart disease, at an affordable price.
Real-Life Scenario: The Value of a Policy with Exclusions
Meet David, a 45-year-old graphic designer with RRMS. David was diagnosed with MS eight years ago. His condition is stable with infrequent, mild relapses. He was concerned about his family's financial security if he were to suffer another major illness.
Working with a WeCovr adviser, he applied for critical illness cover. The insurer offered him a policy for £120,000 of cover with a 75% premium loading and a clear exclusion for MS and related neurological conditions.
Four years later, David suffered a major heart attack, requiring surgery and a long recovery period. His critical illness policy paid out the full £120,000 tax-free.
This money allowed him to:
- Clear his outstanding mortgage balance.
- Take six months off work to recover fully without financial worry.
- Avoid using his personal savings, preserving them for the future.
David's MS was irrelevant to the claim. His policy did exactly what it was designed to do: provide a financial lifeline when he was diagnosed with one of the UK's most common critical illnesses.
Exploring Other Protection Insurance Options with MS
While critical illness cover is a primary focus, it's wise to consider a holistic protection plan. Your MS diagnosis will impact other types of cover in different ways.
Life Insurance
Getting life insurance with MS is often more straightforward than critical illness cover.
Life insurance pays out a lump sum or regular income to your loved ones if you pass away during the policy term.
- Term Life Insurance: This is the most common type, covering you for a set number of years (e.g., until your mortgage is paid off or children are financially independent).
- Family Income Benefit: This is a variation of term insurance that pays out a regular, tax-free monthly income rather than a lump sum, which can be easier for a family to budget with.
Underwriting Outcomes for Life Insurance:
- Standard Rates: If your MS is very mild, well-managed (e.g., RRMS), and you were diagnosed many years ago with no recent relapses, you may even be offered cover at standard prices. This is rare but possible.
- Premium Loading: More commonly, the insurer will apply a premium loading, similar to critical illness cover, to reflect the potential impact on your life expectancy.
- Decline: In cases of severe or progressive MS, a decline is possible, but less likely than for CIC or income protection.
Whole of Life Insurance for Legacy and IHT Planning
For some, a Whole of Life policy may be a suitable option. These plans guarantee a payout whenever you die, making them ideal for leaving a legacy or covering a future Inheritance Tax (IHT) bill.
It's crucial to understand how modern policies work:
- Most modern whole of life plans are pure protection policies with no cash-in or investment value.
- You pay a premium, and in return, the insurer guarantees to pay out the agreed sum on your death.
- If you stop paying premiums, the cover lapses, and you get nothing back.
- At WeCovr, we focus on these simple, transparent plans, which are excellent for IHT planning.
This is very different from older, complex with-profits or investment-linked whole of life policies, which were expensive and often produced poor returns.
For someone with MS, a guaranteed whole of life plan can be an effective way to leave a fixed sum to their family, and underwriting can sometimes be more lenient than for term insurance.
Another specialist policy for IHT planning is Gift Inter Vivos insurance. This is a term life policy designed to cover the potential IHT liability on large gifts made during your lifetime, which only become fully tax-exempt after seven years.
Income Protection
This is the most challenging type of cover to secure with an MS diagnosis.
Income Protection (IP) is designed to pay a monthly replacement income if you are unable to work due to any illness or injury. Because MS has a high likelihood of eventually impacting a person's ability to work, insurers view this as an extremely high risk.
The most likely outcomes when applying for full Income Protection are:
- A straightforward decline.
- An offer with a comprehensive neurological and musculoskeletal exclusion. This would render the policy of very limited value, as it would exclude a wide range of potential reasons for a claim.
However, there are niche alternatives to explore with a specialist broker:
- Personal Sick Pay Policies: These are short-term income protection plans, typically with a maximum claim period of 1, 2, or 5 years per claim. Underwriting can sometimes be more flexible, though a neurological exclusion is still highly probable.
- Accident, Sickness & Unemployment (ASU) Cover: These are typically lower-quality, annually renewable policies. They are not a substitute for long-term income protection but may offer some short-term cover. They will always have exclusions for pre-existing conditions like MS.
Specialist Cover for Company Directors and the Self-Employed
If you run your own business or are a company director, there are powerful, tax-efficient protection options that can be more accessible than personal cover.
Executive Income Protection
This is a hugely valuable but often overlooked policy for company directors with MS.
Executive Income Protection is an income protection policy that is owned and paid for by your limited company. The policy covers you, the director, but the business pays the premiums.
Key advantages include:
- Tax Efficiency: The premiums are typically considered an allowable business expense, reducing your corporation tax bill.
- More Favourable Underwriting: Insurers often have slightly more flexible underwriting criteria for group and executive schemes compared to individual policies. While an exclusion for MS is still likely, the overall proposition can be more favourable.
- No P11D Benefit-in-Kind: Unlike some other company perks, there is usually no personal tax liability for the director receiving this benefit.
If you are a company director with MS who has struggled to find personal income protection, exploring Executive IP with an adviser is a critical next step.
Disclaimer: This is general guidance only and does not constitute formal tax or financial advice. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances, policy terms, and HMRC interpretation, which cannot be guaranteed in advance. Whenever applicable, businesses and individuals should always consult a qualified accountant or tax adviser before arranging such policies.
Key Person Insurance
If your presence is vital to your business's revenue and stability, Key Person Insurance is essential. This is a life insurance and/or critical illness policy taken out by the business on a 'key' individual.
If that person dies or suffers a critical illness, the policy pays out to the business. The funds can be used to:
- Recruit a replacement
- Cover lost profits
- Reassure lenders and investors
If you have MS, the business can often secure Key Person life insurance on you with a premium loading. Critical illness cover will be more challenging and will come with the standard MS exclusions, but it can still provide vital protection against the financial fallout of you being diagnosed with cancer or having a stroke.
Why You Should Always Use a Specialist Broker
When you have a pre-existing condition like MS, going direct to a single insurer or using a non-specialist comparison site is one of the biggest mistakes you can make.
- A 'decline' from one insurer can be disheartening and stop you from searching elsewhere.
- Each insurer has its own unique underwriting rules (its 'underwriting philosophy'). Some are far more sympathetic to MS than others.
- A standard comparison site cannot capture the nuances of your medical history.
A specialist protection broker, like WeCovr, adds value in several critical ways:
- Market Knowledge: We know which insurers have a track record of offering favourable terms for applicants with MS. We don't waste your time with those likely to decline.
- Pre-Application Enquiries: We can speak to senior underwriters anonymously on your behalf before you submit a formal application. This allows us to "test the waters" and identify the insurer most likely to offer the best possible terms without leaving a mark on your application record.
- Application Support: We help you complete the application form with the precision and detail underwriters need. We ensure your condition is presented accurately, highlighting periods of stability and good management.
- No Extra Cost: Our service is paid for by the insurer on completion, so you get expert guidance and market access at no additional cost. The premiums are the same as going direct.
As part of our commitment to our clients' long-term wellbeing, all WeCovr customers also receive complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered nutrition and calorie tracking app, helping you support your health goals.
Final Application Tips
- Be 100% Honest: Non-disclosure is the only thing that guarantees a future claim will be rejected. Disclose everything, no matter how small it seems.
- Have Your Details Ready: Compile a summary of your diagnosis date, medications, treatment history, and your consultant's details.
- Focus on the Positives: Be sure to mention long periods of remission, a stable lifestyle, and your ability to work and live a full life.
- Don't Give Up: A 'no' or a difficult offer from one insurer is not the end of the road. The UK protection market is vast, and with expert help, a suitable solution can often be found.
Getting the right financial protection in place is a powerful way to regain a sense of control and provide security for you and your loved ones. While MS presents challenges, it should not be a barrier to securing valuable cover for life's other major risks.
Speak to one of our friendly, expert advisers today to explore your options with a no-obligation quote comparison.
I was diagnosed with MS after I took out my critical illness policy. Am I covered?
Will my critical illness premiums be much more expensive if I have MS?
Can I get income protection insurance if I have MS?
Sources
- NHS
- ONS (Office for National Statistics)
- FCA (Financial Conduct Authority)
- ABI (Association of British Insurers)
- gov.uk
- MS Society
- MS Trust












