Can I get life insurance with Multiple Sclerosis?

What Is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple Sclerosis is a condition where the body’s immune system turns against itself and affects the central nervous system.

The myelin or the fatty sheath that insulates and encapsulates the nerve fibers of the body is attacked, leaving scars, or a “sclerosis” on the myelin.

This process distorts and interrupts the nerve impulses as they are sent throughout the body. The result is a wide variety of problems and bodily difficulties in movement and function of normal bodily processes.

People who suffer from MS typically experience the disease as mild, moderate, or severe.

–Early Symptoms of MS

If you or someone close to you have any of the following symptoms or a combination of them, you should seek medical advice:

• Problems with vision
• Any spasms or pain
• Fatigue or weakness
• Issues with your bladder
• Dizziness or problems with balance
• Dysfunction sexually
• Numbness or tingling sensation
• Problems with cognitive issues

The intensity and timing of these symptoms can vary from individual to individual and can become very unpredictable. More serious cases of MS can cause loss of vision, paralysis and depleted brain function.

–Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis does not have a cure and the only treatment currently available is the practice of slowing the progression of the condition and speeding up the recovery from the attacks as they occur.

In some situations, the symptoms are very mild, and therefore no treatment is necessary. In more severe cases the objective is to make the patient as comfortable as possible and alleviate the symptoms.

There have been hopeful results with the use of corticosteroids which reduce the inflammation of the nerves.

There can be side-effects with the use of corticosteroids with an increase in the blood pressure of the afflicted individual, retention of fluids and mood swings.

Other treatments include plasma exchange, immune modification techniques, mostly effective during the earlier stages of the disease, and physical therapy that is designed to relax the muscles and reduce fatigue.

There are other more controversial treatments such as various drugs that have differing effects on different people. Yoga, meditation, oral cannabis, exercise, and massage have also proven to be helpful.

How do life insurance companies view multiple sclerosis?

Not every case of multiple sclerosis affects people the same way. People react differently to MS as does the disease affect people differently.

A lot depends on the current health situation and any other ailments that a person currently has.

When an individual who has MS applies for life insurance, they can expect to supply lots of information about how the disease has affected them, date of onset and all of the particulars.

The life insurance company underwriter will also ask for permission for the applicant to release all of the information in the applicant’s medical files.

The final decision will be made based on all of this information, and the result usually will be a rate up to premium cost or a decline in coverage, depending on the severity of the condition of the applicant.

These decisions are based on severity and re-occurrence statistics.

For people who have had little to no increase in mobility, symptoms and other MS symptoms within two to five years after initial diagnosis can usually get a rated policy. If there has been no change for the past ten plus years a standard policy can be issued.

For people who have had secondary and repetitive progressive MS or primary MS are usually declined for life insurance.

Other Alternatives To Life Insurance Purchase

In case a person should receive a decline from an insurance company, the practice of seeking other quotes should be followed. Sometimes it is very helpful to hire an experience life insurance broker to help in the process.

It is a known fact that different life insurance companies will treat your request differently because of their outlook and perceived profitability and risk.

Besides, it will be very helpful to you to get quote comparisons, and it won’t cost anything to do this.

–Group Life Insurance

If you work for a company that has employee benefits, check into how much group life insurance is available. In most companies, there is an availability of a certain amount of coverage that is tied to your earnings.

This coverage does not require any underwriting, so it’s a sure thing.

You should also check into whether or not that group term life can be converted to a whole life policy if you leave employment.

–Accidental Death Benefit

Many banks, credit unions, and associations offer inexpensive accidental death benefits should you die in an accident.

Although this is not going to cover you if you die of natural causes, it is life insurance if you die accidentally.

–Association Life Insurance

There are various associations that offer a group life insurance policy. Many professional associations offer this, such as the associations of CPA’s and Attorneys.

You might be surprised at the number and variety of different associations who make this available.

–Mortgage Insurance From Your Bank

Many banks and credit unions still offer mortgage insurance to cover their obligations if you die and have a mortgage. If you have a mortgage, ask you lender if that is available.

–Guaranteed Life Insurance

There are life insurance policies that will insure just about anyone on a guaranteed basis. The premiums are higher than normal because of the risks involved, and the maximum amount of coverage tops off at around $50,000 in most cases.

The way it works is that there is no death benefit for the first two years of the policy.

If the policyholder does die, the premiums paid in are paid back to the named beneficiary plus interest of between 10 and 20 percent.

In Conclusion

Multiple Sclerosis has no known cure, yet in many people, it presents in a very mild form. For many individuals, it is progressive to the point of being debilitating.

MS usually starts out with obvious symptoms which can occur in combinations that eventually become obvious if brought to the attention of medical professionals.

Life insurance can be purchased for people who have milder symptoms and a good prognosis for the future, but in others who have a more severe dose of MS, they will be declined for life insurance.