Do you have multiple sclerosis and have had a hard time obtaining life insurance?

Yes, John, I have. I was just declined. 

That happens, but the good news is that we can get you life insurance if you have multiple sclerosis, even if you have been declined before.

Even if I have been declined? 

Yes. Moreover, we can usually help you obtain life insurance easily.

Even if you have been declined before.

The way I see it, people with multiple sclerosis have 4 life insurance options available to them.

In fact, barring any state availability limitations and age limits, these options are available to you.

We won’t go into details of multiple sclerosis, drugs, treatment, etc. If you are reading this article, chances are you already know these. We will cut to the chase. We will tell you what you need to do to obtain life insurance with multiple sclerosis and obtain the best policy for your situation.

• Key Takeaways: Life Insurance for People with Multiple Sclerosis
• 5 Things To Understand When Applying For Life Insurance With Multiple Sclerosis
• Life Insurance Underwriting For People With Multiple Sclerosis
• Possible Life Insurance Outcomes For People With Multiple Sclerosis
• 4 Life Insurance Options Approved And Available For Multiple Sclerosis
• “Bridge” Life Insurance Strategy for People with Multiple Sclerosis
• Favorable Carriers For People With Multiple Sclerosis
• Application Process For People With Multiple Sclerosis
• FAQs About Life Insurance And Multiple Sclerosis
• Most Important Things to Remember
• Final Thoughts About Life Insurance And Multiple Sclerosis

Let’s start with the 5 things you need to understand about the life insurance process.

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Key Takeaways for People With Multiple Sclerosis Looking for Life Insurance

People with multiple sclerosis can obtain life insurance through four distinct coverage pathways: fully underwritten policies, simplified issue plans, guaranteed issue policies, and almost guaranteed issue options. We discuss them here in the guide. The good news is that you can likely get life insurance coverage regardless of your multiple sclerosis prognosis.

Life insurance underwriters classify multiple sclerosis cases as mild, moderate, or severe based on attack frequency, disability status, employment capability, and EDSS scores, with mild cases typically receiving ratings from Table 2 to Table 4 rather than standard rates.

Applications submitted within 1 year of MS diagnosis are generally declined because carriers require at least 12 months of documented treatment response and stable prognosis before approval.

The type of multiple sclerosis significantly affects underwriting outcomes, with Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS) offering the most favorable approval chances and Progressive-Relapsing MS (PRMS) presenting the most difficult approval scenarios.

Direct online applications without broker assistance result in automatic declines for MS applicants because automated underwriting systems reject the condition, whereas human underwriters at specific carriers can evaluate individual circumstances and approve coverage.

Let’s now begin with a detailed discussion about how people with multiple sclerosis obtain life insurance. We expand on our key takeaways with a discussion on 5 factors that you need to know when applying for life insurance.

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5 Things To Understand When Applying For Life Insurance With Multiple Sclerosis

(1) A Good Health Classification Is Possible

Generally speaking, life insurance underwriters classify risks based on health, medical history, driving records, and lifestyle history.

Underwriting varies across many types of insurance. For life insurance (including disability and long-term care), health status is a key underwriting factor. “Preferred best” is the best health classification category. In this category, you’ll pay the lowest rates available. Conversely, if someone has significant health conditions, the person could be “rated” (i.e., pay a higher premium) or declined altogether.

The good news is that someone with multiple sclerosis can obtain a good health rating. Typically, the best health rating that can be attained is the standard rating, which you can think of as average, normal health. I know other websites say this standard classification is available.  However, that outcome is very unlikely.

Usually, a small table rating is a normal underwriting outcome for people with Multiple Sclerosis. Don’t distress, however. A small table rating is still a very good outcome, as it generally identifies with normal health.

We will discuss this in more detail in our underwriting section later.

(2) Completely Explain Your Health History

We can’t stress it enough: we and the carrier need to completely understand your health history. Doing so saves everyone a lot of time and allows us to recommend the right policy for you.

Be truthful about your condition on the application. Carriers will want to know your date of diagnosis, the date of your last attack, your type of MS, and your overall health otherwise. They will want to know the treatments you have received, your response to them, and whether the condition has improved or remained stable over time.

Otherwise, you could be applying to the wrong insurance company! (see #5 below)

(3) A Healthy Lifestyle Can Positively Affect Your Premiums

Many prominent health publications state that maintaining a healthy lifestyle can mitigate the effects of multiple sclerosis. If you visit your doctor and neurologist regularly, take care of yourself, and maintain an active, healthy lifestyle, you will have a better health classification than someone who smokes and does not maintain a healthy lifestyle. While we can’t guarantee the health classification you will receive, we can guarantee that diet, exercise, and adherence to your regimen will result in a lower premium than for those who do not.

It is also crucial that your health records are up to date. Having up-to-date health information is crucial for accurate health classification. Our advice is to make sure your health records are up to date before applying for life insurance. Life insurance underwriters will order your medical records to confirm the stability of your MS.

(4) The Severity Of Your MS Condition Matters

Based on your health information, insurers will classify you as mild, moderate, or severe.

A mild case of multiple sclerosis will have the best chance of a standard rating (assuming good health otherwise) or a small table rating. Mild cases have infrequent attacks and do not cause disability. You are also still gainfully employed and not on disability.

A moderate case situation may have more frequent attacks, but the person is not disabled and can still work, walk, and use their extremities.

Severe cases are those where the person is, unfortunately, disabled and needs a wheelchair or some other type of ambulatory device.  Severe cases are usually rated or declined altogether.

However, as I mentioned earlier, regardless of the severity of your multiple sclerosis, we can help you obtain some level of life insurance.

We discuss more in our life insurance underwriting section.

(5) The Life Insurance Company Matters

Technology has made it much, much easier for people to apply for life insurance. Many life insurers offer a direct application platform that removes agents or brokers from the life insurance application process.

However, if you have multiple sclerosis, you don’t want to apply for life insurance this way. You’ll get declined every time.

Why? Because computers are making this underwriting decision. In your case, you need a human insurance agent or broker and a human underwriter to analyze your application.

I know other websites suggest otherwise. However, trust me, the life insurance company will decline your application.

As we mentioned, though, we can still help you obtain life insurance. True story: We helped one woman with MS obtain life insurance with a particular carrier. The funny thing is, she applied directly to the carrier before reaching out to us. This carrier declined her initial application, but through proper handling and underwriting, we helped her obtain life insurance with the same carrier.

Additionally, life insurance underwriting guidelines vary across carriers. Some carriers will automatically decline those with MS, while others will take the time to understand your situation and classify you accordingly. We at My Family Life Insurance work only with carriers that have a history and expertise in underwriting individuals with multiple sclerosis.

It is important that you contact us first so we can help you identify those favorable carriers.

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Life Insurance Underwriting For People With Multiple Sclerosis

In this section, we will focus on the types of multiple sclerosis, your prognosis, and medication. We will discuss how these factors affect underwriting. We then incorporate other factors in the underwriting process.

Underwriting is the process by which the carrier reviews your personal situation and makes an offer of insurance coverage. It is the foundation of an approved application versus a declined application.

Here are the factors life insurance underwriting departments generally consider for people with multiple sclerosis:

• The type and severity of MS matter
• The date of your multiple sclerosis diagnosis
• How many attacks and date of your last attack
• What medications do you take
• Other health issues
• Your EDSS Score

The Type Matters

I’m sure you are aware of the types of multiple sclerosis. This is important: the MS type you have upon application affects the underwriting outcome.

Four types of multiple sclerosis exist. Additionally, life insurance availability depends on your specific situation. The information below is a general guide.

Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) – this is the most common type of Multiple Sclerosis diagnosed. People with relapsing-remitting MS demonstrate periods of remission (no flare-ups or attacks) and then periods of relapse (temporary flare-ups). If you have RRMS, this is the best case, generally speaking, for life insurance coverage. People with RRMS usually have no or mild symptoms. They are not disabled and are still gainfully employed.

Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS) – the next stage after RRMS. You feel the effects of MS and have no periods of remission. Symptoms of MS tend to slowly worsen over time. If you have secondary progressive MS at the time of application, life insurance coverage approval may be more difficult, but it is still available.

Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS) – Not many people are diagnosed with this type at the onset, about 10% according to the National MS Society. You have no remission or relapsing features. Moreover, your condition has worsened from the outset. If you have primary progressive MS upon application, life insurance coverage approval will be a bit harder, but available.

Progressive-Relapsing MS (PRMS) – This is a progressive diagnosis of MS. This type is characterized by steadily worsening from onset with no indication of remission. If you have PRMS, life insurance approval may be difficult.

Your Diagnosis Date

Let’s say you were diagnosed with MS last week, and now you want life insurance. As I always say, and I am sure you hear elsewhere, the best time for anything is now.

Unfortunately, that is not how life insurance underwriting departments see you with Multiple Sclerosis.

Generally speaking, they will decline your application if you apply within a year of your diagnosis.

Underwriting departments want to see how you respond to your treatment and how your prognosis is progressing.

So, usually after a year of your diagnosis, you can start researching carriers and companies for life insurance. However, we do have life insurance plans available if you want a “bridge” until this time. See our “Bridge” life insurance strategy below.

Contact us or use the form below, and we can directly contact all of the carriers that favorably insure people with multiple sclerosis. We can obtain a tentative premium estimate from the carriers based on your situation.

The Number Of Flare Ups / Attacks

A flare-up or attack is the recurrence of a symptom of MS, such as vision problems, walking difficulties, or hand weakness. After a few days, the flare-up goes away. Some flare-ups last for longer periods.

Knowing the number of flare-ups you had, the last one, and their severity (i.e., whether you were out of work and for how long) are important pieces of information. People who have not experienced a flare-up, or have not had one in a long time, have the best chance of receiving a lower premium (all other things being equal).

Medication Taken

There are various medications available for people with multiple sclerosis. Some are injectable, and others are oral.

Underwriters expect the medication prescribed to you. The fewer medications prescribed, generally the better.

However, there’s more to the medication story. Carriers will also look at other medications you take for ancillary conditions derived from MS. These conditions include bladder problems, depression, bowel dysfunction, or fatigue.

Other Health Issues

Which brings us to a general overview about life insurance underwriting for people with Multiple Sclerosis. The best rates available depend on the whole “you”. Underwriters look at your whole situation, not just the severity of your multiple sclerosis. So, they will consider your:

• height and weight / BMI
• tobacco use
• drug use
• other medical conditions (as mentioned previously)
• lifestyle
• driving history
• financial background and credit history

Underwriting departments look at the whole “you”. Let’s say you have RRMS and are taking no medication. That is great! However, you smoke and have an above-average BMI. Well, that’s unfavorable, and you’ll pay a higher premium accordingly.

People with MS who have…

• demonstrated a positive prognosis for managing their condition,
• followed their treatment plan with their neurologist,
• low or no ancillary conditions derived from the MS, and
• follow a healthy regime of diet and exercise

…will pay much lower premiums than someone who does not.

Having said all this, if you want a life insurance policy with a large death benefit, you will have to go through a full underwriting process where the underwriter reviews your health history, neurology records, and requires a paramedical exam (i.e., like a mini medical exam). We do have simplified underwriting options described in our life insurance options section.

You Need Your EDSS Score

One final point in this section. Having your EDSS Score from your neurologist is helpful for the underwriter. EDSS means expanded disability status scale. Your EDSS score indicates your MS dysfunction and possible level of disability. The lower the score, the better. It is arguably the single most important datapoint in your application; however, many applicants do not know it or do not obtain it.

My recommendation is that, if you are applying for life insurance, you know this score and have access to your records to see what they contain. Carriers will request those records, so you want to make sure your application coincides to the severity stated in your records. Additionally, you can contact your neurologist and tell him or her that you are applying for life insurance. He or she can provide a letter (with a copy to us to provide to the underwriter) that contains similar language to that below.

You can use your EDSS score to your advantage. Here is a general breakdown of the EDSS score and underwriting outcomes.

EDSS Multiple Sclerosis Life Insurance Underwriting Translation

EDSS 0.0-2.5 (Minimal Disability)

Underwriting translation: Potential Table 2-4 rating

Key documentation: Emphasize “fully ambulatory” and “employed full-time”

Leverage point: Request letter stating “minimal functional limitation”

EDSS 3.0-4.5 (Moderate Disability)

Underwriting translation: Table 6-8 rating or simplified issue recommendation

Key documentation: Specify “self-sufficient in activities of daily living”

Leverage point: Demonstrate stable score over 12+ months

EDSS 5.0+ (Significant Disability)

Underwriting translation: Simplified or guaranteed issue only

Key documentation: Focus on life expectancy discussions from provider

Leverage point: Obtain any positive prognosis statements in writing

We suggest that you complete this multiple sclerosis questionnaire. It will include everything we need to begin accurately assessing your multiple sclerosis severity. Then, contact us for our assistance. If you have read our other articles, you know we place great importance on you and your family.

Now that you know the underwriting process, let’s talk about the possible coverage outcomes for someone with multiple sclerosis.

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Possible Life Insurance Outcomes For Someone With Multiple Sclerosis

The following is a general guide based on our interactions with underwriters and cases involving people with multiple sclerosis.

Remember, you will most likely have a table rating, which is not all that bad, provided you are healthy in every other way.

Why would I need a table rating, John?

Because of multiple sclerosis itself. Underwriters know it is a progressive disease that generally worsens over time. Additionally, people with MS generally have a lower life expectancy compared to someone who does not have MS.

There are health classifications called Preferred Best and Preferred. You pay the lowest premiums here. However, these classifications are unavailable for someone with Multiple Sclerosis due to the progressive nature of the disease.

Other websites suggest standard rates (i.e. average health) are available, but that isn’t the case. Given the documented lower life expectancy among people with MS, underwriters will apply a table rating.

Don’t despair if you are on medication, have a good height/weight, don’t use tobacco, etc., have infrequent attacks, and have a minor health complication from the MS, then likely you’ll be in the table 2 to table 4 range. This is still a good premium range. A majority of our clients with RRMS fall into this range.

Here’s another way to look at the severity versus coverage expectations:

If you have PPMS or PRMS, your chances of a lower table rating are much slimmer. You’ll likely fall into Table 6, with a possible decline depending on your condition.

If you are disabled and can’t work due to MS, or you need a walker or other assistive device, the carrier will likely decline your application.

However, if you are declined, don’t despair. We have additional life insurance options available, which we discuss further in the article.

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4 Life Insurance Options Available For People With Multiple Sclerosis

The way I see it, people with multiple sclerosis have 4 life insurance options available to them. We have helped many people get approved with these options, so I know we can get you life insurance.

However, limitations exist, notably:

• state availability – not all options are available in all states
• you

What do I mean by “you”? Well, you have a progressive, high-risk condition. Carriers know this. You have to change your perspective when applying for life insurance.

You won’t get the lowest rates. Moreover, you very likely won’t get standard rates, either, no matter what other websites say.

You’ll have a table rating, but if you’re otherwise in good health, the rating should be low (e.g., table 3).

I have had many people with MS tell me to “pound sand,” so to speak, after we receive an estimate from the underwriters.

These people are missing the point about life insurance in the first place. It isn’t to pay the lowest cost, but rather to get life insurance to help your loved ones out upon your death. Unfortunately, they are not making their loved ones as important as they should be.

The life insurance won’t be “perfect”. You have to go into this process knowing you’ll have to pay a little bit more than someone who does not have MS. However, it will serve its #1 purpose: to pay a lump sum death benefit to your loved ones if you unexpectedly pass away (term life) or whenever you pass away (whole life). Moreover, we can always modify the plan to meet a budget. We have always done that.

Let’s jump in and discuss the life insurance options available to you.

Fully Underwritten Term Life Insurance Or Permanent Insurance For Multiple Sclerosis

If you are in good health with multiple sclerosis, fully underwritten term or permanent life insurance (such as whole life or universal life) is available.

Remember that fully underwritten life insurance means a paramedical exam with blood and urine samples. Additionally, the life underwriter will access your medical records.

However, you will have a table rating. Again, I know other websites suggest otherwise, but I have not personally seen it on my best insurance clients with multiple sclerosis.

If you would like to request preliminary quotes, please use our term life quoter below. These rates do not include any table ratings. However, these estimated rates do give you some understanding of costs.

Simplified Issue / Underwriting Life Insurance

Simplified issue / simplified underwriting life insurance is another option for people with multiple sclerosis.

It means that the life insurance carrier has taken out elements from the traditional underwriting process, notably:

• the paramedical exam (with lab work – blood and urine samples)
• doctor / medical records

Typically, with simplified underwriting, you answer a health questionnaire. Look at a typical one here. The underwriter then looks up your:

• medical information through the MIB, and
• prescription drug history

If all checks out, then the carrier approves your application.

It is a quick process, which is why the life insurance is called simplified issue. However, because of the simplicity, carriers limit the death benefit to like $25,000 or $50,000.

Traditionally, simplified issue is whole life insurance. You may know this as “burial insurance”. Burial insurance is whole life insurance with a small death benefit.

We offer options from age 0 to 85, including simplified issue term options.

Simplified issue life insurance is good for people with moderate to severe multiple sclerosis. Maybe the person:

• doesn’t work because of the MS
• is on SSDI
• uses assistance to move about
• needs personal assistance with activities of daily living

We have helped many people who are disabled from MS obtain simplified issue life insurance. We only work with carriers who accept the diagnosis and treatment of multiple sclerosis.

If you would like to see what simplified issue options are available, feel free to use our quoter here:

Guarantee Issue Life Insurance For People With Multiple Sclerosis

For people with severe multiple sclerosis, a guaranteed issue life insurance policy is likely the only option.

Guaranteed issue means the carrier automatically issues the policy. Some carriers call it “guaranteed acceptance” because the carrier guarantees accepting the application.

You just apply, and you have the life insurance.

Because there is no underwriting, carriers impose a waiting period on the death benefit. Usually, this waiting period is 2 years, although we work with a few carriers that offer a 1-year waiting period.

Generally speaking, if you pass away during the waiting period, the carriers refund the premiums you paid. It is like a forced savings plan. If you survive the waiting period, the full death benefit is available. If not, your family will receive a refund of the premium you paid. It is really a “win-win” scenario. You don’t lose anything.

A guaranteed issue policy is really the only life insurance option if you have severe multiple sclerosis.

Feel free to check guaranteed issue rates below. Note: we work with guaranteed issue plans starting at age 0, subject to state availability. We also work with many guaranteed issue term plans as well.

Almost Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance

Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for “almost” guaranteed issue life insurance. What is an “almost” guaranteed issue policy? Really, it is a guaranteed issue policy with only 2 or 3 health questions to answer. Here is an example:

Almost guaranteed issue life insurance is good for people with serious health conditions who have a long life expectancy.

You can find almost guaranteed issue life insurance through associations as well.

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“Bridge” Life Insurance Strategy for People with Multiple Sclerosis

John, I need some life insurance coverage now. I don’t want to wait 12 months before applying.

I understand. Most people with MS don’t realize they’re stuck in a coverage gap during that critical first year after diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Here’s how to protect your family immediately while positioning yourself for better rates later.

Luckily, we have life insurance options for people who want coverage now.

You won’t get a large death benefit, but they do offer good coverage at an affordable premium rate.

However, the benefit is that you will have some coverage now. After a year or two of establishing treatment and stability, you can apply for a traditional life insurance policy with a higher death benefit.

These plans are guaranteed issue or “almost” guaranteed issue. These aren’t your typical guaranteed issue burial insurance options that every broker has. Note: availability depends on your state of residence and other factors. Contact us if you have any questions:

• $50,000 term to age 80
• $75,000 term to age 75
• $50,000 term to age 121
• $20,000 term to age 65
• Up to $80,000 whole life insurance

Here is $275,000 of life insurance. I am not saying you need $275,000, but you could secure $100,000, for example, while you establish treatment and stability. The premium rates depend on your age; however, they are typically affordable and reasonable rates.

How does that look? Here is an example.

The 12-Month Life Insurance Coverage Bridge Approach:

Months 0-12 (Immediate Post-Diagnosis):

• Secure guaranteed issue coverage (see above)
• Premium refund if you pass during the waiting period = zero-risk safety net
• Coverage activates while you establish treatment history

#Months 6-9 (Mid-Bridge Assessment):

• Document every neurologist visit meticulously
• Request your EDSS score in writing if you haven’t done so
• Track flare-ups, medications, and lifestyle improvements

Months 10-12 (Pre-Application Preparation):

• Compile 12+ months of stable medical records
• Secure updated EDSS score showing stability/improvement
• Complete health optimization (BMI, tobacco cessation, exercise documentation)

Note: if you are a tobacco user, it is to your advantage to apply after 12 months of complete cessation. After 12 months of no nicotine use, you are deemed a non-tobacco user

Month 13+ (Upgrade Opportunity): assuming you have established treatment and a stable medical history

• Apply for fully underwritten or simplified issue coverage
• Maintain bridge policies until new coverage approves
• Keep the bridge life insurance options (many of our clients do) or let them lapse once higher coverage activates

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Favorable Carriers For People With Multiple Sclerosis

You likely realize that not every carrier insures people with MS. Some carriers flat out decline.

However, many do underwrite people with Multiple Sclerosis. We have had success with many life insurance companies insuring people with multiple sclerosis.

Unfortunately, although other websites claim this carrier or that carrier is the “best” carrier, there is no “best” carrier.

We work with the same carriers as these other brokers…and many, many more that will insure you.

The best carrier is the one that will insure and approve your application. However, the right and best carrier depends on your situation. The best thing to do is fill out the questionnaire and contact us. We can then proceed with an estimate from the life insurance companies.

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Life Insurance Application Process For People With Multiple Sclerosis

The life insurance application process is different with us compared to other agents and brokers.

Many agents and brokers will have you apply without knowing the carrier’s expectations. They also give you incorrect premium estimates. All of this leads to a lack of trust and a false sense of security.

The main difference is that we prequalify you with carriers before you submit an actual application. That way, we know what to generally expect. If everything you provide to us is accurate, then we should expect approval. The final life insurance rate you’ll pay should be close to the estimated rate.

This saves everyone a lot of time. Far too often, I hear from people who went down the path of applying with the wrong carrier. Or, the broker didn’t do his or her diligent pre-qualification in the beginning.

In the few situations where our clients were not approved, it was from misinformation (i.e., saying your situation is mild when it was severe) or forgetting other health conditions (like diabetes and sleep apnea). While these comorbidities do not necessarily indicate a decline, they may mean we applied with the wrong carrier to start with. If we had known these co-morbidities, we could have pivoted to another carrier.

So, I hope you see we take great duty and care for your situation. We know that life insurance is extremely important. It allows surviving loved ones to grieve without worrying about money.

Here is what to expect when you work with us.

Contact Us – you can contact us right from this page or give us a call at (800) 645-9841. Alternatively, you can text us at (800) 645-9841 as well.

Tell Us Your Situation – You have to tell us your situation, transparent and complete. The best outcome is one where you truthfully tell us your situation so we know how to proceed. If your MS is severe, it doesn’t benefit anyone if you tell us it is mild and you move about just fine. Underwriters have access to your records and will determine the severity of your multiple sclerosis. It is best to be transparent and honest so we can recommend the right life insurance option. You also fill out the questionnaire.

Carrier Selection – we prequalify you through the favorable carriers that accept people with Multiple Sclerosis. If your situation deems a simplified issue option, we review the health questions and your medication.

Apply – depending on the life insurance option selected, you will apply through us or an application link that is sent by the carrier. We do everything over the phone or video conference, if required. You receive the application to sign via email/electronic signature.

Approved – if all checks out, and it should unless there was misinformation during the prequalification process, you should be approved. Nearly all of our clients with multiple sclerosis are approved for the plan they applied for. Sure, maybe the rate is a little bit higher or lower, but the carrier approves their application.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Life Insurance And Multiple Sclerosis

Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about life insurance and Multiple Sclerosis.

What Are the Eligibility Criteria for Life Insurance if I Have Multiple Sclerosis?

There are no eligibility requirements per se. As we mentioned in this guide, we can help you obtain life insurance even if you have been declined before.

We just need an honest, transparent assessment of your situation, so we can prequalify you. This will set the proper expectations on approval and the types of life insurance options available.

Can I Obtain Life Insurance Coverage with Multiple Sclerosis?

Yes. We have helped many people with Multiple Sclerosis. The life insurance options available depend on the severity of the MS and your overall situation.

How Does Multiple Sclerosis Affect My Life Insurance Premiums?

You are going to pay a higher life insurance premium than someone who does not have MS, all things being equal. Life insurance costs are just going to be higher. I know other websites say that standard rates are available, but this is very unlikely. Underwriters know this is a progressive disease, which typically worsens over time. They will apply a table rating to compensate for that risk.

Are There Specific Life Insurance Policies Tailored for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis?

As we described in our life insurance options section, people with Multiple Sclerosis can obtain all types of life insurance. However, if you have moderate to severe MS, then a simplified issue life insurance or a guaranteed issue life insurance plan could be your best option.

Will My Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis Affect the Coverage Amount I Can Receive from Life Insurance?

It could. If you have a severe diagnosis or you are on SSDI / disability because of your MS, then carriers will limit the death benefit coverage.

Do I Need to Disclose My Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis When Applying for Life Insurance?

Yes. If you don’t disclose and answer “yes” to the multiple sclerosis question on the application (if the application asks), then that is a lie. That comes across as fraud because any reasonable person should know they have a disease like MS. The underwriter will likely decline your application.

Are There Any Exclusions Related to Multiple Sclerosis in Life Insurance Policies?

There are no exclusions except for the standard suicide clause, the 2-year contestability clause, and other standard limitations and exclusions, such as the “Acts of God / Acts of War” clause.

Can I Upgrade My Life Insurance Policy if My Multiple Sclerosis Condition Improves?

Yes, if your MS improves, we can consult carriers and see if they will offer a better life insurance rate.

How Does My Lifestyle and Health Habits Influence Life Insurance Options with Multiple Sclerosis?

Generally speaking, establishing a healthy, active lifestyle yields better life insurance outcomes than not. If you are otherwise healthy, except for the MS, many life insurance carriers will approve your application (with a table rating) for term life, whole life, and other types of life insurance.

Will I Need to Undergo Medical Examinations for Life Insurance with a History of Multiple Sclerosis?

If you are applying for fully underwritten life insurance, such as $1,000,000 of term life, underwriters may require a paramedical exam with blood and urine samples. However, many carriers are moving away from this. If your MS is stable, and you consistently visit your neurologist, then they may waive the paramedical exam.

Underwriters will definitely order your medical records to confirm stability, diagnosis, and prognosis.

Can I Apply For Disability Insurance and Long-term Care Insurance As Well?

We have helped many professionals and families obtain disability insurance and long-term care insurance. Unfortunately, many disability and long-term care companies will decline applications if you have MS. It is a serious pre-existing condition that could lead to a disability. In other words, there is a good chance that you will have to make a disability or long-term care insurance claim. So, carriers won’t approve the application.

The best thing to do is contact us so we can consult the disability and long-term care underwriters. However, options do exist. If you are a business owner with employees, we can get you guaranteed issue disability insurance and likely guaranteed issue long-term care as well. Your company is the owner of the policies, as the policy would route through the company.

We also have an annuity with a long-term care rider that is essentially guaranteed issue.

Can life insurance companies access my neurologist’s records without my permission?

No, carriers require your written authorization before accessing medical records. However, once you sign the application and medical records release form, underwriters can request records from any healthcare provider you’ve seen. They routinely order neurology records for MS applicants to verify diagnosis date, treatment compliance, EDSS scores, and condition stability.

If my MS goes into long-term remission, will my life insurance rates automatically decrease?

Life insurance rates do not automatically adjust for improved health. However, if your MS demonstrates significant improvement with documented stability over multiple years, you can request a rate reconsideration or apply for a new policy. Some carriers will re-evaluate your health classification after 3-5 years of documented improvement, potentially reducing your table rating.

Do family history and genetics affect my life insurance approval if I have MS?

While MS itself is the primary underwriting concern, carriers do consider family history of neurological conditions, autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular issues. A strong family history of progressive neurological conditions, combined with your MS diagnosis, may result in a higher table rating. However, family history alone will not cause a decline if your personal MS case is well-managed.

Can I purchase life insurance for my spouse or children if I have Multiple Sclerosis?

Your MS diagnosis does not affect your spouse’s or children’s ability to obtain life insurance at standard rates. Each person’s application is underwritten independently based on their own health history. You can purchase policies on family members regardless of your MS status, and their premiums reflect only their individual health profiles.

What happens if I develop Multiple Sclerosis after purchasing a life insurance policy?

If you are diagnosed with MS after your life insurance policy is in force and past the two-year contestability period, your coverage remains fully intact at the original premium. The carrier cannot cancel your policy, increase your rates, or reduce your death benefit based on the new diagnosis. This is why obtaining life insurance before diagnosis is ideal, though not always possible.

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Most Important Things to Remember When People with Multiple Sclerosis Apply for Life Insurance

#1 The 12-month post-diagnosis waiting period is mandatory because underwriters require documented evidence of treatment response and condition stability before considering any application for fully underwritten or simplified issue coverage. However, if you need or want coverage during this time, see our “bridge” strategy above.

#2 Table ratings are the expected outcome, not a negative surprise, with mild MS cases typically receiving table 2-4 classifications, while standard rates remain virtually unattainable due to the progressive nature of the disease. I am aware that other websites, brokers, and agents say otherwise, but a standard rate is nearly impossible.

#3 Direct online applications without broker intervention result in automatic declines because algorithmic underwriting systems reject MS diagnoses immediately, whereas human underwriters at specialized carriers can evaluate individual circumstances.

#4 Your EDSS score serves as the primary quantitative measurement that underwriters use to assess disability level and determine which coverage options and health classifications apply to your specific situation.

#5 Co-morbidity management impacts approval outcomes more significantly than MS severity alone because conditions like elevated BMI, sleep apnea, and depression medications compound underwriter risk assessments and can convert approvals into declines.

#6 Life insurance is possible no matter the severity of your condition. Even with higher EDSS scores, people with multiple sclerosis can obtain life insurance.

#7 Use the “bridge” strategy if you are newly diagnosed and need some coverage while you establish your medical treatment history.

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Final Thoughts About Multiple Sclerosis and Life Insurance

Yes, you can obtain life insurance if you have multiple sclerosis. Doing so can be easy!

You just need to be mindful of the application and underwriting process. Working with an independent insurance agency, such as My Family Life Insurance, that specializes in helping individuals with Multiple Sclerosis obtain life insurance can help with this important step.

We at My Family Life Insurance have helped many individuals with Multiple Sclerosis obtain life insurance. We know what carriers look for on the application and can direct you to the right carrier.

Are you ready to get started? Do you have any questions? Feel free to contact us or use the form below. We will be more than happy to help you and your family

We only work in your best interests. Unlike other agencies, we are not beholden to one particular carrier. We work to help you obtain the right life insurance at the lowest possible price.