Last Updated: November 18th, 2025
Yes, you can get life insurance with multiple sclerosis. While MS is considered a high-risk condition, many people with MS successfully obtain coverage, especially if the disease is well-managed or in remission. Approval depends on your MS type, severity, symptom frequency, and overall health. Most approved applicants receive Standard to Table 2-4 ratings. Working with a specialized broker increases your chances of finding the right policy at competitive rates.
If you’ve been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, you might wonder whether life insurance is still an option. The good news is that many people with MS can get approved for coverage. The key is understanding how insurers evaluate your condition and working with an agency that specializes in high-risk life insurance.
Nearly 1 million Americans live with MS, and insurance companies have developed underwriting guidelines specifically for this condition. Your approval chances and rates depend on factors like your MS type, how long you’ve had it, how well it’s controlled, and whether you’re still working. Let’s walk through what you need to know.
Understanding Multiple Sclerosis and Insurance Underwriting
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic neurological condition affecting the central nervous system. According to the National MS Society, it’s the most common progressive neurologic disease in young adults, with about 85% of people initially diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS).
Insurance companies evaluate MS cases individually because the disease varies significantly from person to person. Some people experience mild symptoms that don’t interfere with daily life, while others face more significant challenges. The unpredictable nature of MS means underwriters need detailed information about your specific situation.
When you apply for life insurance with MS, insurers want to understand where you fall on the disease spectrum. They’ll look at your medical records, ask about your symptoms, and assess how MS impacts your daily activities.
What Insurers Need to Know About Your MS
The insurance company will ask detailed questions about your condition. Being prepared with this information speeds up the application process and improves your chances of approval.
First, they’ll want to know how severe your MS is. Are your relapses frequent or rare? Do you go months or years between flare-ups? The longer you’ve been stable, the better your outlook for approval.
Your diagnosis timeline matters significantly. If you were diagnosed years ago and have maintained good health, you’re more attractive to insurers than someone newly diagnosed. A long history of stability demonstrates that your MS is well-managed.
Your ability to work is a strong indicator to insurance companies. If you’re employed and handling your job responsibilities, it shows that MS isn’t severely limiting your daily function. This is a major plus in the underwriting process.
The nature of your symptoms plays a crucial role in how insurers classify your risk. Some symptoms raise more concern than others. Vision problems, cognitive impairment, and speech difficulties typically result in higher ratings. Balance issues and fatigue, while challenging, are often viewed as less severe from an underwriting perspective.
Insurance companies also want to know about your treatment. Are you following your doctor’s recommendations? Regular medical care and adherence to prescribed treatments demonstrate that you’re taking your condition seriously.
Types of Multiple Sclerosis and Insurance Impact
The type of MS you have significantly affects your insurance options. Insurance underwriters treat different MS types differently based on their typical progression patterns.
Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) is the most common form, affecting about 85% of people at diagnosis. With RRMS, you experience distinct relapses followed by periods of remission. If you have RRMS that’s well-controlled with infrequent relapses, you have the best chance of getting approved at favorable rates.
Primary progressive MS (PPMS) involves a gradual worsening of symptoms from the beginning without distinct relapses. This type is generally viewed as higher risk by insurers because of its progressive nature.
Secondary progressive MS (SPMS) develops in people who initially had RRMS. The disease transitions from a relapsing-remitting pattern to a progressive one. Underwriting for SPMS depends heavily on your current stability and how long it’s been since your last relapse.
Progressive-relapsing MS (PRMS) is the rarest form, featuring steady progression with acute relapses along the way. This type typically faces more underwriting challenges.
Getting Approved: What Improves Your Chances
Working with the right insurance agent makes a significant difference. We’ve helped many people with MS get approved after being declined elsewhere. Some life insurance companies are more willing to cover MS cases than others, and knowing which carriers to approach is half the battle.
Providing comprehensive medical information strengthens your application. If your symptoms have improved with a recent treatment change, we make sure the insurer knows. As an independent agent, we always include a cover letter with applications explaining relevant details that might not be obvious from medical records alone. This context can be the difference between approval and denial.
Your medical records should show consistent follow-up care and adherence to treatment plans. When your doctor’s notes indicate you’re responsible about managing your condition, it reassures underwriters that you’re a lower risk than someone who’s not following medical advice.
The stability of your condition over time is crucial. If you haven’t had a relapse in several years, mention this prominently. Long periods of remission demonstrate that your MS is well-controlled.
Traditional vs. Simplified Issue Life Insurance
Most people with well-managed MS should apply for traditional life insurance that requires a medical exam. While the underwriting is more thorough, the rates are significantly better than simplified issue policies.
Traditional policies involve a health questionnaire, medical records review, and usually a paramedical exam. This exam typically includes height, weight, blood pressure, blood work, and urine sample. The insurer may also order records from your neurologist.
Simplified issue or no exam policies skip the medical exam and have streamlined underwriting. These policies can be approved in days rather than weeks. The obvious advantage is faster approval with less invasive underwriting.
The major downside of no-exam policies is cost. They’re noticeably more expensive than traditional coverage, even for applicants with MS. The coverage amounts are also limited. With a pre-existing condition, you might only qualify for $25,000 to $50,000 in coverage with a no-exam policy.
For most people with MS, traditional coverage offers better value despite the more thorough underwriting. The premium difference often justifies the extra time and effort required.
Guaranteed Issue and Graded Benefit Policies
If you have severe MS or have been declined for traditional coverage, guaranteed issue life insurance accepts everyone regardless of health. These policies don’t ask medical questions and can’t turn you down.
The trade-off is significant. Guaranteed issue policies typically have a waiting period of two to three years. If you die from illness during this waiting period, the policy only returns your premiums plus interest. Death from an accident is usually covered immediately.
After the waiting period ends, the full death benefit becomes available. These policies work best for people who need some coverage but can’t qualify for anything else.
Graded benefit policies are similar but may offer partial coverage during the waiting period. For example, in year one you might get 30% of the death benefit, 60% in year two, and 100% thereafter.
These options exist specifically for high-risk applicants who need life insurance but face significant health challenges. They’re more expensive per dollar of coverage, but they guarantee you can get something in place.
How Much Coverage Do You Need?
Your coverage amount should be sufficient to protect your family’s financial future. Start by adding up your major debts: mortgage, car loans, student loans, and any other significant obligations. Your policy should cover these debts without forcing your family to drain their savings.
Next, calculate how much income your family would need to maintain their lifestyle. If your family relies on your income, your policy should replace at least three to five years of your salary. This gives your family time to adjust financially without immediate pressure.
Don’t forget future expenses like your children’s education. If you want to fund college costs, factor that into your coverage calculation.
Add these numbers together to get your minimum coverage target. Many financial advisors recommend life insurance equal to 10-15 times your annual income, but your specific needs may differ based on your debts, dependents, and financial goals.
Expected Rates and Health Classifications
While you won’t qualify for Preferred rates with an MS diagnosis, you can still get reasonable coverage. Most people with MS who we help get approved receive Standard ratings or Table ratings.
Table ratings use a numbered or letter scale to classify risk beyond Standard. The scale typically runs from Table 1 (or Table A) through Table 8 (or Table H). Each table rating adds about 25% to the Standard premium.
People with mild, well-controlled MS often receive Standard to Table 2 ratings. Those with moderate MS who have occasional relapses but maintain overall stability typically fall into the Table 2 to Table 4 range. Exact classification depends on symptom severity, relapse history, and carrier underwriting.
When we speak with you about your specific situation, we can provide a more accurate estimate of where your rates are likely to land. We base this on our experience helping dozens of clients with MS over the years and our knowledge of how different carriers underwrite this condition.
Required Documentation for Your Application
Gathering your medical information before applying speeds up the process. You’ll need comprehensive records from your neurologist showing your diagnosis, treatment history, and current status.
The insurance company wants to see your most recent MRI reports and any other imaging studies. These help them understand the extent of your disease and whether it’s progressing.
A list of all medications you take, including disease-modifying therapies, is essential. Include dosages and how long you’ve been on each medication.
Your work history helps your case. If you’re currently employed, provide information about your occupation and how many hours you work. This demonstrates functional ability.
Document any hospitalizations or emergency room visits related to MS. The insurer will find out about these from your medical records, so it’s better to disclose them upfront with context.
If you’ve participated in clinical trials or experimental treatments, include that information as well. It shows you’re proactive about managing your condition.
FAQ: Life Insurance with Multiple Sclerosis
Can I get life insurance if I was just diagnosed with MS?
Yes, but you’ll likely need to wait at least 6-12 months after diagnosis before applying. Insurance companies want to see how your disease progresses and how you respond to treatment. This waiting period helps establish a baseline for your condition. If you need coverage immediately after diagnosis, guaranteed issue policies are available, though they’re more expensive.
Will my MS medication affect my insurance rates?
Your medication itself doesn’t increase your rates. In fact, being on disease-modifying therapy (DMT) often helps your application because it shows you’re actively managing your condition. What matters more is how well your MS is controlled and whether you’re experiencing relapses despite treatment. Consistent medication adherence demonstrates responsibility and may improve your approval odds.
What if I’ve been declined for life insurance before?
A previous decline doesn’t mean you can’t get coverage now. Insurance companies use different underwriting criteria, and what one company declines, another might approve. Your health may have also improved since your last application. We’ve helped many people get approved after previous denials by matching them with carriers more willing to cover MS cases.
Do I need to disclose my MS diagnosis on the application?
Absolutely yes. Failing to disclose your MS diagnosis is insurance fraud and can void your policy. If you die and the insurance company discovers you withheld information about a serious health condition, they can deny the death benefit and return only the premiums paid. Honesty protects your family’s financial security.
How does working affect my ability to get life insurance with MS?
Being employed is a strong positive factor. It demonstrates to insurers that your MS isn’t severely limiting your daily function or cognitive abilities. Full-time employment carries more weight than part-time, but any consistent work history helps. If you’re on disability, you can still get coverage, but expect higher rates or more limited options.
Can I increase my coverage later if my MS improves?
Most term life insurance policies don’t allow you to increase coverage without reapplying and going through underwriting again. If your MS improves significantly, you could potentially qualify for better rates on a new policy. Some policies offer conversion options that let you convert to permanent insurance without medical underwriting, but these typically keep your original health classification.
What happens if my MS gets worse after I’m approved?
Once your policy is approved and in force, your rates can’t increase even if your MS worsens. This is one reason to secure coverage while you’re in relatively good health. The insurance company can’t cancel your policy or raise your premiums based on changes in your health condition during the policy term.
Key Takeaways
People with multiple sclerosis can qualify for life insurance, especially when the disease is mild or well-controlled. Working with a specialized agent who knows which carriers are MS-friendly significantly improves your approval chances.
Your MS type, severity, stability, and current symptoms determine your underwriting classification. Most approved applicants receive Standard to Table 4 ratings, translating to reasonable though not optimal premiums.
Traditional coverage requiring a medical exam typically offers better value than simplified or guaranteed issue policies, even with MS. The more thorough underwriting results in lower premiums per dollar of coverage.
Comprehensive documentation of your treatment adherence, work status, and relapse history strengthens your application. Insurers view long periods without relapses and consistent medical care as positive indicators.
Multiple declines don’t mean you’re uninsurable. Different carriers evaluate MS cases differently, so working with an independent agent who can access multiple companies improves your options considerably.
Ready to Explore Your Life Insurance Options?
Living with MS doesn’t mean giving up on protecting your family’s financial future. We’ve helped many people in your situation find coverage that fits both their needs and their budget.
Call us at 800-712-8519 or fill out the quote form on this page to get started.
