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- You can get life insurance with multiple sclerosis in Canada, but your eligibility and premium rates depend on factors like your age, type of MS severity, and how well you manage your condition
- You can go with traditional life insurance if your condition is stable and well-controlled, but this option requires a detailed medical exam, so your chances of getting denied are high
- You can opt for non-medical life insurance options, such as simplified issue and guaranteed issue policies, if your coverage under a traditional policy has been denied.
- Top Canadian insurance providers like Assumption Life, Industrial Alliance, Canada Protection Plan, Humania Life, Sun Life, and Manulife offer life insurance with pre-existing conditions like MS
- Before making a final decision, insurance providers review your MS history, including your age, frequency of relapses, daily functioning, recent hospitalizations, or any other complications related to your medical condition
- Can you get life insurance with multiple sclerosis?
- What are the life insurance options for people with multiple sclerosis?
- What do insurers look for when you have multiple sclerosis?
- What are the best life insurance companies for multiple sclerosis in Canada?
- Does multiple sclerosis increase life insurance costs?
- Tips for getting the best life insurance with multiple sclerosis
- Get affordable life insurance quotes for multiple sclerosis
- Frequently asked questions
Canada has one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis globally, with approximately 90,000 Canadians living with MS as of 2023. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that damages the protective covering around nerves in the brain and spinal cord.
If you have been diagnosed with MS, you may wonder if you can still get life insurance. However, the good news is that you can obtain life insurance with MS. Although the process may be more complex than for healthy individuals, there are numerous insurance options available for people affected by multiple sclerosis.
This blog explores different life insurance options for MS, eligibility criteria, cost factors, and tips for getting the best life insurance for multiple sclerosis in Canada.
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Can you get life insurance with multiple sclerosis?
Yes, you can get a life insurance policy even if you are affected by MS. However, the process can be tricky as your coverage and premium costs will depend on several factors related to your condition. Factors including types of multiple sclerosis, your symptoms management, and how fast or slow your disease progresses, play a crucial role in deciding your eligibility and premium rates.
MS patients can qualify for several types of life insurance options, including whole life insurance, term life insurance, and guaranteed issue life insurance. While traditional life insurance may not be possible as it requires underwriting, you can go with simplified issue or guaranteed issue life insurance with no questions and quick approval.
What are the life insurance options for people with multiple sclerosis?
To get the best life insurance with multiple sclerosis, you must first understand the types of life insurance options available for MS. These include traditional life insurance options and no-medical life insurance options.
Traditional life insurance options
Traditional life insurance refers to the medically underwritten policies. This policy offers broad coverage with a lower premium than no-medical life insurance. For people with multiple sclerosis, getting traditional life insurance is possible.
However, your eligibility and premiums will mostly depend on the type, stage, and management of the pre-existing condition. You may also have to go through a detailed medical exam and a review of your health history.
Additionally, if your condition is well-managed, stable, and doesn’t interfere with your daily activities, you may qualify for traditional life insurance. However, if your condition is more advanced or progressing rapidly, getting traditional life insurance can be hard or even declined.
No-medical life insurance options
No-medical life insurance is for those MS patients who are unable to get traditional life insurance. A no-medical life insurance policy is easier to get and has a few YES/NO type questions to qualify. Since this type does not involve a detailed medical exam and has higher chances of approval, its premium is high.
Two types of non-medical life insurance policies include simplified issue life insurance and guaranteed issue life insurance.
- Simplified issue life insurance: This type of no-medical life insurance policy is a bit easier to get because they have fewer medical questions. A simplified issue life insurance policy provides limited coverage and is more expensive than traditional life insurance. However, patients with MS who cannot get a traditional policy due to a medical exam can opt for this type of no-medical life insurance, as they are more likely to get approved
- Guaranteed issue life insurance: You can get a guaranteed issue life insurance for MS if you couldn’t get a traditional or simplified life insurance policy. Additionally, these policies do not require a medical test and do not ask any health-related questions. Additionally, your acceptance is guaranteed, and your approval is quick. Moreover, a guaranteed issue carries a higher premium, and coverage options are limited, too. But for most advanced stages of MS, this can be your best bet
What do insurers look for when you have multiple sclerosis?
When you apply for life insurance with multiple sclerosis, insurance providers will carefully review your health and medical history, such as age, type of MS, severity, current medications, and any other complications. Here’s what they typically consider:
Factors that insurers consider for multiple sclerosis life insurance
| Factor | Why it matters |
| Current age | Earlier onset may mean higher risk |
| Type of MS (RRMS, SPMS, PPMS) | Some types are more severe |
| Frequency and severity of relapses | Indicates disease progression |
| Mobility and daily functioning | Shows impact on quality of life |
| Current medications and treatments | Reflects disease management |
| Hospitalizations or ER visits | Higher risk for insurers |
What are the best life insurance companies for multiple sclerosis in Canada?
Many insurance companies in Canada offer life insurance coverage to people with MS. Additionally, these include Assumption Life, Canada Protection Plan, Industrial Alliance, Humania Life, Sun Life, and Manulife.
| Company | Relevant plans for MS Applicants | Coverage | Plan Type |
| Assumption Life | No Medical Life Plus
Golden Protection |
Up to $250,000 Up to $750,000 |
Simplified/No Medical |
| Industrial Alliance | Access Life- Deferred
Deferred Plus Immediate Plus |
Up to $100,000Up to $350,000
Up to $500,000 |
Simplified/No Medical |
| Humania Life | Insurance without medical exam, Guaranteed Issue Life | Up to $300,000 | No Medical, Guaranteed |
| Canada Protection Plan | Deferred Elite
Guaranteed Acceptance Life Deferred Life Simplified Elite |
Up to $50,000
Up to $75,000 Up to $350,000 Up to $500,000 |
No Medical, Guaranteed Issue |
| UV Assurance | Express life insurance
Immediate life insurance |
Up to $150,000 Up to $500,000 |
No Medical, Guaranteed Issue |
*Illustrative life insurance plans for a 35-year-old non-smoking male diagnosed with multiple sclerosis
Does multiple sclerosis increase life insurance costs?
Getting life insurance with multiple sclerosis is more expensive than without it. MS is viewed as a higher-risk pre-existing condition by insurers, so they charge higher premiums than standard rates. Moreover, the costs mostly depend on your age, MS type, severity, stability, and overall health.
Moreover, if your condition is mild, well-managed, and you can do daily activities independently, you can still get a lower premium than those with advanced or progressive MS, having frequent relapses, or having significant disability. Additionally, insurers assess each case of MS individually, so the life insurance cost is also high.
Tips for getting the best life insurance with multiple sclerosis
Some tips that can help you get the best life insurance for multiple sclerosis include working with an insurance broker, gathering medical records, applying when stable, considering non-medical coverage, and being honest about your condition.
- Work with a life insurance broker: A life insurance broker can help you choose the right plan as per your medical condition by comparing life insurance quotes from multiple insurers. Moreover, our licensed advisors at PolicyAdvisor will understand your needs and compare life insurance plans from 30+ insurers to help you choose the best plan at affordable rates
- Gather medical records: Make sure to gather all the medical records of your MS diagnosis. From treatment history, medications, and proof of disease stability, having detailed documentation can help the insurer better understand your condition
- Apply when stable: Applying for life insurance when your condition is stable can increase your chances of approval. Additionally, insurance providers favour applicants whose MS has been stable for at least a year or two, with no significant progression
- Consider no-medical policies: Consider applying for non-medical policies like simplified issue or guaranteed issue life insurance. Moreover, these life insurance options require fewer to no medical questions and are quicker to qualify for, though they may have limited coverage and higher premiums
- Be honest: Always provide accurate information about your medical condition, diagnosis, treatments, and medication to the insurer. Additionally, not disclosing accurate information at the time of application can lead to claim denial later
How to get affordable life insurance quotes for multiple sclerosis?
Finding the best life insurance quote when you have multiple sclerosis can feel overwhelming, but it’s essential to secure your financial future and provide peace of mind to you and your family. At PolicyAdvisor, our licensed advisors can help you get tailored quotes by comparing plans from 30+ insurers and finding the one that fits your unique needs and budget.
You can also get access to our AI-powered life insurance calculator that can give you monthly plans based on your needs in under a minute! Additionally, connect with our experts today to get life insurance quotes and find the best plan designed just for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get life insurance after an MS diagnosis?
Yes, you can get life insurance if you have been diagnosed with MS. Many insurers in Canada offer no-medical life insurance policies for patients with MS. However, your coverage and premiums will depend on your health and the progression of your MS.
What if I am declined life insurance for MS?
If you are denied the traditional life insurance option, you can still opt for simplified issue (with few medical questions) or guaranteed issue life insurance (with no medical questions). However, both these options have higher approval chances and are offered quickly.
Is MS a critical illness?
Yes, multiple sclerosis (MS) is considered a critical illness by most insurers in Canada and is included in the list of covered conditions under many critical illness insurance policies. Since multiple sclerosis is a complex, long-term condition that can significantly impact health and daily living, it meets the criteria for critical illness insurance in Canada, allowing policyholders to receive a lump sum benefit if diagnosed.
What types of life insurance are available for people with MS?
People diagnosed with multiple sclerosis can apply for traditional life insurance policies ( with an extensive medical exam), simplified issue (with a short health questionnaire), or guaranteed issue (no medical questions, guaranteed acceptance) policies.
How can I improve my chances of getting life insurance with MS?
To improve your chances of approval, keep your medical condition well-managed, maintain regular check-ups with your doctor, apply when your condition is stable, disclose all the information related to your condition, and consult an experienced broker like PolicyAdvisor for the right plan as per your case.
Does life insurance pay out if I die from MS?
Yes, life insurance pays out the death benefit even if you die from multiple sclerosis. Once your policy is active, you will receive the full death benefit, even if your death is related to MS. However, life insurance does not deny claims due to medical conditions disclosed during the application process; it only denies claims due to misrepresentation.
Having multiple sclerosis doesn’t mean you can’t protect your loved ones with life insurance. While the process may take more effort and the premiums may be higher, there are still several options available. By understanding the types of life insurance for MS patients, knowing what insurers look for, and working with brokers like PolicyAdvisor, you can find a policy that fits your needs and gives you peace of mind.
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. “Prevalence and Incidence of MS in Canada and Around the World.” MS Canada.
