Navigating life insurance with multiple sclerosis can feel overwhelming. But many Canadians with MS are approved every year through both simplified and guaranteed issue plans.

We’ll guide you through what insurers look for, how your MS diagnosis affects underwriting, and the most accessible options available in Canada today. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have lived with MS for years, there’s a path forward.

What Is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (commonly abbreviated as MS) is a chronic and often progressive disease that affects the central nervous system. It commonly appears between the ages of 20 and 50 and has no single known cause, though genetic, environmental, and immune-related factors may contribute.

MS damages nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, which can lead to muscle weakness, balance issues, and sensory changes over time. Symptoms can vary widely depending on how and where the disease progresses in the body.

Types of Multiple Sclerosis

There are four main types of MS, as identified by the MS Society of Canada:

• Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS)
• Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS)
• Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS)
• Primary Progressive MS (PPMS)

Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS) is a single episode of neurological symptoms lasting at least 24 hours. CIS may or may not lead to a diagnosis of MS, depending on brain MRI findings.

Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS) is the most common form. It involves unpredictable relapses followed by partial or full recovery periods, known as remission.

Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS) usually develops from RRMS. It leads to ongoing symptom progression, with fewer or no relapses over time.

Primary Progressive MS (PPMS) features a steady worsening of symptoms from the beginning, with no clear relapses or remissions. Periods of stability or minor improvement may still occur.

Can You Get Life Insurance If You Have Multiple Sclerosis?

Yes, you can get life insurance even if you have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. While it may be more challenging and potentially more expensive, coverage is available in Canada for people living with MS.

Traditional life insurance policies are typically classified as preferred, standard, or declined. Most individuals with MS may not qualify for standard or preferred rates. However, this does not mean you cannot secure coverage. There are alternative insurance options that offer easier approval, especially if your MS is stable.

The most accessible choices are no medical life insurance plans. These fall into two types:

• Guaranteed Issue Insurance Policies
• Simplified Issue Insurance Policies

Both options do not require a medical exam. However, there are important differences between them that affect pricing and approval.

Guaranteed Issue Insurance Policies

Guaranteed issue plans require no medical tests and no health questions. You are guaranteed approval, but these policies come with higher premiums and a mandatory two-year waiting period for non-accidental deaths. These are typically permanent life insurance products.

Simplified Issue Insurance Policies

Simplified issue plans do not require a medical exam but do include a few basic health questions. If you qualify, you could receive lower premiums and a higher death benefit compared to guaranteed issue policies. These are often term life insurance products and may offer more flexibility.

Does Life Insurance Cover Multiple Sclerosis?

If you already have life insurance before being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, your diagnosis will not change the cost or coverage of your existing policy. This is one reason why many Canadians choose to secure a policy early, especially if there is a family history or risk of developing MS.

If you have not yet been diagnosed but are concerned about developing MS in the future, a critical illness insurance policy or a critical illness rider on your life insurance plan can offer extra protection. These products provide a tax-free lump sum payment upon diagnosis, giving you financial relief when it’s needed most.

MS is typically included in the list of covered conditions under comprehensive critical illness insurance products in Canada. Once diagnosed, you may qualify for a one-time lump sum benefit to help with recovery or offset lost income.

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What Insurance Companies Look For If You Have MS

When reviewing your application, insurers will assess several key factors to determine the level of risk and eligibility for coverage. These details help underwriters understand the severity and stability of your condition.

Common underwriting considerations for multiple sclerosis include:

• Age and date of diagnosis
• Whether the diagnosis is confirmed or under investigation, and the rate of disease progression
• Current symptoms or level of symptom control
• Timing and frequency of past relapses
• Details of treatments or medications used
• Any additional health complications
• Degree of disability or use of mobility aids

These factors help insurers gauge the overall stability of your MS. The more stable your condition, the more favorable your rating may be. However, if the disease has progressed significantly, or if mobility is impaired, the application may result in a higher premium or a potential decline.

In some cases, a tentative MS diagnosis with no symptoms for over two years may still be considered for fully underwritten coverage. Similarly, individuals with moderate symptoms and a stable diagnosis for at least one year may also be reviewed by insurers for traditional policies, especially when supported by a current Attending Physician Statement (APS).

If you’re unsure how your diagnosis would be evaluated, speaking with an advisor can help you navigate the process and find the most suitable application strategy.

Simplified vs Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance for MS

If you’ve been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, you may not qualify for traditional underwritten policies. However, both simplified issue and guaranteed issue life insurance offer viable paths to coverage, each with different eligibility and cost factors.

Simplified issue policies do not require a medical exam, but they do include a short health questionnaire. Applicants with mild or stable MS may qualify, especially if they have been relapse-free for 2 years, are not using mobility aids, and are under age 60. These policies often offer higher coverage amounts and lower premiums than guaranteed issue plans.

Guaranteed issue policies skip both the medical exam and health questions. Approval is guaranteed, regardless of your MS diagnosis. However, these policies typically have higher premiums, lower coverage limits, and a two-year deferral period before full benefits apply. They are best suited for individuals with advanced MS or those who have been previously declined.

Choosing between the two depends on your health status, budget, and need for fast coverage. An advisor can help you understand which option is more appropriate for your situation.

💡 Did You Know?

If you have relapsing-remitting MS, no mobility aids, and have been stable for over two years, you may qualify for simplified issue life insurance, without needing a medical exam or physician’s statement.

What If I Get Declined Because of My MS?

Being declined for life insurance after an MS diagnosis can be frustrating, but it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Guaranteed issue life insurance is available to all applicants regardless of medical history, including those who have been declined for traditional or simplified plans.

These policies ask no health questions and do not require a medical exam. While premiums are higher and coverage amounts are lower, approval is guaranteed. Most plans include a two-year deferral period, which means if the insured passes away from non-accidental causes during that time, the full benefit may not be paid out.

For many Canadians with MS, these plans offer a way to secure peace of mind when other options have been exhausted.

What Is the Best Life Insurance for MS?

The best life insurance for someone living with multiple sclerosis depends on your specific diagnosis, current health status, and age. Some insurers in Canada are more flexible with MS than others, and the right product often comes down to matching your condition with the appropriate type of policy.

Fully underwritten policies require medical underwriting and may ask for an Attending Physician’s Statement (APS). These are often only available to applicants with stable relapsing-remitting MS, no mobility aids, and several years since their last relapse.

Simplified issue policies offer an easier application process. There is no medical exam or APS required, just a short health questionnaire. You may qualify if you have no mobility aids, are under age 60, and have been stable for two or more years. These plans are available from providers like Humania, Assumption Life, CPP, and BMO.

Guaranteed issue policies accept all applicants with no questions asked. While premiums are higher and coverage limits lower, these are a safety net for those who have been declined or are managing advanced MS.

Here are some Canadian insurers known to accept MS applicants under simplified or guaranteed plans:

• Assumption Life
• Desjardins Insurance
• Beneva Insurance
• Industrial Alliance
• Humania Life
• Canada Protection Plan (CPP)
• BMO Insurance
• Empire Life

A licensed advisor can help you compare these options and determine which provider is most likely to approve your application based on your MS profile.

Life Insurance for Mark, Living with MS in Canada

👤 Mark, 38, Winnipeg, MB

Mark, a father of two, was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Though he felt overwhelmed at first, his symptoms remained mild and manageable. With MS being one of the most common neurological conditions in Canada, Mark knew that securing life insurance would require a proactive approach.

He connected with a licensed broker who understood how to navigate health-based applications. Together, they explored providers that considered applicants with stable MS and no mobility limitations. Mark qualified for a term life insurance policy with simplified underwriting, and also added a critical illness policy to cover unexpected events.

His strategy gave him affordable coverage, peace of mind, and financial security for his family — all without a medical exam or extensive paperwork.

“I didn’t think I had options with MS, but I’m glad I asked. It was easier than I expected.”

Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance for Patricia

👤 Patricia, 56, Calgary, AB

Patricia was diagnosed with progressive multiple sclerosis and uses a mobility aid. After being declined by two insurers for traditional life insurance, she began to feel discouraged. But with help from a specialist advisor, she explored alternative options.

They reviewed guaranteed issue policies that ask no medical questions. Patricia qualified immediately and secured a plan that provided a basic death benefit to cover her final expenses and support her family’s financial needs.

Although the coverage amount was limited and included a two-year deferral, it offered certainty and peace of mind she thought was out of reach.

“Even after being declined, I still found a way to protect my family. It made all the difference.”