Is MS covered by all critical illness policies?
All critical illness policies cover heart attacks, cancer and strokes, but not all cover MS, although it is one of four other core critical illnesses as defined by the Association of British Insurers (ABI). Those policies that do cover MS will pay out following a definite diagnosis by a Consultant Neurologist, as long as you have current impairment of motor or sensory function which has lasted for at least six months continuously.
In 1999, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) published model definitions of critical illness conditions. These represent minimum standards of cover, to which all their members have to adhere. Policies taken out since then with an ABI member will either offer this minimum level of cover or better. More details on this model definition of MS, and on those for other conditions, can be found in the Consumer Information zone on the ABI website (
www.abi.org.uk).
Check the small print to find out if it covers MS, and under what circumstances it will pay out.
There may be restrictions or exclusions which can prevent a claim. Some insurers will not pay out if the condition is diagnosed within three or six months of the start of the policy. You will also need to survive for a period of time, usually between 14 and 30 days, after an illness is diagnosed, but this should not be an issue for people diagnosed with MS.
If you do qualify, the money paid out can be a godsend, easing financial pressures at a time when you need to be concentrating on your health.