I was diagnosed with MS in 2021. I had no real problems but just felt something did not feel “right”. I am on Ocrevus since 2021 and not had any problems with the medication or my health. My Scans have been stable.
I am looking to purchase a property and was asked If i was interested in Critical Illness Cover, As soon as I mentioned that I have MS I was told it would be very hard to get this cover. If I had the cover before the MS I might have got a payout (me slapping my head against the wall). (Still not sure if I would have as I have no real problems yet)
I find this very unfair, my MS is very mild, I am able to work, run, walk, Drive, Climb, everything but because I am on treatment I am not able to be covered for Illness cover. My main concern is that Yes I can do everything now but I have no idea how life will be in 5,10,15,20 years (I am 37 currently). Even NHS do not give you free medication as MS is not on the list!
Has anyone else been in my position ?
Is there anything else that I can be looking at to claim for my MS?
The year before my dx we got a new mortgage and I took out life cover but decided to save a few bob by declining critical illness cover. Good move, no?
Critical illness cover is indeed hard to come by at an attractive price (if at all) once you got a qualifying condition already. Fortunately most of us find that we can get life cover OK.
If you have a workplace pension, check your provisions. I was saved by essentially having built-in critical illness cover that way when retired on ill health grounds some years later. When you have a condition like ours, a decent pension scheme is a blessing.
I’m sorry to say that as you have a diagnosis, it is already a pre-existing condition now and as such uninsurable for CI. It’s not a question of how badly you are affected, it’s simply whether you have MS or not. Many people have found that having bought CI cover they have been refused a payout based on a test for something else years before which may have indicated MS even if further investigations did not take place. It’s hard but insurance companies deal with risk and you already have a confirmed diagnosis so could potentially claim straight away.
Life assurance can be easier though so good luck with your property purchase.
Good move, no?