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MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS [MS] & LIFE INSURANCE ~ UNDERWRITING ISSUES
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Multiple Sclerosis (MS) & Life Insurance
If you have a history of treatment for Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a broker may still be able to help you obtain life insurance although probably not at standard terms. There are some critical factors involved that will determine your ability to obtain coverage & your information is always treated with the utmost privacy by the insurer or broker.
What is Multiple Sclerosis ~ Life Assurance
Multiple Sclerosis ( or MS for short) is a type of autoimmune disease where patches of inflammation occur in various parts of the brain and/or spinal cord, causing damage to parts of the brain thus leading to various symptoms. MS affects anyone at any age; although it is rare in young children. It most commonly first develops around the age of 30 and is the most common disabling illness of young adults in the UK. For some reason it is also twice as common in women as in men. Although MS is not strictly an hereditary disease, there is an increased chance of MS developing in close relatives of affected people.

MS and Life Insurance Cover - What causes multiple sclerosis ?
The cells of the immune system, which normally attack bacteria, viruses, etc, attacks that part of the body. Something may trigger the system to act in this way. One medical theory is that its a virus, or another factor in the environment, triggers the immune system in some people with a certain genetic makeup. In an average person with MS, many (multiple) small areas of scarring (sclerosis) develop in the brain & spinal cord area. These scars may also be called plaques. Once the disease is triggered, it tends to follow one of the following 4 patterns.
* Relapsing-remitting form of MS
Symptoms are due to accumulation of scar tissue in the brain and to the gradual nerve damage that occurs. The condition typically then slowly becomes worse over time. This is called secondary progressive MS.
* Secondary progressive form of MS
This where there is a steady worsening of your MS symptoms (with or without relapses)
* Primary progressive form of MS
In about 1/10 people with MS, there is no initial relapsing-remitting course, as above. The symptoms just become gradually worse from the outset, so they do not recover.
* Benign MS
With this type of MS, there are only a few relapses in a lifetime, and no symptoms remain permanent.

MS typical symptoms may include:
* Visual problems
The 1st symptom of MS is a disturbance of vision. Inflammation (swelling) of the optic nerve can occur. This is called optical neuritis & can cause pain behind your eye and also some loss of your vision. This usually only affects one eye. Other eye symptoms may include blurring of vision or having double vision.
* Muscle spasms
Tremors or spasms of some of your muscles may occur. This is usually due to damage to the nerves that supply these muscles. Some muscles may contract (shorten) tightly and can then become stiff and harder to use. This is called spasticity.
* Pain
Neuropathic pain - this occurs due to damage to the nerve fibres. This can cause stabbing pains or a burning sensation over parts of your skin. Areas of your skin may also become very sensitive. Musculoskeletal pain - this type of pain can occur in any of your muscles that are affected by spasms.
* Fatigue
Extreme tiredness or fatigue is one of the most common symptoms. This tiredness is more than the tiredness you would expect after exercising or exertion & can even affect your balance and concentration.
* Emotional problems and depression
You may find that you laugh or cry more easily, even for no reason. Also, many people with MS have symptoms of depression or anxiety at some stage.
What do Life Insurance Companies look for - when Underwriting Multiple Sclerosis (MS) History ?
As MS symptoms are always different, an Insurer would initially request a GP Report. In this instance they would view each case on an individual basis before making any decision & usually look at some of the following issues.
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Medical Records - What do your medical records say about you? Have you developed associated medical problems as a result of MS? Any Family history ?
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Treatment - What medication are you on?
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Have you been to any special treatment facility?
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Has MS affected your job, meaning time off work or no longer working ?
Note: non-disclosure of your actual MS Symptoms, may make any plan claim void & the insurer is not obliged on death for the life insurance payout or refund any premiums paid if this was deliberately not disclosed.
For help with MS issues why not visit
www.mssociety.org.uk or www.mstrust.org.uk *
( * Note: You are now leaving the regulated site of Uk Life Insurance Quotes.
Neither ourselves, nor Sesame Ltd, is responsible for the accuracy of the information contained within the linked site.)
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