2024 Burial Insurance with Multiple Sclerosis
last updated on December 19, 2024Finding affordable burial insurance with multiple sclerosis is all about giving your family peace of mind—and let’s face it, who doesn’t want that?
Good news: having multiple sclerosis won’t slam the door on getting this important coverage. Insurance companies aren’t going to hold it against you, so you can breathe easy.
Thinking about applying for burial insurance with MS? You’re in the right place. We’re here to break down the underwriting process and show you how to get the best rates without any drama.
Keep reading, because we’ve got all the tips you need to make this process simple, stress-free, and totally doable. Let’s get started!
| TABLE OF CONTENTS | |
|---|---|
What Is My Best Insurance Option If I Have A History Of Multiple Sclerosis?
The type of plan that you can qualify as an MS patient is dependent upon the degree of your health and how long it has been since your diagnosis and treatment.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT LONGER THAN 24 MONTHS
If your multiple sclerosis diagnosis and last treatment occurred more than 24 months ago, you will qualify for a level death benefit plan with first-day coverage. Your plan will have no waiting period and it comes with the lowest rate.
You will be fully covered from day one and your beneficiary will receive 100% of the death benefit when you pass away.
Best Option: Level death benefit plan with first-day coverage.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT IN THE LAST 24 MONTHS
If you were diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in the last 2 years, most burial insurance companies would decline your application for level coverage because of your recent diagnosis. The reason for this is the company can’t predict the course of your disease. Your best insurance coverage option is a first-day benefit plan.
You will be covered from the first-day and your death benefit will be phased in over time.
Best Option: First-day benefit plan
OTHER FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT ELIGIBILITY
ASSISTANCE WITH ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING
If your multiple sclerosis progresses to the point that you need help with your daily living activities, it will have an impact on the underwriting process. Life insurance companies define activities of daily living as eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, and continence.
Every burial insurance company will ask if you need help with ADLs. Most of them will decline your application for a first-day coverage plan if you need help with daily living activities.
Your only option to get life insurance coverage will be to get a guaranteed issue or a guaranteed acceptance policy. These plans accept everyone regardless of their medical condition because they don’t check medical history.
Guaranteed issue burial insurance is a bit more expensive than the level death benefit, and it has a two-year waiting period. You also need to live for two years before your beneficiary can receive your full death benefit if you pass away from a natural cause.
If you die during the waiting period, your beneficiary will receive the full refund of all the premiums paid plus 10% interest.
Best Option: Guaranteed issue burial insurance
HOME HEALTH CARE
Needing home health care is identical to needing help with activities of daily living. Every burial and final expense company will ask about this in their health questions.
If you need permanent home health care, you will qualify for guaranteed issue life insurance with a two-year waiting period.
Best Option: Guaranteed issue burial insurance
WHEELCHAIR USE
Many multiple sclerosis patients may need a wheelchair or scooter for mobility.
Most burial insurance companies ask about wheelchair use. If you become wheelchair-bound you will be flat out declined for a first-day coverage plan.
You will only qualify for guaranteed issue life insurance.
Best Option: Guaranteed issue burial insurance
What Types Of Burial Insurance Should I Avoid?
| PLANS TO AVOID | WHY? |
|---|---|
| Term life | Premiums increase after 5 years. Coverage ends after 80. |
| Pre-paid funeral plans | Expensive |
| Universal life | Tied with stocks |
| No health questions policies | With 2-year waiting period |
| Plans offering "teaser rates" | $9.95 per unit plans or $1 buys $100,000 coverage |
| Over priced plans | Insurance from TV and junk mail |
| Plans that accept mail-in payments | Risky |
| Plans that accept Direct Express | High lapse rate |
| Plans that accept Credit Cards | High lapse rate |
What Type Of Burial Insurance Is Best?
| FUNERAL FUNDS PLAN BENEFITS | INCLUDED |
|---|---|
| 1st Day Coverage | YES |
| Rates NEVER Increase | YES |
| Coverage NEVER Decreases | YES |
| Easy to get approved | YES |
| No Medical Exam | YES |
| Same Day Approval | YES |
| Death Claims Pay Fast | YES |
| Builds cash value | YES |
| Coverage Up To Age 121 | YES |
If I Have Multiple Sclerosis, Do I Need A Medical Exam To Qualify For Burial Insurance?
You are NOT required to take a medical exam to qualify for burial insurance with multiple sclerosis.
When you apply for burial insurance, you only have to answer some basic questions about your health. The application process is simple, and you don’t need to provide medical records or blood and urine samples.
You’ll get the official approval from the insurance company often within minutes!
Burial Insurance Underwriting If You Have Multiple Sclerosis
Burial insurance companies perform underwriting to assess your level of risk.
Burial insurance companies have two ways of underwriting:
FIRST – They may ask you a series of health questions. Your answers to their questions will determine your eligibility.
SECOND – They will electronically review your prescription history to verify your health.
HEALTH QUESTIONS
Burial insurance companies ask about multiple sclerosis in different ways. Sometimes you won’t see the word multiple sclerosis in the health questions; instead, they may use the term neuromuscular disease.
Here are some of the most common ways you can see MS asked in the health questions:
- Within the past 24 months have you been medically diagnosed or treated for any neuromuscular disease, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease?
- During the past 24 months have you been diagnosed or been treated for neuromuscular disease including multiple sclerosis, Lou Gehrig’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease?
- Have you ever had, or been diagnosed with, or received or been advised to receive treatment or medication for multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or systemic lupus?
You must honestly answer yes to the multiple sclerosis questions if you’ve been diagnosed or being treated for this condition.
PRESCRIPTION HISTORY CHECK
Burial insurance companies will electronically check your prescription history to validate your answers to the health questions.
Here’s a list of common multiple sclerosis medications:
- Aubagio
- Avonex
- Betaseron
- Copaxone
- Extavia
- Gilenya
- Novantrone
- Rebif
- Tecfidera
- Tysabri
If you are taking any of these medications, you will be classified as MS patient even if you answer “no” to their health questions.
How Much Insurance Do I Need If I Have Multiple Sclerosis?
The amount of burial insurance you should buy varies depending on your personal and financial circumstances. However, burial insurance should cover the cost of your funeral, burial, and final expenses.
The first step to figuring out how much burial insurance you need is to know your end-of-life expenses. Your funeral cost is often the biggest single expense you need to pay. Other end-of-life expenses to consider are your outstanding medical bills, living expenses, credit card bills, and other debts.
Here’s an example of a funeral cost breakdown from the National Funeral Directors Association.
| AVERAGE FUNERAL COST WITH VIEWING AND BURIAL | |
|---|---|
| Non-declinable basic services | $2,300 |
| Removal/ transfer of remains to funeral home | $350 |
| Embalming & preparation of the body | $1,050 |
| Use of facilities for viewing & funeral ceremony | $965 |
| Hearse | $325 |
| Service car/van | $150 |
| Basic memorial printed package | $183 |
| Metal casket | $2,500 |
| Vault | $1,572 |
| Median Cost of a Funeral With Viewing and Burial | $9,420 |
| AVERAGE FUNERAL COST WITH VIEWING AND CREMATION | |
|---|---|
| Non-declinable basic services fee | $2,300 |
| Removal/ transfer of remains to funeral home | $350 |
| Embalming & preparation of the body | $1,050 |
| Use of facilities for viewing & funeral ceremony | $965 |
| Service car/van | $150 |
| Basic memorial printed package | $183 |
| Cremation fee (if firm uses a third-party crematory) | $368 |
| Cremation Casket | $1,310 |
| Urn | $295 |
| Median Cost of a Funeral with Viewing and Cremation | $6,970 |
| Rental Casket | $995 |
| Alternate Cremation Container | $150 |
How Should I Pay My Premiums?
The best way to pay your premium is through a savings or checking account. We recommend you set a bank draft from your savings or checking account. That way, the bank will automatically pay your premium each month and you don’t need to worry about your policy lapsing due to non-payment.
Multiple Sclerosis And Burial Insurance Riders
Insurance policy riders add benefits to your policy. Adding insurance riders will enhance your policy to fit your needs. Some riders are built into your policy, while other riders can be added at an additional cost. Most riders are affordable, and it involves little to no underwriting.
Here’s a list of common burial insurance riders:
| FUNERAL FUNDS ADD-ONS | AVAILABILITY |
|---|---|
| Terminal Illness Add-On Benefit | Included with most plans |
| Nursing Home Care Add-On Benefit | Included with most plans |
Information We Need If You Have Multiple Sclerosis
When applying for final expense insurance or burial insurance coverage with multiple sclerosis, it’s crucial that you provide us with as much information as possible. This information will help us better understand your condition and help us to provide you with an accurate quote.
Here are some questions we may ask you about your MS:
- When were you diagnosed with multiple sclerosis?
- How old were you when you were diagnosed with MS?
- What was the date of your most recent attack or seizure?
- What treatments have you undergone for your condition?
- What medications are you taking for your disease?
- Are you actively working or are you on disability?
- Do you require the use of any kind of canes, walker, braces, wheelchair, or scooter for mobility?
- Do you need help with daily living activities such as eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, and continence?
We need to know your medical condition to be able to provide you with the best recommendation. The more information we get, the better your chances of finding affordable insurance coverage.
What If My Application Was Declined?
Declined applications for level coverage happen when you use an inexperienced agent or when you haven’t been honest about your medications and health history. They also happen with severe cases of multiple sclerosis.
If you have moderate MS, you won’t have difficulty obtaining life insurance. The only reason you’ll be declined is if you have other significant health conditions affecting your overall health.
If you are healthy and you have been declined, chances are you or your agent applied with the wrong company.
The truth is that if you are not shopping with the right companies, then you are going to be declined. That is why working with an independent agency like Funeral Funds that has access to multiple life insurance companies will get you approved with better rates.
Benefits Of Burial & Funeral Insurance
Here are some of the benefits of purchasing a burial or funeral policy:
- No medical exam or doctor’s visit is required – easy to get approved.
- Ease of issue – easy to qualify and get insurance coverage.
- No Money Down to get approved – have your policy start whenever you want.
- Level premium – your premium will never increase.
- Fixed death benefit – your death benefit will never decrease for any reason.
- Permanent protection – your policy can not be canceled by the life insurance company as long as you continue to pay your premiums.
- Tax-free – the death benefit is directly paid to your beneficiary tax-free upon your death
- Cash value builds up – burial insurance is a whole life policy that builds cash value over time.
Other Common Uses For Final Expense Life Insurance With Multiple Sclerosis
All of these examples are appropriate uses for Final Expense Life Insurance:
- Burial insurance plan with multiple sclerosis
- Cremation insurance plan with multiple sclerosis
- Funeral home insurance plan with multiple sclerosis
- Final Expense insurance plan with multiple sclerosis
- Prepaid funeral plan insurance with multiple sclerosis
- Mortgage payment protection plan with multiple sclerosis
- Mortgage payoff life insurance plan with multiple sclerosis
- Deceased spouse’s income replacement plan with multiple sclerosis
- Legacy insurance gift plan to family or loved ones with multiple sclerosis
- Medical or doctor bill life insurance plan with multiple sclerosis
We can help you with any of the plans above. Your pricing will depend on your age, health, and coverage amount for each program option.
How Can Funeral Funds Help Me?
Trying to find a policy with multiple sclerosis needn’t be a frustrating process; working with an independent agency like Funeral Funds will make the process easier and quicker.
We will work with you every step of the way to find the plan that fits your financial requirements and budget. You don’t have to waste your precious time searching for multiple insurance companies anymore because we will do the dirty work for you.
We work with many A+ rated insurance carriers that specialized in covering high-risk clients like you. We will search all those companies and match you up with the best burial insurance company that gives the best rate.
We will assist you in securing the coverage you need at a rate you can afford. So, if you are looking for multiple sclerosis funeral insurance, multiple sclerosis burial insurance, or multiple sclerosis life insurance, we can help.
Fill out our quote form on this page or call us at (888) 862-9456 and we can give you an accurate quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get life insurance if you have multiple sclerosis?
The answer is yes – you can get life insurance if you have multiple sclerosis. However, your mobility and ability to perform activities of daily living will affect your insurance eligibility.
Can you get first-day coverage insurance if you have multiple sclerosis?
First-day coverage insurance is available for people with multiple sclerosis. If your multiple sclerosis diagnosis and last treatment occurred more than 24 months ago, you will qualify for a first-day coverage plan.
What are the chances of getting life insurance if you have multiple sclerosis?
The chances of getting life insurance if you have multiple sclerosis are good. If you have a mild form of the disease and your symptoms are well-controlled, you can easily be approved for a life insurance policy.
Is multiple sclerosis a pre-existing condition for life insurance?
Yes, multiple sclerosis is a pre-existing condition for life insurance. If you have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, you will need to disclose this information to the life insurance company.
Do I need to tell insurance about multiple sclerosis?
Yes, you need to tell your insurance company about your multiple sclerosis diagnosis. Failure to do so could result in your policy being denied or canceled.
Do I need to take a medical exam if I have multiple sclerosis?
No, you do not need to take a medical exam if you have multiple sclerosis.
Can a person with multiple sclerosis get burial insurance?
Yes, a person with multiple sclerosis can get burial insurance.
Can multiple sclerosis be considered a critical illness in life insurance?
Yes, multiple sclerosis can be considered a critical illness in life insurance. If you have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, you will need to disclose this information to the life insurance company.
What is the maximum age limit for burial insurance with multiple sclerosis?
The maximum age to apply for burial insurance is 85 years old and your policy will remain active until you are 121 years old.
Is multiple sclerosis considered a terminal illness?
No, multiple sclerosis is not considered a terminal illness.
What are the benefits of having burial insurance if you have multiple sclerosis?
Burial insurance can help to cover the costs of your funeral and other final expenses. This can be a valuable asset for your loved ones in the event of your death.
What are the things that may affect my eligibility if I have multiple sclerosis?
The things that may affect your eligibility if you have multiple sclerosis include your mobility and ability to perform activities of daily living. If you have a mild form of the disease and your symptoms are well-controlled, you can get approved for a first-day coverage plan with some companies.
Which insurance is best for patients with multiple sclerosis?
There is no one “best” insurance for patients with multiple sclerosis. The best insurance for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. You may want to consider a policy that offers first-day coverage or a policy that covers critical illnesses.
What is the life expectancy after multiple sclerosis?
Most people with multiple sclerosis live healthy productive lives for many years after their diagnosis.
Is multiple sclerosis disease a disability?
Yes, multiple sclerosis can be a disability. If you are unable to work because of MS, you can qualify for disability benefits.
What disability category is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis is a neurological condition that falls under the category of “impairments in motor function.” This means that it can cause problems with mobility and coordination.
Can I qualify for cremation insurance with a history of multiple sclerosis?
Yes, you can qualify for cremation insurance with a history of multiple sclerosis.
What are the premiums for burial insurance with multiple sclerosis?
The premiums for burial insurance with multiple sclerosis will depend on your age, health, and smoking status. Generally, the older you are and the more health problems you have, the higher your premium will be.
How much coverage can I get with burial insurance if I have multiple sclerosis?
The amount of coverage you can get with burial insurance if you have multiple sclerosis will depend on the insurer and the policy you choose.
How do you get life insurance after a multiple sclerosis diagnosis?
You can get life insurance after a multiple sclerosis diagnosis by calling one of our qualified insurance agents who can compare different policies and recommend the best plan with the lowest pricing.
What is my best insurance option if I have multiple sclerosis?
There is no one “best” insurance option for patients with multiple sclerosis. The best insurance for you will depend on your individual needs and budget.
Is multiple sclerosis fatal in life insurance?
Yes, multiple sclerosis in itself is not fatal. However, if you have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, you will need to disclose this information to the life insurance company.
Can you be denied insurance for multiple sclerosis?
Yes, you can be denied insurance for multiple sclerosis with some companies. If you cannot perform activities of daily living on your own, life insurance companies offering first-day coverage plans will deny your application.
Is there a waiting period for life insurance with multiple sclerosis?
If you cannot perform activities of daily living on your own, you need home health care, or you are wheelchair-bound, you will only qualify for a guaranteed issue life insurance with a two-year waiting period.
Can multiple sclerosis affect your life insurance rates?
Yes, multiple sclerosis can affect your life insurance rates and eligibility.
Can multiple sclerosis medication affect my premium?
Yes, multiple sclerosis medication may affect your premium. If you take medication to control your symptoms, your insurance company will consider this when determining your rates.
Can multiple sclerosis patients get final expense insurance?
Yes, multiple sclerosis patients can get final expense insurance. Final expense insurance is a type of life insurance that is designed to cover the costs of your final expenses, such as your funeral and burial costs.
What is the average cost of life insurance for someone with multiple sclerosis?
The average cost of life insurance for someone with multiple sclerosis will depend on your age, health, and smoking status. Generally, the older you are and the more health problems you have, the higher your premium will be.
How long does it take to get life insurance with multiple sclerosis?
It usually only takes a few minutes to get qualified and approved for life insurance with multiple sclerosis at Funeral Funds.
What is the process of getting life insurance with multiple sclerosis?
The process of getting life insurance with multiple sclerosis is the same as the process of getting life insurance without multiple sclerosis. You will need to fill out an application with a qualified insurance agent.
Can multiple sclerosis affect life insurance?
Yes, multiple sclerosis can affect life insurance eligibility and rates.
Can you be rejected for life insurance because of multiple sclerosis?
Yes, you can be rejected for life insurance because of multiple sclerosis. If you have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, you will need to disclose this information to the life insurance company.
Is multiple sclerosis covered by a critical illness rider?
No, multiple sclerosis is not covered by a critical illness rider.
What is the best insurance option for people with multiple sclerosis?
There is no one “best” insurance option for patients with multiple sclerosis. The best insurance for you will depend on your individual needs and budget.
What are the best life insurance companies for multiple sclerosis?
The best life insurance companies for multiple sclerosis will vary depending on your needs and budget.
How can you get the best life insurance rates with multiple sclerosis?
The best way to get the best life insurance rates with multiple sclerosis is to work with a qualified insurance agent from Funeral Funds who can price shop for you and recommend the best plan with the lowest rates.
What are some tips for getting life insurance with multiple sclerosis?
Some tips for getting life insurance with multiple sclerosis include:
- Work with a qualified insurance agent to get the best rates.
- Be honest about your diagnosis and disclose all information to the insurance company.
- Choose a policy that fits your needs and budget.
