Hypermobility Syndrome & Life Insurance

Whilst being a contortionist may sound like fun to some people, for many with hypermobility syndrome it can cause far more trouble that it’s worth. I was diagnosed with HMS (Beighton score 9/9) as a child and can only describe my teenage years as hell; luckily I’m much better now.

Things we need to know:

• When were you diagnosed with hypermobility syndrome?
• What are your symptoms?
• When did you last experience symptoms?
• Do you take any medication?
• Do you require mobility aids?
• Are you able to work?
• Have you been tested for related conditions e.g. Marfan’s syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome?

Some insurers are a bit cautious when it comes to assessing Life Insurance applications for people with hypermobility syndrome. There are some insurers that will automatically link the hypermobility to Ehler-Danlos Syndrome, with it being known as EDS Type III, and class it as a more serious condition that what it is. This is unfortunate and it is important that you place your application for Life Insurance with an insurer, that can assess hypermobility correctly.

When you apply for Life Insurance, the insurer is going to want to know how long you been diagnosed with hypermobility syndrome and if you manage your symptoms with medication, treatments or adapting your lifestyle. You will be asked if you are working and this is a good indicator to the insurer, of the severity of your hypermobility.

Provided that you speak with the correct insurer for you, your hypermobility syndrome is not likely to affect your Life Insurance application, unless you have had a significant injury or have significant musculoskeletal problems. If the symptoms of your hypermobility syndrome are mild, you could find that Life Insurance is offered at normal rates. If you have had a recent flare up of symptoms, or the hypermobility impacts upon your daily living and ability to work, then the insurer may offer Life Insurance at non-standard rates in the form a premium increase.

Critical illness cover pays out a cash lump sum of money, if you are diagnosed with a medical condition that is listed in the insurer’s claims set e.g. cancer, heart attack, stroke.

You should have no problems applying for Critical Illness Cover when you have hypermobility syndrome, provided that the condition does not significantly affect your daily living and is not linked to a secondary illness like Marfan’s syndrome. The main thing that the insurer is going to want to know, is how does the hypermobility syndrome affect you: does it stop you working, do you need assistance with your mobility, do you take painkillers, how is your mood.

Critical Illness policies come with a claims definition called Total Permanent Disability, it is sometimes automatically included or you can opt to add it on to your cover; it is extremely difficult to make a claim. If you opt to include Total Permanent Disability in your policy (TPD) then you may have an exclusion placed on it for musculoskeletal disorders, because of the increased risk of breaking and spraining caused by the hypermobility. This may not seem ideal, but it should not put you off having access to all of the other claimable conditions on the policy, that include but are not limited to heart attack, cancer and stroke. 

Income protection pays you a replacement of your monthly income, if you are unable to work due to ill health.

Income Protection for individuals with hypermobility syndrome will need to be arranged with specific insurers, that can consider your application. Whilst there are some insurers that will not offer Income Protection to people with hypermobility syndrome, there are some that can, and its our job to find one that is right for you. The insurance provider will want to establish the severity of your hypermobility, before they offer you Income Protection cover.

You will be asked if you have been unable to work in the past or had time off work due to ill health, and this will be for reasons due to the hypermobility or any other medical condition. You are likely to have an exclusion placed upon your Income Protection policy for any claims related to musculoskeletal conditions.

It is essential that you are truthful about how much the hypermobility syndrome affects you. If there are any notable injuries or related illnesses in your medical history, you must tell the insurer, so that they can fully assess your health. A successful Income Protection claim will involve the insurance provider speaking with your GP who will be asked to give a thorough account of your medical history. 

If you find that Income Protection is not available to you, it might be worth looking at Accident, Sickness and Unemployment cover. This type of policy offers a monthly income replacement if you are unable to work due to ill health or redundancy. Accident, Sickness and Unemployment policies are not medically underwritten, so you will be accepted for the cover without having to detail your hypermobility or how it affects you. But, you need to be fully aware that any claim that you place on the policy will exclude being unable to work due to your hypermobility.

Do you have a holiday planned? It’s a good idea to speak with a specialist travel broker who can make sure you get the right travel insurance for you. Especially if you are planning a skiing trip! Visit our dedicated travel page for more details here.