Life Insurance with Fibromyalgia

Can I Get Life Insurance with Fibromyalgia?

Yes — fibromyalgia does not automatically prevent you from getting life insurance. It is a condition that UK insurers can and do cover, though the outcome varies depending on severity, current symptom levels, and whether any other conditions are present. Those with well-managed, mild fibromyalgia can often obtain cover at standard or modestly loaded rates.

Fibromyalgia is assessed as a musculoskeletal condition by most insurers, and the key question is how much it affects your daily functioning and whether there are any associated diagnoses such as depression, anxiety, or chronic fatigue syndrome.

How Does Fibromyalgia Affect My Premium?

The premium impact typically depends on:

• Severity of symptoms: Mild fibromyalgia with good functional status typically attracts a modest loading or standard rates. Severe fibromyalgia significantly affecting daily activities may attract a higher loading.
• Medication: The type and dose of medication used to manage fibromyalgia influences the underwriting outcome.
• Associated conditions: Fibromyalgia co-existing with depression, anxiety, or CFS/ME is assessed on a combined basis and may attract a higher loading.
• Work status: Those working full-time are viewed more favourably than those whose fibromyalgia has caused significant periods of absence.

What Information Will the Insurer Ask For?

When applying with fibromyalgia, expect questions including:

• When were you diagnosed and by whom (GP or specialist)?
• What are your current symptom levels on a typical day?
• What medications are you taking and at what dose?
• Have you had significant time off work due to fibromyalgia?
• Are there any other associated conditions — depression, anxiety, ME/CFS?
• Are you currently working and, if so, full-time or part-time?

Which Insurers Are Most Competitive?

Insurers vary considerably in how they assess fibromyalgia. Some load all fibromyalgia cases regardless of severity; others take a more nuanced view based on functional status and medication. Comparing the whole market is particularly important for fibromyalgia applicants.

The most competitive insurer for your specific profile can only be identified by comparing the whole market. Premiums vary significantly — sometimes by 30–40% — for the same applicant across different providers.

Can I Also Get Critical Illness Cover and Income Protection?

Critical illness cover is generally available for fibromyalgia applicants, with a loading consistent with the life insurance underwriting. Fibromyalgia itself is not a covered CIC condition.

Income protection is available but often with a musculoskeletal or fibromyalgia-specific exclusion. This means claims arising directly from fibromyalgia may be excluded, while all other causes of incapacity — including unrelated illness and injury — remain covered. For those in good functional health, some insurers may offer cover without an exclusion. Specialist advice is strongly recommended.

Tips for Applying with Fibromyalgia

• Be fully transparent: Always disclose your full medical history. Non-disclosure is the most common reason for a declined claim — and insurers check medical records at the point of claim.
• Use a whole-of-market adviser: They know which insurers are most favourable for your condition and can submit your application to get the best available terms.
• Apply when well-controlled: If your condition is managed with medication, applying when your condition is stable and well-controlled gives the best chance of favourable terms.
• Don't self-reject: Many people assume they cannot get cover or will pay extortionate premiums. In the majority of cases, cover is available at reasonable cost.