Life insurance with IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the most common gastrointestinal conditions in the UK, affecting around 10-20% of the population. The good news is that IBS is a functional condition with no increased mortality risk, which means life insurance is typically straightforward. Income protection is where it can get slightly more complicated.
The short answer
IBS almost always attracts standard rates for life insurance. Insurers mainly want to confirm that it is IBS and not inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's or ulcerative colitis), that appropriate investigations have been completed, and that there are no red flag symptoms. Income protection may carry an IBS exclusion if the condition has caused significant time off work.
The critical distinction: IBS vs IBD
The most important thing insurers need to establish is that your condition is IBS (a functional disorder) and not IBD (an inflammatory condition). This distinction fundamentally changes the underwriting.
| Factor | IBS | IBD (Crohn's / Colitis) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Functional disorder | Inflammatory disease |
| Mortality risk | None | Slightly increased |
| Life insurance impact | Standard rates | Minor to moderate loading |
| Medication | Antispasmodics, laxatives, low-dose antidepressants | Immunosuppressants, biologics, steroids |
If you have been diagnosed with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis rather than IBS, please see our Crohn's and colitis guide for specific information.
What insurers ask about IBS
Has IBS been confirmed as the diagnosis?
Insurers want to know that appropriate investigations have been done to rule out IBD and other conditions. A diagnosis of IBS following blood tests, stool tests (calprotectin), or colonoscopy is viewed positively. If your GP has diagnosed IBS based on symptoms alone, this is still acceptable to most insurers.
What investigations have been completed?
Blood tests, coeliac screen, and faecal calprotectin are standard initial investigations. If these are normal, the diagnosis of IBS is well-supported. If you have had a colonoscopy that was normal, this further strengthens the diagnosis. Insurers may ask whether red flag symptoms (weight loss, rectal bleeding, anaemia) have been excluded.
What medication are you taking?
Standard IBS medications (mebeverine, buscopan, loperamide, linaclotide) have no impact on underwriting. Low-dose amitriptyline or nortriptyline for IBS pain is also viewed neutrally. Medication confirms the condition is being managed appropriately.
Has IBS caused time off work?
This question is primarily relevant for income protection rather than life insurance. If IBS has caused significant or recurring absences from work, income protection insurers may apply an exclusion for IBS-related claims.
IBS should not complicate your life insurance
In most cases our specialist brokers can confirm standard rates quickly. Call us and they'll get you covered without fuss.
Get QuoteThe honest answer
IBS is not a condition that should cause you any real worry when it comes to life insurance. Standard rates are the norm, and there is no reason to expect otherwise if your diagnosis is confirmed and you are managing the condition. The one area to be aware of is income protection - if IBS significantly affects your ability to work, you may face an exclusion on IP policies. This does not mean you cannot get income protection; it means IBS-related absences specifically would not be covered, while everything else would be.
Income protection with IBS
Income protection is the product most likely to be affected by an IBS diagnosis. Because income protection pays out when you cannot work, and IBS can cause intermittent absences, insurers assess this differently from life insurance.
Mild IBS with no time off work: Most insurers will offer standard income protection with no exclusions. The condition is noted but does not affect the terms.
IBS with occasional absences: An IBS or functional bowel disorder exclusion is likely. This means the policy would not pay out if you are off work specifically due to IBS, but would cover all other conditions.
Severe IBS with significant work impact: Some insurers may decline income protection or apply a broader gastrointestinal exclusion. Specialist insurers may still offer terms with an exclusion.
Put your policy in trust
Every life insurance policy should be written in trust. This ensures the payout goes directly to your beneficiaries outside your estate, avoiding 40% inheritance tax and probate delays. It is free and takes about 2 minutes. Our partner brokers set this up on every policy.
Read our full guide to trusts and estate planning
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to declare IBS on a life insurance application?
Yes, you must declare all diagnosed conditions. However, declaring IBS should not concern you. It is one of the most common conditions insurers see and it very rarely affects life insurance premiums. Always declare it - the consequences of non-disclosure far outweigh any possible premium increase (which, in the case of IBS, is usually nothing).
I have not had a colonoscopy - does that matter?
Not necessarily. If your GP has diagnosed IBS based on symptoms, blood tests, and a normal calprotectin test, most insurers will accept this. A colonoscopy is not required for an IBS diagnosis in most cases. Insurers may ask about investigations to confirm IBD has been excluded, but a normal calprotectin is usually sufficient.
Can IBS turn into Crohn's disease or colitis?
No. IBS and IBD are different conditions. IBS does not turn into Crohn's or colitis. However, it is possible for someone to be initially diagnosed with IBS when they actually have early IBD. If your symptoms have changed significantly (blood in stools, unexplained weight loss, persistent diarrhoea), see your GP for further investigation.
I take amitriptyline for IBS. Will that affect my insurance?
Low-dose amitriptyline (typically 10-30mg) prescribed for IBS pain is common and well-understood by insurers. It is not treated the same as antidepressant-dose amitriptyline. You should declare it and explain that it is prescribed for IBS rather than depression. Most insurers will note it without any impact on premiums.
Get life insurance with IBS - it should be straightforward
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