Insurance and existing back pain

havingaball74

Hello all,
I hope you can help. I started getting back pain a few years ago. I saw a doctor, had some x rays, blood tests etc, all which have come back negative. I was going to apply for income protection around that time but I was lead to believe that just declaring the symptoms would cause either a higher premium, or more likely an exclusion (I am a teacher) so I didn't apply hoping the problem would go away. Anyway, fast forward a few years and the back pain (although not bad) is still there and I'm wondering whether to go back to the GP as it is persisting. My big concern though is that I was going to try and apply for income protection as it has been a while since my last GP visit (even though my symptoms persist) or, at the least increase my permanent disability part of my critical illness policy to 'own occupation' (although this would also need medically underwriting I believe). Does anyone have any thoughts?
Part of me is worried that by leaving the back pain undiagnosed I may have made it worse, and the other part of me thinks leave seeing the GP for a while longer while I get cover in place. Is this even possible? Sorry for the lengthy post.

elsien

When you see the doctor they will ask for a full history of the problem. They already have on record a previous back problem. If you make a claim on insurance, the insurers will ask the same questions. So unless you're planning to tell the GP it's a new problem (which would be daft if you want to get it properly investigated) then trying not to disclose relevant information will invalidate your claim. And possibly the policy.

havingaball74

Thank you for your quick response.If I was full and frank on the application form about my medical history (and symptoms) what do you think the chances are of being accepted for IP and/or permanent 'own occupation' disability in the first place? I now regret not getting cover years ago when the symptoms first started but I was lead to believe that just undiagnosed back pain (even acute) is a red flag to an insurer. Especially as a teacher.

Cyclizine

You'll get income protection, but probably an exclusion for back pain or related problems - particularly if it's not settled.

With my chronic pain hat on: most chronic back pain is musculoskeletal in origin and often there is co-existing loss of core strength. Having had back pain for such a long time makes worrying conditions very unlikely (but obviously, this doesn't help your pain!) I would definitely visit your GP again to discuss things - back pain is incredibly common and can be debilitating - you want to avoid this happening!

There are things you can try to do to try to re-build core strength aid pain resolution: pilates, yoga, back-stroke swimming are useful. Visiting a physiotherapist is useful as they can advise on posture and appropriate exercises. You may be able to self refer through work or union if you're a teacher. Long term use of analgesics: paracetamol and NSAIDs like ibuprofen isn't really useful and certainly, there is little evidence for chronic use of 'strong' opioid based painkillers.

There are many websites and books available, but there is also a lot of dubious pseudoscience out there as well: I can recommend the information and exercises that arthritis UK have on their site.

Chronic pain hat off...