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Editor’s note: First published August 2015 | Fully rebuilt in 2026 to reflect how Irish insurers actually assess IBS today.
If you’ve been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome and you’re thinking about life insurance or mortgage protection, you’re probably wondering if this is going to be a headache.
The reassuring bit first.
For most people, IBS on its own doesn’t cause any issues.
I deal with IBS cases all the time. In the majority of them, cover is offered at the normal price without much fuss.
Where people get caught out isn’t the diagnosis. It’s usually timing, or applying before everything is wrapped up medically.
Yes.
IBS is common, insurers see it every day, and it’s usually treated as a manageable condition rather than something progressive or high risk.
If you’ve had the right checks done and there’s nothing else going on, insurers are generally comfortable offering cover.
Insurers aren’t trying to trip you up. They just want to be sure your symptoms really are IBS and not something more serious.
They’ll usually ask about things like:
If those answers are clear, that’s often the end of it. No GP reports. No extra hoops.
IBS itself rarely causes delays.
What does cause delays is being halfway through investigations.
If you’re waiting on tests like a colonoscopy or further gastrointestinal checks, insurers will usually pause the application until results are back.
That doesn’t mean a refusal. It just means they won’t make a decision while tests are still ongoing.
Once results confirm IBS and rule out other conditions, things usually move along normally.
That’s very common with IBS, and insurers know that.
It might mean a couple of extra questions, but on its own it doesn’t usually mean higher premiums or exclusions.
What matters is whether symptoms are under control and whether there’s anything more serious behind them.
If IBS is your only issue and investigations are complete, you’ll usually pay the same as someone without IBS.
In plain English, IBS on its own doesn’t normally push up the price.
You can compare current options here if you want a rough idea:
The most common problem with IBS isn’t underwriting.
It’s timing.
People apply while tests are still pending, get postponed, and assume IBS is the reason.
In reality, the insurer just needed the investigation to be finished.
This is where getting the order right matters. Sometimes it makes sense to apply straight away.
Other times it’s better to wait a short while.
That call can save months.
If you need mortgage protection but are waiting on tests, your bank may be able to offer a mortgage protection waiver.
It’s at the bank’s discretion, but it can allow a drawdown to go ahead while medical underwriting is being finalised.
It’s something a lot of people don’t realise is even an option.
If you have IBS and just want straight answers before applying, don’t jump straight into a full application.
Complete the short questionnaire below, and I’ll take a look first.
I’ll tell you whether it makes sense to apply now, wait a bit, or take a different route entirely.
That way, you avoid unnecessary delays and give yourself the best chance of getting cover when you actually need it.
Complete the IBS questionnaire
Thanks for reading,
Nick
Written by Nick McGowan, QFA RPA APA
Nick is a qualified financial advisor and founder of Lion.ie, an Irish life insurance and income protection brokerage based in Tullamore.
He’s been helping people get fair, transparent cover for over 15 years and was named Protection Broker of the Year 2022.
If you want straight answers without the sales pitch, learn more about Nick here.
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