While irritable bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) might not always be considered a severe condition, its impact on day-to-day life can be significant, especially when it comes to work. For individuals with IBS, both Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) and income protection claims can be complex but are not impossible. This blog explores IBD and IBS symptoms, their effects on work capacity, and how these can impact disability insurance claims.
What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
IBS is a chronic condition that affects the large intestine or colon. It's often characterised by a combination of symptoms that vary in severity from person to person.
The most common symptoms of IBS include:
- Abdominal pain: Cramping or discomfort, often associated with bowel movements;
- Bloating: A feeling of fullness or tightness in the abdomen, which can range from uncomfortable to painful;
- Diarrhoea: Frequent loose or watery stools;
- Constipation: Difficulty passing stools or infrequent bowel movements;
- Alternating between diarrhoea and constipation: Some people experience both, often in cycles.
The symptoms of IBS can vary widely, with some people experiencing mild discomfort and others struggling with severe episodes. The most serious cases of IBS can be diagnosed as Crohn’s disease of ulcerative colitis.
The rates of diagnosis of IBS are on the rise, and it can become expensive for individuals both for medical treatment and/or possible loss of income related to any inability to work. More information on IBS and its impact on people and the economy can be found in this ABC article from February 2025.
How does IBS affect work capacity?
Living with IBS can have a significant impact on an individual’s ability to do their job. The severity of symptoms can fluctuate, and the often unpredictable nature of IBS makes it difficult to maintain consistent attendance and/or productivity.
For people with IBS, symptoms can lead to:
- Frequent absenteeism: Sudden flare-ups of IBS, especially episodes of diarrhea or intense pain, may lead to missed workdays. Those working in jobs that are not flexible or where physical tasks are required may find it difficult to take the time they need to manage their symptoms.
- Reduced productivity: Constant discomfort, the need for bathroom breaks, and anxiety about having a flare-up can lower an individual’s focus and productivity. This can make it challenging to meet deadlines or complete tasks efficiently.
- Physical limitations: In some cases, IBS can lead to fatigue and dehydration, particularly during episodes of diarrhoea. These symptoms can affect a person’s physical stamina, making it difficult to perform physically demanding tasks or stay focused for extended periods.
- Mental and emotional strain: The emotional toll of living with IBS can also affect work performance. Anxiety and stress about potential flare-ups can lead to mental exhaustion, further reducing work capacity.
Challenges related to TPD and income protection insurance claims for IBS
Both TPD and income protection claims for people with IBS can be complicated and challenging due to the need to prove a permanent work incapacity for a successful claim. While IBS is not always considered a disability on its own, it can still be a factor that affects a person’s ability to work long-term or even temporarily.
Also, IBS is often classified as a manageable condition rather than a life-altering one. Many insurance companies may not be open to a claim for TPD. However, by working with your doctors and obtaining the right medical evidence to support your incapacity for work, you should be successful with a TPD claim due to your IBS.
The complexity of IBS symptoms can make it difficult for disability insurance providers to determine the full extent of a person’s inability to work, especially since IBS is often invisible and not always physically apparent. This can lead to issues on both TPD and income protection claims.
Making a TPD or income protection claim due to IBS
If a person with IBS experiences regular flare-ups that make them unable to work for a period (or permanently), they may be eligible to claim income protection or TPD insurance. However, several factors must be considered.
- Diagnosis and documentation: To qualify for an income protection or TPD claim, it’s important to have a proper diagnosis of IBS by a doctor or specialist. Insurance companies will typically require medical evidence and detailed documentation of your symptoms and how they affect your work capacity.
- Proof of disability: Since IBS symptoms can vary from day to day, proving that IBS consistently prevents you from working can be difficult. For instance, flare-ups may not occur daily, and individuals may feel well enough to work on some days, which could complicate claims.
- Pre-existing conditions: In some cases, insurance providers may argue that IBS is a pre-existing condition. Pre-existing exclusion clauses are rare in default insurance but can be present in insurance that is purchased. You can read more about this in our earlier blog, “Pre-existing condition exclusion clauses in disability insurance claims”.
If your income protection or TPD claim has been denied due to a pre-existing injury/illness clause, you should seek legal advice about your options to appeal that decision.
For more information about income protection claims, visit our earlier blog, “What is income protection and how do income protection claims work?”
For more information about TPD, visit our earlier blog, “Your guide to making a successful TPD claim”.
Why is detailed medical evidence important in TPD and income protection claims?
Whether claiming income protection or TPD insurance, detailed and ongoing medical evidence is key.
Insurance companies often require medical reports from specialists and healthcare providers, as well as a history of your symptoms, treatments, and how your injury or illness affects your daily life. It’s important to keep thorough records of doctor visits, medications, and any work absences due to IBS.
Get help from a disability insurance lawyer
Irritable bowel syndrome or disease may not always be recognised as a severe condition, but we increasingly understand that it can significantly impact the lives and work capacity of those who have it. Whether applying for TPD or income protection insurance, people with IBS may face challenges in proving their claim, especially given the fluctuating nature of the condition.
At Berrill & Watson, we’ve run and won TPD and income protection claims for many types of injuries and illnesses. Even though claims for IBS/IBD may have challenges, we’re here to look at your claim and provide you with advice or assistance. We offer a first free interview and run claims on a “no win, no fee” basis, so it costs you nothing to find out where you stand.
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