Rheumatoid Arthritis is a long-term medical condition that results in pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints.
The symptoms normally affect the hands, wrists and feet.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is in general not considered a big risk for insurance underwriters. It is not a fatal disease...there can be however side effects from the drug treatments that can present a risk to insurers.
When assessing your application, the following factors will be taken into account:
* When you were first diagnosed?
* How frequent are your flare-ups?
* The extent and severity of your symptoms
* Details of your medication and treatment
For those with mild symptoms and good control (mild medication), it should be possible to get Life Cover with Rheumatoid Arthritis with no additional premium loading at standard rates.
People with more severe symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis which could include more regular and stronger flare-ups will usually find there will be a loading added to the standard premium.
What Critical Illness Cover is available for a person with Rheumatoid Arthritis?
A Critical Illness Cover application for a person with Rheumatoid Arthritis will usually be reviewed by the insurers in a similar manner as with life insurance. They will want to know the medications that you take, the severity of your condition, frequency of flare-ups etc.
People who suffer only with mild symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis can acquire Critical Illness cover at favourable rates/terms
For those with severe/ regular flare-ups and having to take more serious medication, there will probably be an additional loading and/or special terms imposed for Critical Illness Cover if you have Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Can I get Income Protection if I suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Acquiring income protection cover if you have Rheumatoid Arthritis can be difficult.
Most mainstream insurance providers do not offer cover due to the related musculoskeletal conditions and the amount of claims specifically connected with musculoskeletal problems.
If cover was offered, it would usually be accepted on the basis of special terms being imposed and would almost certainly come with an exclusion on any claim related to your Rheumatoid Arthritis. To discuss your circumstances in detail with our Dublin life insurance brokers, please get in contact with us today.
Mortgage Protection Insurance can also be discussed in relation to cover for Rheumatoid Arthritis
For more information, contact Brian Courtney on 0894517801 or brian@citywidefinancial.ie
Brian Courtney QFA
June 2020