ARTHRITIS & LIFE INSURANCE ~ UNDERWRITING ISSUES Arthritis & Life Insurance    If you have a history of arthritis, a broker may still be able to help you obtain life or critical illness insurance - although maybe not on standard terms. There are some critical factors involved that will determine your ability to obtain coverage & your information is always treated with the utmost privacy by the insurer or broker.   What is Arthritis ?   Arthritis is a painful condition of the joints. There are different types of the disease including - Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Reactive arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Gout & Polymyalgia Rheumatica. Many are inflammatory and others more degenerative in nature. How does it feel to have arthritis? Rheumatoid arthritis may often start with pain in the joints of the hands, especially in the knuckles, and often both hands simultaneously. Arthritis may be preceded or accompanied by a period of fatigue and a feeling of weakness. Pain in the joints almost always begins in the hands, especially in the knuckles, and often in both hands simultaneously, as in the case of one of the commonest types called rheumatoid arthritis. Because of the inflammatory reaction, the joints swell and become red, stiff and sore. The problem maybe worse in the morning than during the day. There can be periods of improvement which may be followed by a relapse. Arthritis can affect all joints in the body, and it is impossible to predict which or how many joints will be attacked. There appears to be no standard treatment for arthritis. Some doctors may recommend a diet but there is no evidence that dietary changes alone can ease or stop the development of arthritis. Arthritis & Life Insurance Underwriting  In order to check the severity of arthritis, Insurers are likely to request a GP or Medical Report if you are requesting additional options over and above just pure lifecover. Note non-disclosure of your actual true arthritis severity, may make any plan claim void & the insurer is not obliged to refund any premiums paid if this was deliberately not disclosed.  Critical Illness Insurance Comparison Tables What do Uk Life Insurance Companies look for - when Underwriting Arthritis History ? It would depend on the type of Arthritis, its severity, and which joints are involved. For Life and Critical  lllness Cover most insurers would view each case on an individual basis before making a decision. However the likely decision for Total & Permanent Disability and Waiver of Premium Cover options maybe to exclude or even decline. Note that decisions may vary quite dramatically between insurers so please contact us for help & advice. History - What happened in the past?  How severe is the arthritis problem now & how does this affect you day to day? Medical Records - What do your medical records say about you?  Have you developed medical problems as a result of arthritis?  If you have already developed associated problems as a result of arthritis, many companies may probably decline you.   Treatment - Have you been to any treatment facility?   Family History - Do you parents or brothers or sisters have a history of arthritis also? For help with arthritis issues why not visit  www.arthritiscare.org.uk or www.arc.org.uk * ( * Note: You are now leaving the regulated site of Uk Life Insurance Quotes. Neither ourselves, nor Sesame Ltd, is responsible for the accuracy of the information contained within the linked site.)  Have Arthritis & looking in 2012 to compare Life Insurance products against other Uk Insurers - including Life cover, decreasing (mortgage protection) or level term assurance, Life with Critical Illness and Income Protection.  > Need a Competitive Life or Critical Illness Insurance Quote ? FOR PROTECTION PRODUCTS WE USUALLY OFFER FROM A LIMITED PANEL OF PROVIDERS For products with an investment element we will introduce you to an authorised adviser