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ARTHRITIS & LIFE INSURANCE ~ UNDERWRITING ISSUES
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Arthritis & Life Insurance
If you have a history of arthritis, our broker may still be able to help you obtain life or critical illness insurance - although maybe not on standard terms. There are some factors involved that will determine your ability to obtain coverage & your information is always treated with the utmost privacy by the insurer or broker.

Life Assurance - 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. 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 magnetic therapy or a diet change but there is no evidence that these changes alone can ease or stop the development of arthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis RA and Life Insurance
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 - one of the commonest types of 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 & 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.
Rheumatoid Arthritis - typical underwriting Life Insurance questions
- Since diagnosis - have you had any associated symptoms ie; small lumps under skin, lung breathing issues, chest, heart or kidney problem
- Are you on any of the following medication - Etanercept, Rituximab, Leflunomide,Adalimumab, Infliximab, Azathioprine
- In last 12 months used - Gold, Methotrexate, Prednisolone, Sulfasalazine, Chloroquine
- Suffered painful red eyes or needed steroid eye drops
- Need to use any walking aids
- Waiting operation for joint replacement
- Severity of RA - do you have persistent pain & stiffness or just mild pain
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.
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History - What happened in the past? How severe is the arthritis problem now & how does this affect you day to day?
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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.
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Treatment - Have you been to any treatment facility?
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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.)
FOR PROTECTION PRODUCTS WE OFFER FROM A RANGE OF PROVIDERS
For products with an investment element we will introduce you to an authorised adviser
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