Hi Nick, we applied for life insurance through another broker (sorry!) but my wife was hit with a huge price increase (twice the normal price) because she was recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Our broker says he can’t get a lower price. Can you try to get us a better deal? Cheers, Eoin
When dealing with health conditions life insurance underwriters like predictability. If they know a condition is under control and have a fair idea of how it will progress, they are happy.
Unfortunately rheumatoid arthritis is unpredictable therefore getting life insurance with rheumatoid arthritis is also unpredictable.
Rheumatoid arthritis  has a variable and unpredictable course and can be associated with changes in other systems e.g. the eyes and lungs.
| Classification of rheumatoid arthritis | |
|---|---|
| Mild | Little or no disease activity, peripheral joints affected only, no disability, uses non steroid anti inflammatory drugs only. |
| Moderate | Extensive joint involvement with relapsing remitting symptoms, some limitation of movement, with frequent or continuous therapy. |
| Severe | Marked disease activity with frequent recurrences or prolonged attack, continuous multiple regimen therapy. |
Let’s say the normal price of your life insurance or mortgage protection for someone with no health issues is €50 per month.
You can get critical illness cover with mild and moderate rheumatoid arthritis but as with life insurance and mortgage protection, you will face a price increase depending on the severity of your condition.
The life insurance companies will exclude rheumatoid arthritis as an illness you can make a claim on if you have moderate rheumatoid arthritis.
They’ll decline serious illness cover if you have severe rheumatoid arthritis.
There are 6 life insurance companies in Ireland.
Each one takes a different view on rheumatoid arthritis. Some (as in Eoin’s case above) impose huge premium increases on life insurance with rheumatoid arthritis. Others are more sympathetic.
Be sure to approach only the sympathetic insurers, avoid the rest.
If you would like more information on applying for life insurance with rheumatoid arthritis or if you have any questions that are not answered above, please complete this questionnaire.
Armed with more information, I can discuss your case with my underwriters and advise which provider is most suitable, saving you time and money.
If you prefer a quick chat first, call me on 05793 20836.
Chat soon
Nick McGowanÂ
lion.ie | making life insurance easier.
As Ireland's leading independent insurance broker, we specialise in comparing the rates and policies from the top five Irish life insurance providers and offering the very best value quotes to suit the individual needs of our clients. Our expertise lies in finding a suitable insurance plan for those with specific needs, be it a particular illness, occupation or claim history, we've got you covered in every sense!
Watch our video