Life Insurance for Arthritis
Over 100 Carriers to Quote From. Here are a few of them!
At Diversified Insurance Brokers, we help clients with medical histories—including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis—secure life insurance from our network of 100+ A-rated carriers. Because we place these cases every week, we know which companies underwrite arthritis more favorably, how to position your medical records, and how to shop multiple options so you don’t overpay.
Life Insurance with Arthritis (including Psoriatic & Rheumatoid)
If you live with arthritis—whether psoriatic or rheumatoid—it doesn’t mean you’re uninsurable. At Diversified Insurance Brokers, we specialize in helping clients with chronic conditions find affordable, personalized coverage.
Speak with an expert who understands high-risk and chronic condition life insurance cases.
How Arthritis Affects Life Insurance Underwriting
Insurers look at the type and control of your arthritis, along with your overall health picture. Common factors include:
- Diagnosis: Osteoarthritis (OA) is often viewed more favorably than inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis, or lupus-related arthritis.
- Severity & Control: Frequency of flares, pain level, range of motion, and whether symptoms limit daily activities or work.
- Treatment: NSAIDs and physical therapy are typically low-impact. Steroid dependence, DMARDs, or biologics (e.g., methotrexate, Humira, Enbrel) can trigger additional review but are still insurable.
- Complications: Joint replacements, cervical spine involvement, nodules, systemic inflammation, or organ involvement for autoimmune conditions.
- Recent Labs & Follow-ups: ESR/CRP trends, imaging reports, and consistent rheumatology care help your case.
- Other Risk Factors: Age, height/weight, tobacco use, diabetes, cardiac history, sleep apnea, and medications beyond arthritis therapy.
Who This Coverage Is Best For
- People with well-controlled OA or RA who want competitive term or permanent coverage.
- Applicants with joint replacements (hips/knees/shoulders) who are otherwise stable.
- Those using DMARDs or biologics with good physician follow-up and documented control.
- Anyone previously rated or declined who wants a second opinion and a broader carrier search.
What You Can Expect (Typical Outcomes)
- Osteoarthritis, mild–moderate, no limitations: Term life often at Standard to Standard Plus—sometimes better if everything else is excellent.
- Rheumatoid arthritis, controlled on DMARD/biologic, minimal limitations: Term or permanent at a Table 2–4 rating is common; stronger files may see Standard with the right carrier.
- Significant limitations or steroid dependence: Coverage is still possible—expect higher tables or guaranteed-issue alternatives. We’ll shop all options.
Sample Pricing Scenarios (Illustrative Only)
- Male, 50, non-smoker, mild OA, Standard: ~$55–$70/month for $500,000 20-year term.
- Female, 58, non-smoker, RA controlled on methotrexate, Table 2–3: ~$135–$175/month for $250,000 15-year term.
- Male, 62, RA on biologic, good control, Table 4–6: ~$210–$320/month for $250,000 10-year term, or consider a smaller permanent policy for final-expense planning.
Actual offers depend on full underwriting, exam/labs (if required), attending physician statements, and carrier selection. We’ll pre-shop your case to avoid surprises.
Why Work With Diversified Insurance Brokers
- 100+ carriers: We know which companies price arthritis more competitively—and which to avoid.
- Underwriting strategy: We package your APS, meds, and lab history to highlight stability and control.
- Multiple solutions: Term, whole, indexed UL, guaranteed UL, layered coverage, or guaranteed issue if needed.
- Fast, confidential process: Streamlined data collection and proactive updates from quote to approval.
Real-World Example
A 56-year-old applicant with RA on a biologic had occasional flares but good CRP/ESR and steady rheumatology follow-ups. Another agency quoted Table 6. We shopped specialty carriers and secured Table 3 at $250,000 for 15 years—saving over $600 per year and locking in coverage for their mortgage payoff timeline.
Ready to see your options? Complete the secure arthritis quote request form and our team will compare carriers and send personalized recommendations.
FAQs: Life Insurance for Arthritis
Can I get life insurance if I have arthritis?
Yes—you can often get life insurance even with arthritis. Insurers look closely at the type of arthritis (for example, osteoarthritis vs rheumatoid), how well it’s controlled, and how much it impacts your daily life.
What kinds of arthritis are viewed more favorably?
Osteoarthritis is generally viewed more favorably than inflammatory types. Mild to moderate cases with low flare frequency and minimal symptoms tend to qualify for better rates than severe, poorly controlled types.
What underwriting factors are important?
Important factors include: how severe and frequent your flares are; whether you’re using steroid medications, DMARDs or biologics; recent lab values or inflammatory markers; imaging or joint replacement history; whether daily activities are affected; and your overall health (age, weight, smoking status, etc.).
What can I expect in terms of pricing or classifications?
If arthritis is mild and well controlled, you might get near standard or standard rates. For more serious cases—such as needing biologic treatment or having limitations—expect higher rated classifications. Some carriers or plans might offer guaranteed issue or rated policies if risk is higher.
Is prior surgery or joint replacement a problem?
Not always. Joint replacements can be acceptable, especially if you’ve recovered well and have good follow-ups. What matters is stability, lack of complications, and how much the replacement (or replacement surgery) affects your current health and activity level.
How can working with a broker help?
A broker who has experience with arthritis cases can guide you to carriers who are more favorable, help gather and present medical records, lab reports, and treatment history in a way that shows control and stability, which often leads to better offers and fewer surprises.