Yes, you can get life insurance with rheumatoid arthritis. Your approval and rates depend on how well your RA is controlled, what medications you take, and whether you have joint damage or disability. People with mild, well-managed RA often qualify for standard or slightly rated term life policies. Those with severe RA still have options through no-exam and guaranteed issue coverage.
Rheumatoid arthritis affects roughly 1.3 million adults in the United States. It’s the most common autoimmune form of arthritis, and it’s very different from the “wear and tear” joint pain that comes with aging.
If you’ve been diagnosed with RA, you might assume life insurance is off the table. It’s not. Most people with rheumatoid arthritis can get approved for coverage. The real question is what type of policy you’ll qualify for and how much you’ll pay.
That depends on a few key factors: the severity of your condition, your medications, and your overall health. This guide breaks down exactly what underwriters look for, what to expect during the application process, and which coverage options make the most sense based on your situation.
How Rheumatoid Arthritis Affects Life Insurance Underwriting
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Your immune system attacks the lining of your joints, causing inflammation, pain, and potential damage over time. This is fundamentally different from osteoarthritis, which is caused by physical wear on cartilage and bone.
That distinction matters to life insurance underwriters. Osteoarthritis is common and rarely affects life expectancy. RA, on the other hand, is a systemic condition. It can affect your lungs, heart, eyes, and other organs beyond your joints. Underwriters pay close attention to how RA is progressing and how it’s being managed.
If you’re unfamiliar with how insurers evaluate medical conditions, our guide to high-risk life insurance explains the basics. For RA specifically, here’s what they evaluate:
- Date of diagnosis and treatment history. Longer treatment histories give underwriters more data to assess stability.
- Current medications. The type and intensity of your drug regimen signals severity to the insurance company.
- Flare-up frequency. Frequent flare-ups suggest the condition isn’t well controlled and increase the risk of joint damage.
- Joint deformity or disability. Any loss of function in your hands, wrists, knees, or feet raises concerns.
- Organ involvement. If RA has affected your lungs, heart, or eyes, underwriters view this as a more serious risk.
- Overall health. Other conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity are evaluated alongside your RA.
Your rheumatologist’s records play a big role here. Regular checkups and documented treatment compliance work in your favor.
Three Approval Scenarios for RA Applicants
Insurance companies generally place RA applicants into one of three categories. Where you fall depends on how your condition has progressed and how it’s being treated.
| Scenario | Criteria | What It Means for You |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Approval | Well-controlled RA with mild medications (NSAIDs), minimal flare-ups, no joint deformity, no organ involvement, regular rheumatologist visits | You’ll pay rates similar to someone without RA, or very close to it |
| Rated Approval | Long-term treatment with DMARDs or biologics, mild deformity, occasional flare-ups, or mild disability | You’ll be approved but with a premium surcharge, typically 25% to 200% above standard rates |
| Decline | Severe RA with major joint deformity, organ involvement, inability to perform daily tasks, or total disability | Standard coverage is typically unavailable, but no-exam and guaranteed issue options exist |
Most RA applicants fall into the standard or rated categories. A decline usually only happens when the condition has significantly affected your ability to live independently.
How RA Medications Affect Your Rates
Your medication list tells underwriters a lot about how serious your RA is. Not all drugs carry the same weight in the underwriting process.
Over-the-counter and mild medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and other NSAIDs have minimal impact on your rates. These signal that your RA is being managed conservatively, which is a positive sign.
DMARDs and biologics are where things shift. Drugs like methotrexate or biologics such as Humira and Enbrel are effective treatments, but they suppress your immune system. That creates additional health risks that underwriters factor into their decision. If you’re on these medications, expect a rated approval with higher premiums. That said, being on treatment is better than untreated RA in the eyes of an underwriter.
Corticosteroids like prednisone are another flag. Long-term steroid use comes with its own set of health risks, including bone loss, weight gain, and increased infection risk. Underwriters take this into account.
One important point: never stop or change your medication to try to get better insurance rates. Underwriters will review your full prescription history and medical records. Untreated or poorly managed RA is a bigger red flag than any medication.
Coverage Options Based on RA Severity
The right type of life insurance depends on where your RA falls on the severity spectrum.
Mild, well-controlled RA. You’re a strong candidate for a fully underwritten term life insurance policy. This is the most affordable option, and you’ll go through a standard application process that includes a medical exam. With good overall health and stable RA, you may qualify for standard or near-standard rates.
Moderate RA. Term life is still possible, but you’ll likely receive a rated policy with higher premiums. Working with an independent agent is important here because carriers vary widely in how they underwrite RA. Some companies are more favorable toward autoimmune conditions than others.
Severe RA or disability. If you’ve been declined for traditional coverage, you still have options. Simplified issue policies use a health questionnaire instead of a medical exam. Your answers and prescription history determine approval. Guaranteed issue whole life insurance is another path. There are no health questions and no medical exam. Most guaranteed issue policies are available to adults between ages 45 and 85, though age ranges vary by carrier. You can’t be turned down. Coverage amounts are typically $5,000 to $25,000, making it well-suited for covering funeral costs and final expenses.
One thing to know about guaranteed issue policies: most include a 2-3 year graded death benefit period. If death occurs from natural causes during this window, beneficiaries typically receive a return of premiums paid plus interest rather than the full death benefit. After the waiting period ends, the full benefit applies.
These final expense policies are a specialty of ours at Best Life Quote. We work with multiple carriers that offer guaranteed issue and simplified issue coverage, so we can match you with the best option for your specific situation.
Tips to Get the Best Rates with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Getting approved is one thing. Getting the best possible rate takes a bit more strategy.
- Stay consistent with treatment. Regular rheumatologist visits and documented medication compliance show underwriters your condition is stable.
- Work with an independent agent. Different carriers have very different guidelines for RA. An independent agent can shop your application across dozens of companies to find the most favorable underwriting.
- Apply when your RA is stable. If you’re in the middle of a flare-up or recently changed medications, it may be worth waiting a few months for your condition to stabilize.
- Get your medical records in order. Make sure your doctor’s notes accurately reflect your current condition. Outdated or incomplete records can lead to a worse rating.
- Be honest on your application. Failing to disclose your RA diagnosis is considered non-disclosure. If discovered, your policy could be voided and your family’s claim denied.
- Consider multiple policy types. Some people combine a smaller fully underwritten term policy with a guaranteed issue policy to maximize their total coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get life insurance with rheumatoid arthritis?
Yes. Most people with RA can get approved for life insurance. Your rates and policy options depend on the severity of your condition, your medications, and your overall health. Many applicants with well-managed RA qualify for standard or near-standard term life rates.
Does RA medication affect life insurance rates?
It can. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs have little impact. DMARDs and biologics like methotrexate and Humira may result in higher premiums because they suppress the immune system. Underwriters view active treatment as a positive sign, though, because it means your condition is being managed.
What if my RA application gets declined?
A decline from one company doesn’t mean you can’t get coverage. Carriers have different underwriting guidelines for autoimmune conditions. An independent agent can find companies with more favorable RA guidelines. You also have no-exam options like simplified issue and guaranteed issue policies that don’t require medical underwriting.
Do I need to disclose RA on a life insurance application?
Yes, always. Failing to disclose a known medical condition is considered non-disclosure. If your insurer discovers the omission after a claim is filed, they can deny the payout to your beneficiaries.
Can I get term life insurance with rheumatoid arthritis?
In many cases, yes. If your RA is mild to moderate and well-controlled with medication, term life insurance is often available. You may receive standard rates or a rated policy with a premium surcharge depending on your specific situation.
What’s the best type of life insurance for someone with severe RA?
For severe RA that has resulted in disability or major joint damage, guaranteed issue whole life insurance is often the best option. There are no health questions or medical exams, and you can’t be turned down. Coverage amounts are typically $5,000 to $25,000, making it well-suited for covering funeral costs and final expenses.
Key Takeaways
- Most people with rheumatoid arthritis can get approved for life insurance. Your rates depend on severity, medications, and overall health.
- Underwriters evaluate your diagnosis date, treatment history, flare-up frequency, joint damage, and any organ involvement.
- Well-controlled RA with mild medications often qualifies for standard or near-standard term life rates. More aggressive treatments typically result in rated policies with higher premiums.
- If you’re declined for traditional coverage, guaranteed issue and simplified issue policies provide backup options with no medical exam required.
- Working with an independent agent gives you access to multiple carriers with different RA underwriting guidelines, improving your chances of finding the best rate.
Ready to find out what you qualify for? Use the quoter on this page to compare rates from multiple carriers.
