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Mortgage Advisor & Director
If you’re looking for an insurance policy to protect you financially in the event of contracting a serious condition like arthritis, critical illness cover could offer a solution. Here, we’ll explore how critical illness cover works for arthritis, how insurers view this condition, and where to get the best insurance quotes.
Does critical illness cover pay out for arthritis?
In most cases, standard critical illness cover won’t include arthritis as a condition that automatically qualifies for a payout. This is because osteoarthritis and many autoimmune forms of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis, vary in severity and often don't meet the criteria for what insurers consider a ‘critical’ illness.
However, some policies offer cover for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis with enhanced versions of the protection, which usually cost extra. Also, most policies may still pay out if the arthritis leads to lasting complications, such as permanent disability, or if the condition prevents you from performing daily tasks.
While arthritis may not be a named condition in most standard critical illness policies, it can indirectly trigger a claim if it results in permanent physical impairment. That’s why it’s important to understand each policy’s specific definitions and exclusions.
How your application gets assessed
When you apply for critical illness cover, insurers will carry out a detailed health and lifestyle assessment to determine your level of risk, not just for arthritis, but also for related or linked conditions.
Here are some key areas insurers will consider when it comes to your critical illness eligibility and premiums:
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Health and medical history: You’ll be asked about any past diagnoses of conditions, including arthritis, and if you have any symptoms like joint pain or swelling, or use any medications or treatments. Insurers will also consider any history of flare-ups, surgeries (like joint replacements), or physical limitations.
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Family medical history: If arthritis runs in your family, particularly autoimmune forms like rheumatoid arthritis, this could be flagged as a genetic risk. Having immediate relatives (like parents or siblings) diagnosed under the age of 60 may also influence your risk profile.
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Lifestyle factors: While lifestyle doesn’t cause arthritis, it can affect how your body responds to inflammation or injury. Your BMI, activity levels, and whether you’re a smoker or drinker can influence things. For example, being overweight can worsen joint strain and increase the risk of inflammation.
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Coexisting conditions: Chronic inflammation linked to rheumatoid arthritis can increase cardiovascular risk and lead to other complications, such as lung or kidney problems. So, this could be taken into account in your assessment.
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Your age: Like with most protection insurance, the older you are, the more likely you are to have issues or be at risk for conditions like arthritis, which usually means higher premiums. For younger applicants, getting critical illness cover is typically easier and cheaper.
Getting cover with an existing arthritis diagnosis
If you’ve already been diagnosed with arthritis, getting critical illness cover is still possible, but it can be more complex and sometimes more expensive. Insurers will want to understand:
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What type of arthritis you have.
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The severity of your arthritis diagnosis.
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If you’ve experienced any recent flare-ups or complications.
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Details about any mobility limitations or surgical interventions.
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What medications or treatment plans you’re on.
You might be asked to provide medical records, a GP report, or undergo a physical assessment depending on the severity of your condition. In some cases, policies may come with higher premiums or exclusions for musculoskeletal conditions. If your arthritis is well-managed or only mildly symptomatic, it may have less of an impact.
How to get a quote comparison online
If you’re looking to compare critical illness cover quotes online, you might find it complex and confusing, especially when arthritis is involved. Various health and lifestyle factors can impact your protection options and premiums, and the right policy will depend on your individual circumstances.
An insurance adviser can quickly provide accurate quotes and guide you on important topics, like explaining how insurers treat arthritis (especially rheumatoid arthritis), what kind of evidence or exclusions may apply, and how to navigate all the medical definitions.
If you’d like a free, no-obligation chat with an adviser specialising in arthritis and critical illness cover, you can get started here:
Get a bespoke CiC quotes comparison online
Best UK providers with cover for arthritis
The best provider for critical illness cover relating to arthritis will depend on your personal health history and lifestyle, but here are a few examples of popular UK insurers that may offer protection where arthritis causes a permanent impact:
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Aviva: With an Aviva critical illness policy, you’re covered for 52 conditions, and rheumatoid arthritis is covered. However, it must be severe chronic rheumatoid arthritis with joint destruction and deformity of at least 3 major joint groups accompanied by the inability to perform certain tasks.
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Legal & General: Cover with Legal & General includes ‘loss of independent existence’ if you are permanently unable to perform at least 3 of 6 activities of daily living. So, this could include advanced cases of arthritis. Although osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis isn’t covered, complications might qualify.
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Vitality: With Vitality’s standard ‘serious illness cover’, arthritis isn’t included in the list of 114 conditions. However, if you upgrade to an enhanced version of the insurance, the policy will provide protection for up to 174 conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis.
If you want to get a better idea of the best UK critical illness providers for arthritis based on your needs and circumstances, it’s worth having a brief discussion with an insurance adviser to see what your options are.
Why choose Teito for your critical illness cover?
Finding the best critical illness cover when you have arthritis (or a family history of it) isn’t always simple. Each insurer has unique definitions, risk calculations, and policy rules. But with expert support, you can get protection that suits your lifestyle and health profile.
Our experienced advisers can find the most suitable and affordable critical illness cover for your needs, with options that take into account long-term conditions like arthritis. They know which insurers are more flexible when it comes to medical underwriting.
Here are some more of the reasons people choose us for their critical illness cover:
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We can get tailored quotes for arthritis and related conditions
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Our advisers have 5-star ratings on leading review sites
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Your first chat is free, with no obligation to proceed
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Access to specialist insurers with flexible underwriting
Ready to take advantage of a free, no-obligation chat with an adviser specialising in critical illness cover and arthritis? Get started here.
FAQs
Rheumatoid arthritis isn’t always covered as a named condition, but some insurers do include it, or it may be available with an enhanced version of the cover. If it causes long-term complications, it’s more likely you may qualify for a payout. But, it depends on your policy, so always check the definitions and policy notes carefully.
Choosing an Adviser
Selecting a qualified and experienced mortgage adviser is of great importance. To choose a suitable adviser, evaluate their qualifications, experience, and reputation, and ensure they are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Read reviews from previous clients and make sure they provide a clear explanation of the products and services they offer, as well as the fees and charges associated with them.