Can I get life insurance with arthritis (including rheumatoid and osteoarthritis)?

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Arthritis is one of the most common chronic conditions in adults, and it doesn’t automatically disqualify you from life insurance. Your eligibility depends on the type of arthritis, severity, and overall health picture. With the right approach, many applicants are approved at reasonable rates.

📌 Related reading: The Ultimate Guide to Life Insurance Approval

Types of Arthritis and Why Insurers Care

🔹 Osteoarthritis

• Caused by wear-and-tear on the joints, often with age or overuse.
• Typically considered lower risk if managed with over-the-counter medications, physical therapy, or joint injections.
• Concerns arise when there are:
  
  • Major joint replacements
  • Severe mobility issues
  • Dependence on chronic pain medication

👉 See also: Life Insurance with Chronic Pain

🔹 Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

• An autoimmune disease where the body attacks its own joints.
• Viewed more seriously by underwriters because RA increases risk for:
  
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Lung involvement (interstitial lung disease)
  • Reduced life expectancy in severe cases
• Medications matter:
  
  • Mild cases on NSAIDs or low-dose methotrexate may be insurable.
  • Aggressive biologics or long-term steroids signal more severe disease.

📌 Related: Heart and Cardiac Conditions and Elevated Calcium Scores and Life Insurance

👉Because rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, insurers often treat it similarly to other autoimmune conditions like lupus, which can also increase cardiovascular risks.

Underwriting Considerations

When you apply, insurers typically review:

• Type of arthritis (osteo vs. RA)
• Age at diagnosis (later onset is usually lower risk)
• Treatment plan (NSAIDs vs. biologics vs. steroids)
• Daily functioning (fully active vs. limited mobility/disability)
• Co-existing conditions (cardiac issues, diabetes, obesity, etc.)

What to Expect in Approval Outcomes

• Osteoarthritis (mild/moderate) → Usually Standard or even Preferred if otherwise healthy.
• Osteoarthritis (severe, disabled, multiple joint replacements) → May be rated (higher premium) due to fall risk, chronic pain, or reduced activity.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (mild, well-controlled) → Typically mild substandard (Table B–D).
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (moderate/severe with complications) → Higher ratings, flat extras, or possible postponement.
• RA with major complications (cardiac, lung, disability) → Can be declined, but simplified issue or guaranteed issue policies remain options.

How to Improve Your Chances

• Provide complete records → Recent rheumatology notes, medication list, imaging, and lab results (e.g., ESR, CRP).
• Show stability → Demonstrate consistent follow-up and that your disease is under control.
• Highlight lifestyle management → Exercise, physical therapy, healthy weight, non-smoker.
• Work with the right broker → Not all companies underwrite arthritis the same way; some are more flexible with RA.

Bottom Line

Having arthritis—even rheumatoid arthritis—doesn’t mean life insurance is out of reach. Your outcome depends on the type, severity, and overall health. Many people with arthritis qualify for coverage, sometimes at standard rates. Even if you’ve been declined before, more time, improved treatment, or applying to the right carrier can make a difference.