Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune, systemic, inflammatory disorder that primarily involves the joints. It most commonly affects the joints of the hands, feet, wrists, elbows, knees and ankles. It causes pain, stiffness and swelling of joints, often with disabling joint destruction. It has a variable and unpredictable course and can be associated with changes in other systems e.g. the eyes and lungs. Treatment can include pain relief, steroids and immunosuppressive drugs can be used in more severe cases. Treatment can include pain relief, steroids and immunosuppressive drugs can be used in more severe cases.

Rheumatoid arthritis may be classified according to severity mild, moderate or severe

Mild - Minimal, slight pain and stiffness in peripheral joints, minimal swelling and no deformity. No continuous treatment required.

Moderate - Moderate disease activity, troublesome pain and stiffness, more extensive joint involvement, slight deformity or limitation of movement in affected joints. Frequent or continuous drug therapy.

Severe - Chronic active disease, no complete freedom from pain, moderate or marked deformities with serious restrictions of movement and impairment of function.

What information should my client provide?

Your customer should complete the Arthritis and other joint disorders fast-track questionnaire

Facts:

Over 1 in 5 adults have some form of arthritis in Ireland.

70% of rheumatoid arthritis patients are women.

18% of rheumatoid arthritis patients are less than 55 years old.

Source: www.arthritisireland.ie

Likely Underwriting Acceptance:

	Life Cover	Specified Illness Cover	Income Protection	Bill Cover
Mild	Normal rates to 50%	Normal rates to 50%	50% up to Exclusion	50% - 75%
Moderate	75% to 100%	100%	Exclusion	100% / Exclusion
Severe	150% to 200%	150% to Decline	Declined	Declined

Please note in relation to Income Protection and Bill Cover terms indicated above are based on class 1 and 2 occupations only.

Please note that likely acceptance terms are indicative only and cases are subject to full underwriting.