Life insurance

[Anna1708]

I’ve been refused serious illness cover by vitality because of my arthritis. Anyone have a positive experience with an insurance company? Or is serious illness cover a waste of money?

[Neonkittie17]

They’d not do serious health cover other than RA? Is it specifically RA cover you were wanting it for? I’d try phone a few other companies or email/ask online. Many have differing policies. My private health insurance goes way back into the late 80s, before my RA diagnosis, although I’m not allowed to have any routine RS clinics but BUPA would cover any RA related ops.

[Anna1708 in reply to Neonkittie17]

I didn’t want serious illness cover for my RA, just if I got something unrelated, like cancer etc. Seems a bit silly to me! It’s only life insurance, not even health insurance. I’ll check out BUPA though thank you x

[Lolabridge in reply to Anna1708]

I wonder if NRAS can offer any suggestions for companies that you could try who are less likely to be concerned about your RA for life assurance?

[Anna1708 in reply to Lolabridge]

They’re going to send me a list of those that other NRAS members have suggested, but suggested I ask on here too.

[Lolabridge in reply to Anna1708]

That's helpful. Good for NRAS!

[Neonkittie17 in reply to Lolabridge]

Good thinking Lola! x

[Neonkittie17 in reply to Anna1708]

That seems bonkers Anna ... do ask some other companies. I’d accept if it was RA related and you’d a long history of damaged joints etc., that they can’t cover that, but for other major health you should be allowed cover. Surely a confirmation letter from your GP would let them know you’re in good shape otherwise. Good luck in finding another company.

[Anna1708 in reply to Neonkittie17]

I know, doesn’t it! Vitality said we can reassess at a later date. But what will change? And It’s fairly well controlled at the moment too, so I’m not sure it will get much better than it is now. It’s so frustrating. They needed a report from my GP which seemed fine to me.

Thank you! Hopefully NRAS will send me some good ones

[Neonkittie17 in reply to Anna1708]

I hope other companies are more realistic. Let us know how you get on and good luck. Did you see the GP letter? Just wondering if they misinterpreted your RA. x

[Anna1708 in reply to Neonkittie17]

Yes, I asked to view the report before it was sent haha to make sure it wasn’t too outrageous

[Neonkittie17 in reply to Anna1708]

Glad you saw it. You were ok with it?

[Anna1708 in reply to Neonkittie17]

Yeah it seemed fine! It said I was refused serious illness cover because of RA and anxiety...Just a bit odd.

[Lolabridge]

Unfortunately I believe we are at a 50% higher risk of cardiovascular problems so that could be a factor.

[Anna1708 in reply to Lolabridge]

I know, and a side effect of the medication I’m on is cancer! Just wondered if anyone had any luck with getting it added or if I’m chasing my tail

[Neonkittie17 in reply to Lolabridge]

I did think that too but then we may be not as much risk as a heavy smoker who does zero exercise ..... 😑🤨. x

[Anna1708 in reply to Neonkittie17]

I know!! And I’m so regularly monitored, that I think anything like that will be picked up pretty quick - quicker than someone without RA.

[Neonkittie17 in reply to Anna1708]

That is just what I was thinking. Our bloods are monitored more.

[AgedCrone]

Google Life Insurance with RA……there are many reputable companies who will quote.

[Anna1708 in reply to AgedCrone]

Great, thank you!

[oldtimer]

Personally I would save the money that you will pay on instalments and invest it elsewhere. The reports about insurance companies getting out of paying out on the basis of pre-existing conditions have not filled me with confidence that they would pay out when needed. Saving for the future yourself and then drawing on it in the future seems a better proposition to me.