Can you get long-term care insurance with arthritis?

With arthritis, long-term care underwriters care less about the diagnosis label and more about one thing: does it limit your ability to do everyday activities? Long-term care insurance exists to cover help with daily living, so any condition that already affects mobility or self-care gets close attention.

Osteoarthritis

Mild, common "wear and tear" osteoarthritis that does not restrict your daily activities usually has little effect on eligibility. Severe osteoarthritis that limits walking, dressing, or other tasks is a bigger concern.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition, often treated with immune-suppressing medication, and it can affect function — so it is underwritten more closely than osteoarthritis. Mild, well-controlled cases may still qualify, while severe RA that limits daily function is often declined.

Joint replacements

A successful hip or knee replacement with a good recovery and no lasting mobility limits is generally not a problem, and can even reassure an underwriter that mobility has been restored.

General information only. Underwriting varies by carrier and changes often, and we do not publish carrier-specific approval thresholds. Nothing here is a guarantee of coverage or a quote — only a licensed carrier reviewing your medical history can tell you what you qualify for. This is educational and not insurance, legal, tax, or financial advice.