If you are among the estimated 400,000 people in the UK who have rheumatoid arthritis, you may have found it more difficult to get effective and affordable travel insurance. Luckily, as a specialist insurance provider, AllClear Insurance should be able to find you suitable cover to meet your needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis a form of arthritis in which the immune system attacks the body’s joint lining, causing pain and inflammation of the synovial membrane (which normally facilitates smooth joint movement). It affects around 400,000 people in the UK with the severity of symptoms sometimes unpredictable as those with the disease suffer “flare ups”. It cannot be cured but is treated, physiotherapy,  corrective surgery and medications that can ease pain, inflammation and slow progression of the disease.

Yes, otherwise you’re likely to end up travelling without valid travel insurance. If asked you should declare any pre existing health conditions you have as if you don’t your insurer might refuse to meet any claims you later make. If you are not asked then check the small print before buying as it’s likely the policy won’t cover previously diagnosed illnesses. Either scenario could leave you facing costly emergency medical bills and other potential costs, such as an air ambulance.

Having rheumatoid arthritis won’t stop you getting travel insurance, but it might mean some insurers ask you to pay more or that they place limits or exclusions on your travel insurance policy. Always make sure you have effective cover. When getting quotes it makes sense to include firms like AllClear Insurance who specialise in finding insurance for people with pre-existing medical conditions.

Leading charity Arthritis Research UK has published an in-depth overview of rheumatoid arthritis which includes how the disease is diagnosed, treated, its cases, symptoms, living with the condition and the state of play regarding research into the disease. Otherwise the NHS can also be trusted to provide expert insight