Travel Insurance With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Coverage for rheumatoid arthritis patients traveling internationally — acute joint emergencies and hospitalizations.
Compare Plans for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) →Overview
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects approximately 1.5 million Americans. Unlike osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear), RA is a systemic autoimmune disease that can involve the heart, lungs, and blood vessels in addition to joints. RA patients on biologic therapy (methotrexate, Humira, Enbrel, Remicade) have specific insurance considerations due to biologic infusion schedules and infection risk.
Stability Clause Requirement
Plans require RA to be stable for 60–180 days: no new DMARDs or biologics, no dosage escalations, no RA-related hospitalizations, and no new organ involvement. Ongoing stable DMARD or biologic therapy at unchanged doses is permitted.
What's Covered
Acute Joint Emergency (Non-Ambulatory)
Sudden severe joint flare resulting in complete loss of mobility requiring emergency-level care — evaluated case by case based on severity.
RA-Related Cardiovascular Emergency
RA significantly increases cardiovascular risk. Acute cardiac events in RA patients are covered as emergency medical events (acute MI, pericarditis).
Infection-Related Emergency
RA patients on immunosuppressants have elevated infection risk. Serious infections (pneumonia, septic arthritis) requiring emergency hospitalization are covered as new acute medical events.
Emergency Medical Evacuation
Transport to a rheumatology center capable of managing complex RA emergencies if local care is inadequate.
What's Not Covered
- ✗Routine biologic infusions or injections (Humira, Remicade, Enbrel, Orencia)
- ✗Ongoing DMARD prescriptions (methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine)
- ✗Routine rheumatology appointments
- ✗Joint replacement surgery or elective procedures
- ✗Physical therapy for RA joint management
Cost Note
RA does not increase premiums. Age 40 patients pay $1.20–$2.40/day; age 60 patients pay $2.50–$5.00/day.
Best Plans for Travelers With Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Patriot America Plus
Strong infection/cardiac emergency coverage; direct billing at major centers
Get a Quote →Safe Travels USA Comprehensive
Competitive rates; good RA emergency coverage
Get a Quote →Atlas America
Best for older RA patients; flexible deductibles
Get a Quote →Get Covered — Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Welcome
No medical underwriting. Your diagnosis does not affect your premium.
Compare Plans Now →Frequently Asked Questions
Ty Taylor
Licensed Travel Insurance Advisor · Texas License #2608479TX
Tower Hill Travel Insurance · (832) 856-1704 · support@towerhillcorp.com