🎯 Bottom Line Up Front
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition affecting over 8 million Americans, characterized by red, scaly patches that can appear anywhere on the body. While psoriasis itself is not life-threatening, insurance companies evaluate it carefully due to potential associated health risks and quality of life impacts.
The good news for individuals with psoriasis is that this condition rarely prevents life insurance approval entirely. However, your premiums and coverage options will depend on factors like disease severity, treatment history, and any complications such as psoriatic arthritis or cardiovascular concerns.
This comprehensive guide explains exactly how psoriasis affects life insurance underwriting, what documentation you’ll need, and strategies to secure the best possible rates for your specific situation.
Americans living with psoriasis
Develop psoriatic arthritis
Have plaque psoriasis type
Higher cardiovascular risk
How Insurance Companies Evaluate Psoriasis
Key insight: Insurance underwriters focus on disease severity, treatment response, and potential complications rather than the diagnosis itself.
Mild Psoriasis
Limited skin involvement (<3% body surface area), well-controlled with topical treatments. Often qualifies for standard or better rates.
- Localized plaques
- Minimal lifestyle impact
- No systemic treatment needed
Moderate Psoriasis
3-10% body surface area affected, may require systemic treatments. Typically receives standard to table ratings.
- Multiple body regions affected
- Some lifestyle limitations
- May need phototherapy or systemic meds
Severe Psoriasis
Extensive skin involvement (>10% body surface area), requires aggressive treatment. Subject to table ratings or individual assessment.
- Widespread skin involvement
- Significant quality of life impact
- Requires biologics or immunosuppressants
Insurance companies use a comprehensive approach when evaluating psoriasis applications. They consider not just the current state of your condition, but also its progression over time, your response to treatments, and any associated health complications.
Professional Insight
“Psoriasis underwriting has become much more sophisticated in recent years. We’re seeing carriers differentiate between mild cases that barely affect daily life and severe cases requiring intensive management. The key is presenting a complete medical picture that demonstrates stability and good disease management.”
– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
For more insights on how various medical conditions affect coverage decisions, see our comprehensive guide on Life Insurance Approvals with Pre-Existing Medical Conditions.
Psoriasis Severity Classifications & Rate Impact
Key insight: The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score directly correlates with insurance rate classifications.
| Severity Level | Body Surface Area | PASI Score | Typical Rate Class | Premium Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mild | <3% | <7 | Standard to Preferred | No to minimal increase |
| Moderate | 3-10% | 7-12 | Standard to Table 2 | 0-50% increase |
| Severe | >10% | >12 | Table 2-6 | 50-150% increase |
| Very Severe | >20% | >20 | Table 4-10 or Decline | 100-250% increase |
Important Considerations for Severe Cases
Individuals with severe psoriasis may face additional scrutiny due to:
- Increased cardiovascular disease risk
- Higher rates of depression and anxiety
- Potential liver complications from systemic treatments
- Increased infection risk from immunosuppressive medications
Key Medical Factors That Affect Your Rates
Key insight: Beyond severity, underwriters examine treatment history, disease stability, and associated conditions.
Age of Onset
Earlier onset (before age 40) may indicate more aggressive disease progression and genetic predisposition.
Treatment Response
Good response to treatments and long periods of remission are viewed favorably by underwriters.
Location of Lesions
Scalp, hands, feet, and genital involvement may be weighted more heavily due to functional impact.
Treatment Categories and Underwriting Impact:
Topical Treatments Only
Most Favorable: Corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, retinoids, and calcineurin inhibitors indicate mild, manageable disease.
Phototherapy
Moderate Impact: UV therapy suggests moderate severity but good treatment compliance and response.
Systemic Medications
Higher Risk: Methotrexate, cyclosporine, or oral retinoids indicate more severe disease requiring careful monitoring.
Biologic Therapy
Significant Consideration: TNF inhibitors, IL-17 inhibitors, and IL-23 inhibitors suggest severe disease but excellent modern treatment options.
The Life Insurance Application Process
Key insight: Thorough preparation and honest disclosure lead to better outcomes than attempting to minimize your condition.
Application Timeline for Psoriasis Cases
- Week 1: Complete application with detailed medical history
- Week 2-3: Medical exam and laboratory work
- Week 3-4: Attending Physician Statement (APS) requests
- Week 4-6: Underwriting review and potential specialist consultation
- Week 6-8: Rate determination and policy offer
Common Application Questions About Psoriasis:
- Date of initial diagnosis and current symptoms
- Percentage of body surface area affected
- Current medications and treatment regimen
- Frequency of flare-ups and triggers
- Any related conditions (arthritis, cardiovascular issues)
- Impact on daily activities and work
- Most recent specialist consultation
Required Medical Documentation
Key insight: Complete medical records demonstrating disease stability and good management significantly improve rate outcomes.
Essential Records
- Dermatologist consultation notes
- PASI scores or severity assessments
- Current medication list
- Recent laboratory results
Helpful Additional Records
- Treatment response documentation
- Photographs showing current state
- Quality of life assessments
- Rheumatologist notes (if applicable)
Specialist Reports
- Cardiovascular screening results
- Mental health evaluations
- Liver function monitoring
- Joint imaging (if arthritis suspected)
Psoriatic Arthritis & Cardiovascular Considerations
Key insight: Associated conditions significantly impact underwriting decisions and may require specialized coverage approaches.
Psoriatic Arthritis Impact:
Approximately 30% of individuals with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, which substantially changes the underwriting equation. This condition affects not only rate classification but also the types of coverage available.
Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Research shows individuals with moderate to severe psoriasis have 2-3 times higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Underwriters specifically evaluate:
- Blood pressure control and monitoring
- Cholesterol levels and lipid management
- Diabetes screening and glucose control
- Weight management and BMI
- Smoking history and current tobacco use
Our Top 10 Best Life Insurance Companies in the U.S. (2025): Expert Broker Rankings can help identify carriers most likely to provide favorable consideration for complex medical cases involving multiple conditions.
Strategies for Better Rates
Key insight: Proactive management and strategic application timing can significantly improve your insurance prospects.
Optimization Timeline
Consider waiting to apply if you’re currently experiencing:
- A major flare-up or disease exacerbation
- Recent medication changes or treatment failures
- Pending specialist evaluations or test results
- Uncontrolled associated conditions
Pre-Application Strategies:
- Optimize Current Treatment: Work with your dermatologist to achieve best possible disease control before applying
- Document Stability: Maintain consistent follow-up appointments and treatment adherence for 6-12 months
- Address Comorbidities: Ensure blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight are well-controlled
- Gather Complete Records: Compile comprehensive medical documentation showing treatment response
- Consider Multiple Carriers: Different insurers have varying approaches to psoriasis underwriting
For those facing traditional coverage challenges, our guide on Top 10 Best No-Exam Life Insurance Companies (2025 Update) provides valuable alternatives that may offer more lenient underwriting approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my psoriasis automatically disqualify me from life insurance?
No. Psoriasis rarely results in automatic disqualification. Most individuals with psoriasis can obtain coverage, though premiums may be higher depending on severity. Mild cases often qualify for standard rates, while moderate cases typically receive standard to table ratings.
Do I need to disclose my psoriasis if it’s currently in remission?
Yes, you must disclose all medical conditions regardless of current status. Insurance fraud can void your policy, and remission actually demonstrates good disease management, which can work in your favor during underwriting.
How do biologic medications affect my insurance rates?
Biologic treatments indicate more severe psoriasis, which typically results in table ratings. However, good response to biologics and stable disease control can help minimize rate increases. The specific biologic and your response to treatment are key factors.
Can I get coverage if I have both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis?
Yes, though this combination typically requires more detailed underwriting and may result in higher table ratings. The key factors are disease activity levels, treatment response, and functional capacity. Individual assessment is usually required for these complex cases.
Should I wait until my psoriasis improves before applying?
This depends on your current disease state. If you’re experiencing a significant flare-up or recently changed treatments, waiting 3-6 months for stabilization may improve your rates. However, if your condition is stable, applying sooner protects against future health changes.
Will insurance companies require me to see a specialist?
For mild cases with good control, this is unlikely. For moderate to severe psoriasis, carriers may request additional medical exams or specialist consultations, particularly if your documentation is incomplete or if there are concerns about associated conditions.
How does the location of my psoriasis affect underwriting?
Psoriasis affecting hands, feet, face, or genital areas may be viewed more seriously due to functional impact and quality of life considerations. Scalp psoriasis is generally viewed more favorably. The total body surface area affected remains the primary factor.
Can stress management help my insurance application?
While stress management won’t directly improve your rates, it can help maintain disease stability and demonstrate good self-care practices. Underwriters view comprehensive disease management favorably, including lifestyle factors that help control psoriasis.
Ready to Explore Your Life Insurance Options?
Don’t let psoriasis concerns delay your life insurance protection. Our specialists understand psoriasis underwriting and can help you navigate the application process for the best possible rates – most cases qualify for standard to table ratings with proper preparation.
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