Question 1

Can I get life insurance with a mental health history?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many people with mental health conditions can get life insurance. Conditions like mild to moderate anxiety or depression that are well-controlled with medication and have not resulted in hospitalizations or suicide attempts are often insurable at standard or slightly substandard rates. More severe conditions require specialty carrier selection.

Question 2

Does depression or anxiety affect life insurance rates?

Accepted Answer

Mild to moderate depression or anxiety that is well-controlled, documented by a treating physician, and has no history of hospitalization or self-harm is often insurable at standard or near-standard rates. Severe, treatment-resistant depression or anxiety with hospitalizations or suicide history results in higher ratings or declines at traditional carriers.

Question 3

Do I have to disclose mental health treatment on a life insurance application?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Life insurance applications ask about mental health diagnoses and treatment. You must answer truthfully. Misrepresenting or omitting a mental health history is insurance fraud and can result in a claim denial. Your medical records are ordered as part of underwriting and will reflect any diagnoses and treatment.

Question 4

Does a past suicide attempt prevent me from getting life insurance?

Accepted Answer

A history of suicide attempts is a serious underwriting concern. Recent attempts (within the past 5 years) typically result in a decline at traditional fully-underwritten carriers. Older attempts with documented stability, ongoing treatment, and no recurrence are viewed more favorably but may still result in table ratings or declines at some carriers.

Question 5

What is the best life insurance option for someone with serious mental illness?

Accepted Answer

For applicants who cannot qualify for traditional underwritten coverage due to serious mental illness, guaranteed issue whole life insurance provides coverage with no medical questions. Simplified issue policies with limited health questions are also available. These products have lower coverage limits but can still provide important financial protection for your family.

Condition	Well-Managed, No Hospitalizations	With Hospitalization History	Notes
Mild anxiety or depression	Standard Plus to Preferred Plus	Table 2–4 depending on how long ago	Most broadly insurable mental health profile
Moderate depression or anxiety	Standard to Table 2	Table 4–6; stability period required	Widely insurable when stable and treated
PTSD, well-managed	Standard to Table 4	Table 4–8; depends on time since hospitalization	Veteran PTSD specifically: carrier-dependent; many competitive options exist
Bipolar II, well-managed	Table 4–6	Table 6–10; depends on episode history	Bipolar II more insurable than Bipolar I at most carriers
Bipolar I	Table 6–10	Decline at many carriers	Stability record and absence of hospitalizations critical
Schizophrenia	Decline at most standard carriers	Decline	Guaranteed issue or simplified issue typically the only path
Suicidal ideation within past 2 years (any diagnosis)	Postponement	Postponement	2–5 year stability period typically required at most carriers

Mental Health Conditions and Life Insurance

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Mental Health Conditions: General Underwriting Outlook

Dedicated Condition Pages

Mental Health History? Let’s Find Your Best Option.

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