PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is evaluated by life insurance underwriters similarly to other mental health conditions, with the key variables being symptom severity, functional impact, hospitalization history, and the presence or absence of suicidal ideation. Mild to moderate PTSD that is well-managed with therapy and/or medication, without hospitalizations or suicidal ideation, typically qualifies for coverage at standard or table-rated offers. Severe PTSD with significant functional impairment or recent crisis presentations requires more careful carrier selection.
What Underwriters Evaluate for PTSD
PTSD Profile: General Underwriting Outlook
| PTSD Profile | Typical Rating | Best Achievable | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild-moderate, stable on treatment, no hospitalizations | Standard to Table 4 | Standard at select carriers | Well-managed PTSD is insurable at many carriers |
| Moderate, hospitalization 2+ years ago, stable since | Table 4–8 | Table 4 with documented stability | Time since hospitalization and stability record are key |
| Severe, functional disability, recent crisis | Postponement or decline | Postponement pending stability | Stability period required before application is viable |
| Suicidal ideation within past 2 years | Postponement | Postponement at most carriers | 2–5 year stability period typically required |
Guidelines current as of 2025–2026. Verify with us before applying.
Have PTSD? Coverage May Be Available.
Many people living with PTSD qualify for life insurance — including veterans. We identify which carriers are appropriate for your specific profile before any application is submitted.
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Authoritative Resources: Life insurance underwriting practices are regulated by the NAIC. Insurers may check your health history through the MIB Group — you can request your free annual MIB report at mib.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get life insurance with PTSD?
Yes. Many people living with PTSD — including veterans — can qualify for life insurance. Mild to moderate PTSD well-managed with therapy and medication, without hospitalizations or suicidal ideation, typically qualifies for standard or table-rated coverage at many carriers. Severe PTSD with significant functional impairment or recent crisis presentations requires more careful carrier selection but is still insurable in many cases.
Does a VA disability rating for PTSD affect my life insurance application?
A VA disability rating for PTSD is noted in underwriting but does not automatically disqualify you. Carriers evaluate the underlying condition directly through medical records rather than relying solely on the VA rating. A lower VA rating with documented stability and maintained daily function is viewed more favorably than a high rating with severe functional impairment. Many veterans with PTSD VA ratings successfully obtain life insurance coverage.
What PTSD factors most affect life insurance underwriting?
The most important factors are symptom severity and functional impact, history of suicidal ideation or attempts, psychiatric hospitalization history, treatment engagement and compliance, and co-occurring substance use. PTSD with maintained employment, active treatment, and no hospitalization or suicidal ideation history is the most favorable underwriting presentation.
How does substance use history affect PTSD life insurance underwriting?
PTSD frequently co-occurs with substance use disorders, and active or recent substance abuse significantly compounds underwriting concern. Most carriers require a documented period of sobriety — typically two to five years — before they will consider coverage for applicants with co-occurring PTSD and substance abuse history. Current, active substance abuse alongside PTSD typically results in decline at standard carriers.
Is PTSD treated differently from other mental health conditions by underwriters?
PTSD is evaluated similarly to anxiety and depression in terms of the underwriting framework — severity, hospitalization history, suicidal ideation, treatment compliance, and functional impact are the key factors. One distinction is that combat-related or trauma-specific PTSD in veterans is well-recognized by many carriers, and several carriers have developed more favorable approaches for veteran applicants with managed PTSD.