Life insurance with ADHD and autism
An increasing number of adults in the UK are being diagnosed with ADHD and autism. This is positive - it means more people are getting the support they need. For life insurance, the picture is largely reassuring. Neurodivergent conditions do not inherently make someone uninsurable, and most people with ADHD or autism can get standard or near-standard life insurance terms.
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The short answer
ADHD is usually standard rates for life insurance. Medication such as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine is not typically an issue for life cover. Autism and ASD are also usually standard rates for life insurance, provided there are no associated conditions that independently affect underwriting. The key consideration for both conditions is whether there are co-occurring conditions (particularly mental health conditions) and, for income protection, whether the condition affects work capacity. Neurodivergence alone is not a barrier to cover.
ADHD and life insurance
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions, increasingly diagnosed in adults as awareness grows. For life insurance underwriting, ADHD is generally viewed as a low-risk condition.
What insurers ask
- When were you diagnosed?
- Are you on medication? If so, what type and dose?
- Is your ADHD managed by your GP or a specialist?
- Any associated conditions? (anxiety, depression, substance use)
- Has ADHD caused any time off work?
- Any hospital admissions related to ADHD or associated conditions?
Typical underwriting
ADHD alone, with or without medication
Standard rates from most insurers. ADHD itself does not increase mortality risk, and underwriters recognise this. Whether you are on medication or managing without, life insurance terms should be unaffected.
ADHD with co-occurring anxiety or depression
The ADHD itself remains a non-issue, but the co-occurring mental health condition is assessed on its own merits. Mild anxiety or depression on stable medication is typically standard to minor loading. See our mental health and insurance guide for details.
ADHD with a history of substance use
If there is a history of substance misuse (drugs or alcohol) associated with ADHD, this is assessed separately and can significantly affect terms depending on recency and severity. The ADHD itself is not the concern - it is the substance use history that drives the underwriting.
ADHD medication and insurance
ADHD medication is not a barrier to life insurance. The common medications prescribed in the UK are well-known to underwriters, and none of them typically affect life insurance premiums.
Methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin, Equasym, Medikinet)
The most commonly prescribed ADHD medication in the UK. No impact on life insurance terms. It is a well-established treatment with a long safety record.
Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse)
Increasingly prescribed in the UK for adult ADHD. No impact on life insurance terms. Some older underwriting guides may flag amphetamine-based medication, but modern underwriting recognises prescribed lisdexamfetamine as standard ADHD treatment.
Atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine (Intuniv)
Non-stimulant options. No impact on life insurance terms. These are sometimes preferred where stimulant medication is not suitable.
The important point is that ADHD medication is prescribed to improve functioning, not to treat a life-threatening condition. Insurers understand this distinction, and your medication should not increase your premiums.
Recently diagnosed with ADHD?
An ADHD diagnosis should not affect your life insurance. Call us to confirm your options and get covered quickly.
Get QuoteAutism and life insurance
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts, and experiences the world. It is a spectrum, and people with autism have widely varying support needs. For life insurance underwriting, the assessment focuses on functional independence and any associated conditions rather than the autism diagnosis itself.
What insurers ask
- When were you diagnosed?
- Do you live independently?
- Are you in employment or education?
- Do you have any associated conditions? (epilepsy, mental health conditions, learning disability)
- Are you on any medication?
- Do you require support with daily living?
Typical underwriting
Autism with independent living, no associated conditions
Standard rates from most insurers. If you live independently, work or study, and have no co-occurring conditions that affect underwriting, your autism diagnosis should not affect your life insurance premiums.
Autism with co-occurring mental health conditions
The autism itself remains standard rates. Any co-occurring condition (anxiety, depression, OCD) is assessed independently. Mild to moderate co-occurring conditions on stable treatment typically result in standard to minor loading.
Autism with associated epilepsy or learning disability
Epilepsy is assessed under its own underwriting guidelines and may attract a loading depending on seizure type, frequency, and control. A learning disability requiring significant support may also affect terms. These conditions are assessed on their own merits, not as a consequence of the autism diagnosis.
Associated conditions and their impact
Both ADHD and autism commonly co-occur with other conditions. Insurers assess each condition individually. The neurodivergent condition itself typically has no impact, but associated conditions may. Here are the most common:
Anxiety and depression
Very common alongside both ADHD and autism. Assessed on severity, treatment, and stability. Mild to moderate on stable medication is typically standard to minor loading for life insurance.
Sleep disorders
Sleep difficulties are common in both ADHD and autism. Melatonin use does not affect life insurance terms. More significant sleep disorders (e.g. severe sleep apnoea requiring CPAP) are assessed independently.
Eating difficulties
Restrictive eating patterns associated with autism are not typically assessed the same way as clinical eating disorders. If you maintain a healthy weight and there are no nutritional deficiencies, this should not affect life insurance.
Epilepsy
Co-occurring epilepsy is the most significant associated condition for underwriting. It is assessed based on seizure type, frequency, medication, and time since last seizure. Well-controlled epilepsy on medication is insurable with a loading.
The honest answer
Neurodivergent conditions - ADHD and autism - do not inherently make someone a higher risk for life insurance. The insurance industry is catching up with modern understanding of neurodevelopmental conditions, and the majority of people with ADHD or autism should expect standard life insurance terms. Where things become more complex is when there are significant co-occurring conditions (particularly mental health conditions with hospitalisations or substance use history), but these are assessed on their own merits, not because of the ADHD or autism diagnosis. The area that requires the most care is income protection, where the impact on work capacity may be a factor. We approach these conversations with respect and a focus on getting you the cover you need.
Income protection with ADHD or autism
Income protection is the product where ADHD and autism may have more impact than life insurance. Income protection pays out if you are unable to work, and some insurers assess whether the condition affects your work capacity.
ADHD and income protection
ADHD with stable employment history - income protection is usually available at standard or near-standard terms. If you have a consistent work history and ADHD has not caused significant absence, most insurers will offer full terms.
ADHD with work difficulties or frequent job changes - some insurers may apply a mental health or ADHD-related exclusion. This varies significantly by insurer, and the right broker can identify those with more favourable underwriting for ADHD.
Autism and income protection
Autism with stable employment - income protection is typically available. If you are employed and your autism does not cause significant work absence, standard or near-standard terms are achievable from several insurers.
Autism with significant support needs at work - if your autism requires substantial workplace adjustments or if there is a history of work-related difficulties, insurers may apply exclusions or a loading. Each insurer's approach varies, and specialist guidance helps identify the best option.
Need income protection with ADHD or autism?
We know which insurers take the most informed approach to neurodivergent conditions. Call us for a straightforward conversation about your options.
Get QuoteCritical illness cover
Critical illness cover is generally unaffected by ADHD or autism. Critical illness policies pay out for specific defined conditions (cancer, heart attack, stroke, etc.), and neurodivergent conditions do not typically affect these terms. You should expect standard critical illness terms in most cases, with any loading driven by co-occurring conditions rather than the ADHD or autism diagnosis.
Put your policy in trust
Every life insurance policy should be written in trust. This ensures the payout goes directly to your chosen beneficiaries without probate delays or inheritance tax. We set this up at no cost on every policy.
Read our full guide to trusts and estate planning
Frequently asked questions
Does an ADHD diagnosis affect life insurance premiums?
In the vast majority of cases, no. ADHD alone does not increase mortality risk, and most UK life insurers will offer standard rates. Your ADHD medication does not affect premiums either. The only time ADHD might indirectly affect terms is if there are significant co-occurring conditions.
Do I need to declare my ADHD or autism diagnosis?
Yes, you should declare all diagnosed conditions on your application. However, declaring ADHD or autism should not increase your premiums for life insurance in most cases. It is important to be honest - non-disclosure can invalidate your entire policy if a claim is made.
I was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. Does a late diagnosis matter?
No. Whether you were diagnosed as a child or as an adult does not affect your insurance terms. The condition is the same regardless of when it was identified. Late diagnosis is extremely common and insurers do not distinguish between childhood and adult diagnosis.
Does taking Elvanse (lisdexamfetamine) affect my insurance?
No. Elvanse is a commonly prescribed ADHD medication in the UK. While it is an amphetamine-based stimulant, it is prescribed medication for a recognised condition and does not affect life insurance premiums. If an insurer queries it, a broker can clarify that it is standard ADHD treatment.
My child has autism. Can I get life insurance for them?
Life insurance for children is available regardless of an autism diagnosis. Children's life insurance policies in the UK are generally issued without medical underwriting or with very simplified underwriting, so an autism diagnosis typically has no impact.
I have ADHD and anxiety. How are they assessed together?
ADHD itself is standard rates. The anxiety is assessed on its own merits - severity, medication, stability, and impact on work. Mild anxiety on stable medication alongside ADHD is typically standard to minor loading. The conditions are assessed individually rather than as a combined risk.
Get cover that reflects who you are
Neurodivergent conditions should not hold you back from getting the protection you need. Call us for a respectful, informed conversation about your insurance options.
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