Life insurance and mental health
Mental health conditions are among the most common reasons people hesitate to apply for life insurance. Many assume they will be declined. In reality, the majority of people with mental health conditions can get life insurance. The underwriting depends on the specific condition, its severity, your treatment history, and how stable things are now.
Jump to a specific condition:
The short answer
Most people with mild to moderate mental health conditions on stable medication can get life insurance at standard or near-standard rates. The key factors are severity (mild, moderate, severe), whether you have been hospitalised, any history of self-harm or suicidal thoughts, and how long you have been stable on your current treatment. A single episode of depression treated with SSRIs is very different from recurrent severe depression with hospitalisations.
How insurers assess mental health conditions
Insurers assess mental health conditions on a spectrum. The factors that matter most are consistent across all mental health diagnoses:
Severity
Mild to moderate conditions have much less impact than severe conditions. Insurers typically categorise based on your treatment level - GP-managed is viewed differently from psychiatrist-managed.
Number of episodes
A single episode is viewed more favourably than recurrent episodes. Three or more episodes of depression, for example, is treated differently from one episode.
Hospitalisation history
Any psychiatric hospital admission (voluntary or involuntary) significantly affects underwriting. This is one of the most impactful factors across all mental health conditions.
Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
A history of self-harm, suicide attempts, or persistent suicidal ideation is the factor that most affects life insurance underwriting for mental health. Insurers assess this very carefully due to the direct mortality risk.
Time since last episode or symptom
The longer the period of stability, the better the terms. Two or more years of stable mental health on consistent treatment is a strong positive signal.
Medication stability
Being on the same medication for 12+ months with no dose changes suggests stable management. Frequent medication changes suggest the condition is harder to control.
Depression
Depression is the most common mental health condition seen in insurance applications. For most people with depression, life insurance is straightforward to obtain.
Mild to moderate depression
A single episode or occasional recurring mild depression managed by your GP with SSRIs (sertraline, fluoxetine, citalopram) or talking therapy. No hospitalisations, no self-harm, no time off work exceeding 2-4 weeks.
Typical outcome
Standard rates or minor loading (0-50%). Many mainstream insurers will offer terms without difficulty. This level of depression is extremely common and well-understood by underwriters.
Moderate to severe depression
Recurrent episodes (three or more), referral to a psychiatrist, combination medication, significant time off work, or a history of suicidal thoughts without actions.
Typical outcome
Moderate loading (50-100%). Cover available from multiple insurers but insurer selection matters more. Time since the last significant episode is important. Two or more years of stability improves terms.
Severe depression with hospitalisations or self-harm
Psychiatric admission (voluntary or under section), history of self-harm or suicide attempts, ECT treatment, or ongoing care under a community mental health team.
Typical outcome
Significant loading (100-200%+), possible exclusion on critical illness, or postponement. Many mainstream insurers will decline, but specialist insurers may offer terms, particularly if there has been a sustained period of stability (2+ years). Time since the last hospitalisation or self-harm episode is the most important factor.
Depression shouldn't stop you getting cover
Most people with depression can get life insurance. Call us to understand exactly where your situation falls.
Get QuoteAnxiety disorders
Anxiety disorders - including generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, panic disorder, and health anxiety - are viewed similarly to depression by most insurers. Mild to moderate anxiety is rarely a significant barrier to cover.
What insurers look for
- Is the anxiety managed by your GP or a specialist?
- What medication are you on and for how long?
- Has the anxiety caused significant time off work?
- Any associated depression? (commonly co-occurring)
- Any panic attacks requiring A&E attendance?
- Any self-harm associated with the anxiety?
Typical underwriting
Mild anxiety on low-dose medication - standard rates or minimal loading. Very common and not a concern for most underwriters.
Moderate anxiety with talking therapy and medication - minor loading (25-50%). Stable management is key.
Severe anxiety with hospitalisations or inability to work - moderate to significant loading. Specialist insurer may be needed. Time since last severe episode matters.
Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is one of the more complex mental health conditions for insurance underwriting. It is insurable, but the terms depend heavily on your stability, medication compliance, and episode history.
What insurers look for
- Bipolar I or Bipolar II? (Bipolar I with full manic episodes is viewed more seriously)
- When was the last episode (manic or depressive)?
- Any hospitalisations? How many and how recent?
- Current medication and how long you have been stable on it
- Any history of psychosis during manic episodes?
- Any self-harm or suicide attempts?
- Compliance with medication - any periods of stopping treatment?
Typical underwriting
Bipolar II with good stability (2+ years stable on medication, no hospitalisations, no self-harm) - moderate loading (75-150%) from specialist insurers. Some mainstream insurers will decline.
Bipolar I with a history of hospitalisations - significant loading (150-250%+) if cover is offered. Specialist insurers only. Time since last admission is critical.
Recent episode, psychosis, or self-harm - likely postponement or decline from most insurers. May need to demonstrate 2-3 years of stability before reapplying. Guaranteed acceptance products remain available.
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
PTSD is assessed individually based on severity, treatment response, and associated features. Many people with PTSD can get life insurance, particularly if the condition is well-managed.
What insurers look for
- What was the triggering event? (Military, accident, assault, etc.)
- What treatment have you had? (EMDR, CBT, medication)
- Is the condition improving, stable, or worsening?
- Any associated depression, anxiety, or substance use?
- Any self-harm or suicidal ideation?
- Impact on work and daily functioning
Typical underwriting
PTSD responding well to treatment - minor to moderate loading (25-100%), particularly if you are functioning well and the condition is stable. Several mainstream insurers will offer terms.
PTSD with complex features (ongoing significant symptoms, substance use, self-harm) - significant loading or decline from mainstream insurers. Specialist approach needed.
PTSD or bipolar? Our specialist brokers understand the sensitivities.
These conversations require care and expertise. Our partner brokers will discuss your situation sensitively and find the right insurer.
Get QuoteOCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)
OCD is generally one of the more straightforward mental health conditions for life insurance. Most people with OCD can get cover at standard or near-standard rates, provided the condition is managed and there is no associated severe depression or self-harm.
Typical underwriting
Mild to moderate OCD on SSRI medication or managed with CBT - standard rates or minimal loading. Most mainstream insurers will offer terms.
Severe OCD with significant impact on daily functioning, hospitalisations, or associated severe depression - moderate loading. Time since last severe episode matters.
Eating disorders
Eating disorders - including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder - are taken seriously by underwriters because of the direct physical health risks. However, a history of an eating disorder does not prevent you from getting life insurance, particularly if you have recovered.
What insurers look for
- What type of eating disorder?
- When were you diagnosed and when did you recover?
- Any hospitalisations? (particularly for refeeding or medical complications)
- Current weight and BMI
- Any ongoing treatment or monitoring?
- Any associated conditions? (depression, self-harm, substance use)
- Current relationship with food and eating - stable recovery?
Typical underwriting
Recovered eating disorder (2+ years stable weight, no active symptoms, healthy BMI) - minor to moderate loading (25-75%). Terms improve with length of recovery.
Active eating disorder or recent relapse - most insurers will postpone until a period of stability is demonstrated. This is not a permanent decline.
History of severe anorexia with hospitalisation - more cautious underwriting even after recovery. BMI at lowest point and current BMI are both relevant. 3-5 years of stable recovery typically needed for reasonable terms.
The honest answer
Mental health should not be a barrier to life insurance for most people. If you have mild to moderate depression or anxiety on stable medication, you will almost certainly get cover at reasonable rates. If you have a more complex history - hospitalisations, self-harm, bipolar, or severe episodes - your options narrow but do not disappear. The most important thing is to be completely honest on your application. Non-disclosure of mental health history is one of the most common reasons for claims being denied. A specialist broker ensures your history is presented accurately and to the right insurer, giving you the best possible terms for your situation.
Critical illness and income protection
Critical illness cover is generally available alongside life insurance for mental health conditions, since critical illness policies typically pay out for specific physical conditions (cancer, heart attack, stroke) rather than mental health conditions themselves. Your mental health history may still affect the terms or result in a loading.
Income protection is where mental health history has the most impact. Since income protection pays out if you cannot work for any reason, and mental health is one of the leading causes of absence from work, insurers are more cautious. A mental health exclusion (meaning the policy would not pay out if you are off work due to your mental health condition) is common. Some specialist insurers may offer cover without this exclusion, though typically at a higher premium.
Put your policy in trust
Regardless of your mental health history, every life insurance policy should be written in trust. This ensures the payout goes directly to your beneficiaries outside your estate, avoiding inheritance tax and probate delays. Our partner brokers set this up at no cost on every policy.
Read our full guide to trusts and estate planning
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to declare my mental health history on a life insurance application?
Yes, absolutely. You must declare all diagnosed mental health conditions, medication, and treatment. Non-disclosure can void your entire policy. If a claim is made and the insurer discovers undeclared mental health history (from GP records), they may refuse to pay out. Full disclosure with the right insurer is always the correct approach.
Will taking antidepressants affect my life insurance?
Taking antidepressants alone does not prevent you from getting life insurance. The type of antidepressant, the dose, how long you have been on it, and whether it is for mild or severe symptoms all factor in. Low-dose SSRIs for mild to moderate depression typically have minimal impact on premiums.
I had depression 10 years ago but have been fine since. Do I still need to declare it?
Yes, you should declare it. However, a single episode of depression 10 years ago with no recurrence is likely to have zero impact on your premiums. Many insurers will offer standard rates for historical mental health conditions with a long period of stability.
Does counselling or therapy affect my insurance?
Counselling or talking therapy (CBT, counselling, psychotherapy) is generally viewed neutrally or positively by insurers. It indicates proactive management of your mental health. It is the condition being treated that matters, not the treatment itself.
Can I get life insurance if I have been sectioned?
Being sectioned (detained under the Mental Health Act) is one of the more impactful factors for underwriting. Cover may still be available, but typically requires a significant period of stability afterwards (often 3-5 years), and specialist insurers are usually needed. Guaranteed acceptance products are available regardless.
What about stress? Does work-related stress affect life insurance?
Work-related stress that has been noted by your GP or resulted in medication or time off work is treated similarly to mild anxiety or depression. Brief periods of stress-related symptoms are usually viewed very mildly. Chronic stress leading to ongoing treatment is assessed the same way as the resulting condition (anxiety, depression, etc.).
Talk to someone who understands
Mental health conversations require sensitivity and expertise. Our specialist brokers will discuss your situation confidentially and find the right insurer for your circumstances.
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