Can I buy insurance if I have depression?

Asked by: Al Corwin  |  Last update: April 24, 2023
Score: 4.2/5 (28 votes)

Most people with depression can qualify for a standard life insurance policy, albeit at a higher premium than someone with no history of mental illness. If your depression is well managed, you may even be able to get a policy at rates similar to those without a diagnosed mental illness.

Can you be denied health insurance because of depression?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) made it illegal for insurance companies to refuse you coverage for a pre-existing condition like depression, along with many other kinds of pre-existing conditions. This law applies to health plans that continue to follow ACA guidelines.

Can I get life insurance if I have a mental illness?

If you have a mental health history and are looking for life coverage, it may take a bit more time and documentation, but you could still be approved with an affordable rate. Just like other health conditions, how you manage your condition and the severity are key to securing a life policy.

Can you get life insurance if you suffer from anxiety?

You should be able to buy life insurance even if you suffer from anxiety, but how eligible you are and how much it'll cost depends on the severity of your condition. You'll be required to provide information about your condition (and the rest of your health history) during the underwriting process.

What is considered a mental disorder for life insurance?

The Basics of Mental Illness

Thankfully, insurance companies usually treat it like any other illness. So whether you have bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, or even depression, most insurers classify it as a pre-existing condition.

Can I Get Life Insurance If I Have Depression? | Quotacy Q&A Fridays

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What would disqualify you from life insurance?

Their reasons could be anything from a serious medical condition (like heart disease) or poor results from your life insurance medical exam to nonmedical reasons like bankruptcy, a criminal record, a positive drug test or even a dangerous hobby.

Does mental health affect insurance?

Many insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. This means that they will not pay out on a claim related to a pre-existing condition, including mental health problems. For example, if you have a diagnosis of depression when you apply for insurance, this would be considered a pre-existing condition.

Can you get life insurance if you've been diagnosed with depression?

In most cases, people with a diagnosis of depression can still get life insurance—and often at affordable rates. You just need to know how to maximize your chances of obtaining a policy and need to be smart when shopping around among different insurers to get the right coverage.

Do you have to disclose depression for life insurance?

If you have a temporary or situational condition, such as postpartum depression or anxiety following a major life event for which you sought treatment or counseling, it is still important to disclose this to the insurance company. This probably won't have any impact on your application.

Can you get life insurance if you have suicidal thoughts?

You may be able to get Life Insurance after having suicidal thoughts at normal terms with some select insurers, but many on the standard market will offer you special rates in the form of a premium increase.

Can someone with PTSD get life insurance?

Yes, some people with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) have qualified for term or whole life insurance coverage. Yes, there are plenty of companies out there offering high-risk policies for exorbitant rates. The focus of this piece is on those being denied.

Does insurance cover bipolar disorder?

The act also requires many health insurance companies to cover people regardless of their pre-existing conditions, whether physical or psychological. This means that people with bipolar disorder are now able to receive quality insurance coverage, so they can get the psychological treatment their condition requires.

Can I get life insurance with BPD?

Yes it can. Some insurers can be a bit cautious about insuring people with mental health conditions, and tend to decline/refuse life insurance applications. The good news is that there are many insurers who can offer Life Insurance to people with borderline personality disorder.

Does a depression diagnosis affect insurance?

Life insurance companies may decline policies to people suffering from a range of mental health conditions. As is always the case with just about any kind of health condition, criteria vary from insurance company to insurance company. Consequently, there is no general rule when it comes to depression and anxiety.

Is anxiety and depression a pre-existing condition?

Protections for people with pre-existing conditions in the ACA go much further than prohibiting insurers from denying coverage. Not only do insurers have to offer coverage to people with common pre-existing conditions, like depression or anxiety, plans also have to cover treatment.

Can you be denied health insurance due to anxiety?

Will you be denied life insurance if you have anxiety or depression? You can be denied coverage if your mental health makes it difficult for you to work or you've been hospitalized in the last year due to self-harm or a panic attack.

Do I need to declare anxiety on travel insurance?

Yes. You will need to declare anxiety if you have ever received treatment for anxiety.

Is ADHD considered a mental disorder for life insurance?

Mild to severe ADHD that is effectively treated and managed can be considered for coverage. The severity determines the rating of the life insurance coverage, but coverage shouldn't be an issue.

Does Bipolar shorten life span?

The average reduction in life expectancy in people with bipolar disorder is between nine and 20 years, while it is 10 to 20 years for schizophrenia, between nine and 24 years for drug and alcohol abuse, and around seven to 11 years for recurrent depression.

Can you fly with bipolar?

Can you travel with bipolar disorder? People who live with bipolar disorder can benefit from travel the same as anyone else. But if you have bipolar disorder, you might want to wait until you've reached a euthymic state (mood disturbance-free state), recommends Dr.

Does PTSD affect insurance?

Post-traumatic stress itself is not disqualifying, he said, but the applicant may be denied or have to pay more for insurance when the PTS is more severe and if he or she is on medication for other physical injuries, for example.

Does ADHD diagnosis affect health insurance?

Provide written documentation: Some insurance companies may not consider ADHD a “serious” diagnosis, but ADHD varies in degrees of severity and is sometimes extremely serious. In this case, you will need documentation to validate required services.

Does Adderall affect life insurance?

Assuming that you are in otherwise good condition, having been prescribed Adderall XR to treat your ADHD should in and of itself not have any effect on the outcome of your life insurance application.

Can I get life insurance with ADHD?

Any time a claim is filed with your health insurance company, whether the diagnosis is ADHD or not, it is sent to a clearinghouse called the Medical Information Bureau (mib.com). The information contained in your file can hinder your chances of obtaining health insurance, life insurance, and disability insurance.

Can you get life insurance if you have ADD?

Yes, individuals often are able to qualify for a traditional term or whole life insurance policy after they have been diagnosed with either ADHD or ADD. In fact, they may even be able to qualify for a No Medical Exam Life Insurance Policy at a Preferred rate!