Can you be denied life insurance for bipolar?
Asked by: Garnett Swaniawski | Last update: January 27, 2026Score: 4.3/5 (33 votes)
Does bipolar disqualify you from life insurance?
Can Insurance Companies Deny Coverage If You Have Bipolar Disorder? Yes, insurers might decide to decline coverage, depending on the severity of your Bipolar Disorder as well as other comorbidities that could be present.
Can someone with bipolar live a long life?
The life expectancy for someone with bipolar disorder is approximately 67 years old. A 2021 study researched the effect of bipolar disorder on longevity and found that: risk of death is 2.6 times greater than the general population. the average life span is between 8–12 years shorter than the general population.
Can you be denied life insurance because of mental illness?
There can be incidences where a life insurance company will deny coverage due to an ongoing mental health condition, but the decision is typically made by reviewing recent medical history and specific details of the condition. A mental illness does not automatically disqualify a person from life insurance eligibility.
Do bipolar people deny they are bipolar?
The most common reason that people with bipolar disorder refuse treatment is that they don't believe they have a problem in the first place. This lack of awareness regarding their mental condition is known as anosognosia.
Life Insurance with Depression & Bipolar
What is the first red flag of bipolar disorder?
Timely identification is crucial for managing bipolar disorder effectively. Look out for these early symptoms: 1. Mood Swings: Experiencing intense highs to extreme lows, which are more frequent and interfere with daily activities and sleep.
What will disqualify me from life insurance?
A few common examples of pre-existing conditions include high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and asthma. Previous injuries might be considered pre-existing conditions, depending on their severity and any lasting effects.
What disqualifies me for life insurance?
They can include engaging in risky hobbies and behaviors like skydiving; having a history of DUIs or speeding tickets; having a dangerous job like roofing; having a criminal record or a less than ideal financial history; being a smoker; and failing a drug test.
Can life insurance companies access mental health records?
Insurance companies can see mental health records, prescriptions you've filled, and much more when making their decision to approve or deny you. This information is used to determine your risk or rating class. The classification will determine how much you pay for the life of the policy.
What is end stage bipolar?
Individuals in this stage often experience severe challenges in daily functioning, marked by persistent and intense mood swings that may become increasingly difficult to manage. It's important to recognize the signs and symptoms associated with the end stage to provide appropriate support and care.
What is the most common cause of death in bipolar people?
Suicide is the cause of death that is most elevated in individuals with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia compared with the general population. Up-to-date estimates of suicide rates are important markers of the success of psychiatric care.
Will bipolar get worse with age?
Many experts consider bipolar disorder a progressive condition that worsens with age, especially without treatment. Some people notice changes in the frequency and severity of episodes as they age. Bipolar disorder (BD) causes extreme changes in a person's mood and energy, leading to emotional highs and lows.
Does bipolar show up on background check?
Benton Mobley, Director of Compliance for Active Screening, says he's never seen anything like a mental health record in the normal course of employment and/or tenant screening. It would have to be a criminal charge or be something else that is listed on a public index, like a criminal record or eviction(s) record(s).
Do I have to disclose my bipolar disorder?
Generally you would only disclose conditions that could affect your role, and which may warrant a consideration of adjustments. Employers expect honesty so if there is a reasonable probability that your mental health will impact on your ability to do your job then you should disclose it.
Is bipolar disorder a lifelong disability?
It is characterized by periods of manic activity punctuated by exceptionally bad periods of depression. Both the highs and lows of bipolar disorder are intense and can interfere with all aspects of your daily life. You can absolutely qualify for long term disability benefits due to bipolar disorder.
Why would I be declined for life insurance?
Medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease may disqualify you from coverage if your illness is life-threatening. If you've had cancer or are currently undergoing cancer treatment, your life insurance application may be denied until you've been in remission a certain number of years.
What illness does life insurance not cover?
Life insurance pays beneficiaries upon the insured's death, covering expenses like mortgages, education, and future income. Life insurance policies cover most causes of death, but exclusions such as suicide, dangerous or illegal activities, substance abuse, and misrepresentation can apply.
What reasons will life insurance not pay?
- Nonpayment of Premiums.
- Death during the Contestability Period.
- Misrepresentation on Application.
- Employer Failed to Submit a Disability Waiver of Premium.
- Problems with the Beneficiary.
- Policy was included in a Trust or a Will.
- Denials Due to Suicide Exclusion.
Which case is likely to be declined by a life insurer?
- Medical issues.
- Hazardous occupation.
- Financial reasons.
- Lifestyle choices.
- Lab results.
- Driving record.
- Criminal record.
- Foreign travel.
What makes a person uninsurable?
“Factors such as pre-existing medical conditions, age, occupation and lifestyle choices can contribute to a person being considered 'uninsurable' according to standard underwriting guidelines,” says Tarek El Ali, Founder of Smart Insurance Agents.
What disqualifies you from whole life insurance?
Pre-existing conditions – meaning any health issue or condition that existed before applying for coverage – are often considered high-risk by insurance companies and can lead to disqualification. Chronic conditions that require long-term medication or treatment can also impact eligibility.
What are bipolar facial features?
On a background of minor dysmorphologies of the upper face, maxilla, midface and periorbital region, the main features in bipolar disorder are (a) retrusion and shortening of the premaxilla, nose, philtrum, lips and mouth (the frontonasal prominences), with (b) protrusion and widening of the mandible-chin.
Does a bipolar person know they are bipolar?
Think of bipolar disorder as any other severe medical condition. However, also note that in many severe psychiatric conditions, patients may not be aware that they are ill. They may minimize the severity of their condition. The result of these factors may be that patients will not follow through on their treatment.
What is the dark side of bipolar disorder?
But it's more than just mood swings. The changes can be extreme, and episodes can last from days to months. Further, bipolar disorder is associated with the risk of suicide, Dr. Rudorfer said.