What is considered a mental disorder for life insurance?

Asked by: Dr. Adonis Borer  |  Last update: April 23, 2023
Score: 4.2/5 (24 votes)

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.

What is a mental disorder for life insurance?

Someone diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, can likely get approved for life insurance. Just like with other mental health conditions, an underwriter will review your medical history and answers to the health questions on your application.

Can you be denied life insurance for mental illness?

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 a mental disorder for life insurance?

Anxiety is a common medical condition, but it can affect your life insurance rates or even your ability to get a life insurance policy. While it's still possible to get covered — especially if your anxiety is well-controlled — you may be forced to pay higher premiums for coverage.

Does a mental health diagnosis impact life insurance?

Can you qualify for life insurance if you have a mental health condition? It's unlikely you'll be denied life insurance coverage just because you have a mental health condition. You may pay more with some insurers, but others might offer you their most affordable premiums.

The Problem With Life Insurance And Mental Health

28 related questions found

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.

Can you get life insurance with history of depression?

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.

Is depression covered under insurance?

Yes. Depression and hypertension are covered under health insurance plans in India. Insurance companies in India provide financial assistance to the policyholder to pay for the treatment cost of depression and hypertension. Since depression is a type of mental illness, it is covered by a mental health insurance plan.

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 I get life insurance if I have schizophrenia?

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 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.

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 ADHD affect life insurance rates?

Having Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and getting life insurance is definitely possible, as having ADHD doesn't disqualify you. As with any medical condition, there are factors that insurance companies will use to determine policy rates for each type of life insurance.

Does PTSD diagnosis 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.

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.

Is anxiety pre-existing condition for insurance?

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.

What should a mental health policy include?

Examples of mental health policy elements include how you'll aim to: Treat mental health problems seriously. Identify issues and work with the employee to resolve them. Support all staff faced with mental health issues.

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.

Is OCD a pre-existing condition?

Alcohol or drug abuse, Crohn's disease and celiac disease all also have a history of being classified as pre-existing conditions. Along with Alzheimer's, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, kidney disease, lupus, obsessive-compulsive disorder, multiple sclerosis, organ transplant, Parkinson's disease, and strokes.

What are 3 reasons you may be denied from having life insurance?

Why Do Life Insurance Claims Get Denied?
  • Failure to Disclose a Medical Condition or Other Pertinent Information. ...
  • Life Insurance Premiums Were Not Paid. ...
  • Outliving a Term Life Insurance Policy. ...
  • A Death by Suicide. ...
  • Making a Life Insurance Claim.

What are 3 factors that may affect your life insurance premium?

8 Factors That Affect Life Insurance Premiums
  • Age. Your date of birth is the top factor affecting your life insurance premium. ...
  • Gender. Women tend to live longer than men. ...
  • Health History. ...
  • Family Health History. ...
  • Smoking. ...
  • Hobbies. ...
  • Occupation. ...
  • The Policy.

Does taking 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.

Is ADHD a mental illness for 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 prescription affect life insurance?

Can your prescription history affect life insurance approval? Yes, your prescription history does play a role in whether you're approved for life insurance.

Do you have to declare antidepressants on life insurance?

If you haven't had any issues with depression in the past 5 years, which means no treatment or symptoms, then you won't need to declare it. If you have had symptoms or treatment for depression then you'll need to declare it as a pre-existing medical condition.