Life insurance is a powerful tool. It’s a means of ensuring that your loved ones are taken care of even after you’re gone. Can you apply for a life insurance policy if you have a mental health condition? The short answer is yes.
When purchasing life insurance coverage, your health history is a big factor in whether you are approved and at what rate. Included in your health history is any diagnosis for a mental illness or mental health condition. While having a mental health condition does not automatically disqualify you for life insurance, it may require more documentation from your doctor, including medication requirements. This is why life insurance coverage and rates are unique to your situation and lifestyle.
When applying for life insurance, part of the underwriting process is to evaluate both your mental and physical health. This is done initially by answering specific questions on the life insurance application. While question format can vary, you can expect questions like:
- When were you diagnosed with your mental health condition?
- What severity is your mental health diagnosis (mild to severe)?
- Have you been hospitalized for it in the last 12 months?
- What is the frequency of your episodes and when was the last one?
- Do your symptoms affect your ability to perform daily living tasks?
- Do you currently have a treatment plan and are you following it?
Certain mental health conditions that have a higher likelihood of suicide such as severe anxiety or depression, schizophrenia, and OCD, may result in higher life insurance premiums than other mental illnesses. Seeing a mental health professional may help increase your chances of being approved for life insurance at a better rate, especially if you are following the treatment plan, have not been hospitalized recently, and have a consistent employment history.
You should never lie about anything on a life insurance application, especially a mental health diagnosis. Life insurance underwriters use databases like the Medical Information Bureau (MIB) to confirm the medical information you supplied. If it is found you lied on the application, it is considered insurance fraud and could carry serious consequences. Lying is also disclosed to the MIB, which can be found by other insurance companies if you apply for coverage in the future.
Life insurance is important. It represents a safety net for your loved ones and those you care about the most. Even though suffering a mental illness could make it harder to get life insurance, you should still consider finding a plan that works for you. A life insurance agent at Bassler & Co. Insurance Agency can help you get the life insurance you need, even with a history of anxiety or depression. Call us at (847) 480-0800 or visit our website at http://www.basslerins.com/.
Source: https://www.psychreg.org/life-insurance-mental-health-condition/ https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/life-insurance/best-life-insurance-with-mental-health-history/