Mental Health and Life Insurance
It is often possible to obtain life cover if you suffer from a mental illness. It may also be possible to obtain critical illness cover and income protection.
We appreciate that mental health issues can be difficult. We are sympathetic towards clients with mental health issues and we are keen to help wherever possible.
If you have suffered from mental health issues, the chances of obtaining life cover could be greater than you might think; so it's best not to assume the outcome and ask an expert instead.
Please see our Mental Health Case Studies including Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Alcohol Dependency and Schizophrenia.
Tips when applying for Life Insurance
Medications
Life companies will enquire into your medications (usually by asking your GP). Being on medication does not mean that your application for life cover will be declined. Life companies are looking for some stability in symptoms and recognise the role of medications in achieving this.
“The Suicide Question”
One of the questions the insurance companies will ask is whether the applicant has previously attempted suicide. Obviously it is important to be truthful, especially as the life company will check with your GP. Just because someone has previously attempted suicide does not mean that they will automatically be declined.
Alcohol
Heavier drinking can often be associated with mental health issues such as depression. It is important to be truthful when asked questions about alcohol (past and present) as the life company will check with your GP.
If you have previously been diagnosed as “alcohol dependent” and subsequently gave up drinking alcohol a few years ago, it may still be possible to obtain life cover.
On A Positive Note
While it is true that not everyone with a mental health problem can obtain life cover, the good news is that many can. Furthermore, in many cases, the cost of cover can be cheaper than for some other (non mental) health conditions.
Please see our Mental Health Case Studies including Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Alcohol Dependency and Schizophrenia.
