Life Insurance with a history of psychiatric disorders
Some background
If you have a history of mental health issues, it could cause some challenges when trying to arrange life insurance cover, critical illness or income protection cover.
We have helped hundreds of clients arrange cover who have a history of mental health issues. Last year we dealt with 17 insurers. They are all different and will underwrite in a different way. Specialist advice is essential to avoid paying more than you need to and to ensure you get the best deal possible, given your circumstances.
When applying for life insurance, critical illness or income protection cover you will be asked questions about the severity of the condition, when you last had symptoms, medication and treatment. In many cases we have been able to help people secure life insurance cover on standard terms (no additional costs on top of the basic premium).
In some cases when the symptoms have been more severe, eg suicide attempts, bi-polar disorder or schizophrenia, the insurer is likely to request additional information from the GP / psychiatrist before issuing a definite offer. This offer may well be subject to a ‘loading’ (which means there will be an additional amount added to the original quote).
In the case of critical illness or income protection an offer of cover it may result in an exclusion being applied to any claim related to mental health disorders (although this isn’t always the case).
Mental disorders include a wide range of problems, including. Anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD), and phobias. Bipolar disorder and depression.
Case study – arranging life cover with a history of mental health treatment.
If, once you’ve read this case study, you’d like to talk through your situation, please call 0800 644 4468 – Monday to Thursday from 09.00 to 19.00 and on Friday between 09.00 and 17.00.
Or, if you would rather arrange a specific time that suits you best click here:
We were recently contacted by Ms D, a 55 year old non-smoker, who said she was hoping to arrange some life insurance cover.
She told us her existing policy would be expiring soon and she wanted to replace it so that her family would continue to be protected if she passed away.
She was concerned that with her previous history of mental health treatment that she would struggle to get cover. Ms D suffers from Anxiety and has had a history of several attacks that led to her referral to a psychiatrist as part of her treatment. This treatment proved successful and she lives a full life where ongoing medication is enough to manage her condition.
Ms D had searched on the internet and found that she some application she made were either declined outright, or the insurer required long medical reports to be provided due to her history.
Our process
When a client has a pre-existing condition, or has suffered a serious illness in the past, the first thing we do is pick up the phone. We speak to Underwriters at many of the UK’s leading Insurance companies. Discussing all of our client’s medical history helps us to identify the best company to apply to. This also means we avoid applying to companies who will end up being too expensive or worse, decline an application. By completing our research thoroughly, we are able to avoid wasting time and obtain the best terms possible for our clients.
A positive outcome
- Our client was delighted when we were able to arrange a new policy, with one of the UK’s leading insurers within 20 minutes of her contacting us!
- Her application was accepted immediately, without any change in price.
- Without any special terms or exclusions being applied.
- Without the need for additional medical evidence from her GP.
Interested in related stories?
- The Benefits of an Index-Linked Life Insurance policy
- Life Insurance and a history of Mental Health Issues
- What is terminal illness benefit?
- Watch our short video about why a life insurance trust is so important.
- How does terminal illness and critical illness cover differ?
- What Questions will I be asked when i speak to an adviser about Life Insurance?
Next steps
Whilst you are welcome to get a quote on-line we would recommend you talk to one of our advisers.
Any quote that your adviser provides you with will take into account to your circumstances, your medical history, as well as your budget!
An on-line quote is just that – a quote – it isn’t a definite offer of cover. What really matters is the premium you are offered, after your application has been assessed.
Call Freephone 0800 644 4468 – Monday to Thursday from 09.00 to 19.00 and on Friday between 09.00 and 17.00.
Please feel free to read our Independent client reviews, or read about the team at Future Proof.
Call me backTake a look at our handy guides ‘What Cover is Right for me?’
Do you suffer with a medical condition and concerned you can’t secure Life Insurance? Please view our ‘Medical Guides’ for further information.
Whilst we will make every endeavour to help someone to arrange insurance, there is no guarantee of success. All applications are subject to underwriting.
