Looking and applying for life insurance with bipolar disorder can feel like an intimidating and stressful experience. For those with bipolar disorder, it may not feel comfortable to disclose information about the condition.
However, getting life insurance with mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, is becoming more accessible. However, it is important to be prepared for what questions insurance providers may ask you and what you should know when applying.
Bipolar disorder is defined as a mental health condition which primarily affects a person’s mood. There will be times where a person experiences manic episodes (feeling high) or depressive episodes (feeling low).
Changes in mood for people with bipolar can be extremely distressing and have a detrimental impact on day-to-day life. Treatment can include a combination of therapy and a range of medication.
The two most common types of bipolar disorder are bipolar 1 and bipolar 2. The key difference in these conditions is the severity of manic episodes. A person with bipolar 1 is more likely to experience a full manic episode but may not experience a major depressive episode. Someone diagnosed with bipolar 2 is more likely to experience a major depressive episode and to experience (less severe manic episodes).
It is possible to get life insurance with bipolar disorder with many insurance providers. Similar to life insurance with depression or anxiety, it can depend on the severity of your symptoms and treatment for the condition.
In most cases, the life insurance provider will request more details about your condition and may require further evidence, such as a medical report from a GP. You may be asked questions about self-harm or suicide attempts.
It is important to note that life insurance with bipolar disorder is likely to have higher premiums, however, this can be different for each insurer and individual.
If you have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder prior to or at the time of your application for life insurance, it is considered to be a pre-existing medical condition.
As with all pre-existing medical conditions, life insurance providers will want to know further details about the condition and its severity. This is to help them assess how likely you are to make a claim, and for them to determine the cost of your cover accordingly.
You may not want to disclose information about your condition, however, failure to inform your insurance provider of an existing diagnosis of bipolar condition could affect future claims. It is important to be as accurate as you can in this application, especially when including specific dates relevant to your condition.
Providing information about your lifestyle and medical conditions is common when applying for life insurance. Each provider is different, but questions they may ask typically include your height, weight, smoker status, family medical history and your occupation.
In regard to bipolar disorder, a life insurance provider may ask for more specific details. While this can differ for each life insurance provider, these questions may include:
Additional information that insurers may request to support your application can include a GP report, which will detail treatment you have received for bipolar disorder. Insurance providers will ask for your consent before they can obtain this report.
This information will help to determine the cost of cover; if you experience regular, severe symptoms, the cost may be higher for bipolar life insurance may be higher. If you do have a history of more severe symptoms, which can include suicide attempts, your application could be declined.
I’m Insured are an independent insurance broker with specialist knowledge and experience in life insurance for people who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions.
If you’d like specialist support with your life insurance application, can get a free quote online, and our expert team will be in touch to help you find the best and most suitable cover for you.
Alternatively, you can get in touch with our friendly and professional team through our website or by calling us on 0800 334 5980.
We understand that the topic of mental health conditions can be distressing for many people. If you need further support, there are many mental health charities who have useful resources and helplines:
NHS Urgent Helpline
If you require urgent support, there are NHS urgent mental health helplines which run 24 hours. Support for this can be accessed through their website.
Bipolar UK
This charity provides support for those living with manic depression or bipolar disorder.
Website: www.bipolaruk.org.uk
CALM
The Campaign Against Living Miserably is designed to support men aged between 15 and 35 who are struggling with their mental health.
Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (daily, from 5pm to midnight)
Mind
The UK-based charity which promotes the views and needs of people who suffer with mental health issues. They provide very useful and informative resources on mental health conditions.
Phone: 0300 1212 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm)
Samaritans
This charity provides a confidential helpline to support people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)
Young Minds
Providing information on child and adolescent mental health. This service is for parents and professionals.
Phone: Parents’ helpline 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 5pm)
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-health-helplines/
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