It may seem like a daunting task to find life insurance if you have a diagnosis of depression. Not only can it be a stressful process but for some, discussing past symptoms and their condition may feel uncomfortable.
Finding comprehensive and suitable life insurance for depression is becoming more accessible. However, when you begin looking for the right policy for you, it is best to know what information insurers require and what to expect.
Depression is a mental health condition that is defined by low mood which lasts for a period of time and affects daily life.
If you are given a diagnosis of depression, it is likely that your doctor will categorise it as mild, moderate and severe depending on your symptoms. This may also determine what treatment is given to support depression.
Mild depression will often look like feeling low, more regularly which makes everyday tasks more difficult. At its most severe, depression can be life threatening as it can make the sufferer feel suicidal.
If you have a diagnosis of depression, you are able to get life insurance from a wide range of insurance providers.
However, it is important to note that in your life insurance application, you will likely have to give more detail about your condition, and they may require further evidence, such as a medical report from your GP. This may include questions about self-harm and suicidal ideation.
Life insurance with depression may be more expensive, however each insurer is different, so this is dependent on them.
Depression is a type of mental health condition / mental illness. Depression affects people in a variety of ways and most experience different symptoms. They range from long-term unhappiness and hopelessness, to lacking energy and losing interest in the things they used to enjoy. Depression is far more complicated and serious than just feeling sad for a couple of days.
Some examples of what is classed as depression:
If you’re experiencing depression or any mental health condition, it’s important to get a diagnosis from your GP. You can use this information when applying for life insurance.
If you have a diagnosis of depression prior to or at the time of your life insurance application, it is considered to be a pre-existing medical condition. This means insurers will want to know more details about the condition, this is to help them determine the level of risk and cover required.
It is important to be accurate and detailed when providing information to life insurance providers. Failure to inform your insurer of a depression diagnosis could impact on future claims, in some cases, your policy may be voided.
Life insurance providers will request a range of information about your lifestyle and medical history when you apply for insurance. This is to help them gain an initial understanding of what cover you may need.
Questions they will typically ask include your height, your weight, your job, family history and your medical history.
If you have depression, it is likely you will be asked a range of questions specific to your mental health condition. This can help insurers to estimate how likely you are to claim and determine your life insurance premium. This may differ for each insurers, but these questions can include:
In regard to how severe your depression or mental health condition is, you will potentially be asked about symptoms you experience. This may reference self-harm and suicidal ideation.
I’m Insured are an independent insurance broker with specialist knowledge and experience in life insurance for people who suffer with depression 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.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-health-helplines/
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 helpines:
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.
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)
Support and advice for those living with mental illness.
Phone: 0300 5000 927 (Moday to Friday, 9:30am to 4pm)
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)
This charity provides a confidential helpline to support people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
Phone: 116 123 (free 24 hour helpline)
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)
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