Life insurance and mental health: what you need to know
What you need to know about mental health and cover
- Understand your duty to disclose mental health history accurately to the insurer.
- Learn the specific questions insurers will ask about your diagnosis and treatment.
- See the range of possible underwriting outcomes, from standard rates to declines.
- Find out where to seek specialist support if you are struggling or feel unfairly treated.
Your duty to take reasonable care
When applying for life insurance in the UK, you are governed by the Consumer Insurance (Disclosure and Representations) Act 2012. This legislation requires you to take reasonable care not to make a misrepresentation when answering questions from your insurer. This is particularly important for mental health, where details about history, symptoms, and treatment are essential for the insurer to assess risk accurately. [6]
If you fail to disclose a mental health condition or provide inaccurate information, the insurer may be able to reduce the amount they pay out on a claim or cancel your policy entirely. This "duty of disclosure" applies to both new applications and when you are increasing or changing cover on an existing policy. It is always better to be honest and provide too much information than to leave something out, even if you feel the information is sensitive or private.
MoneyHelper notes that insurers cannot ask generic questions like "tell us about your health"; they must ask specific, clear questions. However, if they ask about mental health, you must respond with all relevant facts. This includes historical diagnoses, even if you are currently symptom-free or no longer taking medication, provided the question covers that timeframe. Many people worry that disclosure leads to immediate rejection, but in practice, insurers are often able to offer cover once they understand the full context of a person’s health journey.
What insurers will ask you
Insurers use a process called underwriting to decide whether to offer you cover and at what price. For mental health, their questions are designed to gauge the "stability" and "severity" of your condition. They are not judging you; they are using actuarial data to predict the likelihood of a claim. The ABI (Association of British Insurers) provides guidance to firms on how to handle these applications fairly and sensitively. [1]
Typical questions you might face include:
- What is the specific diagnosis? (e.g., Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD)
- When were you diagnosed, and when was your most recent episode or symptom?
- What treatment are you receiving? (e.g., Medication, counselling, or psychiatric care)
- Have you ever had time off work due to your mental health?
- Have you ever been hospitalised or seen a specialist for your condition?
- Is there any history of self-harm or suicidal thoughts/attempts?
The last point is handled with particular sensitivity. Insurers will often look at the time elapsed since such an event. If it was many years ago and you have been stable since, it may have a minimal impact on your application compared to a recent event. Mind highlights that you can ask your GP for a summary of your records to ensure the dates and details you give the insurer are exact. [2]
Possible underwriting outcomes
Once you have provided your details, the insurer will categorize your application. According to the ABI, mental health conditions do not mean a "decline" is inevitable. In fact, many people with well-managed conditions like mild depression or anxiety receive cover at standard rates. The table below illustrates how different factors might influence the final decision.
| Condition Severity | Likely Outcome | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Mild / Well-managed | Standard Rates | Low impact on long-term mortality risk |
| Moderate / Recent symptoms | Loading (Higher premium) | Reflects increased statistical risk of complications |
| Severe / Hospitalisation | Postponement | Insurer waits for a period of stability (e.g. 1-2 years) |
| Chronic / High-risk history | Exclusion or Decline | Specific risks cannot be covered under standard terms |
A "loading" means your premium will be higher than the standard rate offered to someone without a medical history. An "exclusion" means the policy will pay out for most causes of death but not for suicide or related events. A "postponement" is not a final no; the insurer simply wants to see a longer period of stability before they can offer terms. If you are declined, it is often worth speaking to a specialist broker who understands which insurers are more "mental-health friendly" for your specific diagnosis.
The importance of medical evidence
In many cases, the insurer will request a GP report (GPR) to verify the information you have provided. This is a standard part of the process and does not necessarily mean they are suspicious. It allows them to see the clinical notes regarding your treatment and progress. Under the Access to Medical Reports Act 1988, you have the right to see this report before it is sent to the insurer.
You can also provide additional context. If your mental health was triggered by a specific life event (such as a bereavement or divorce) and you have since recovered, explaining this context can help the underwriter understand that the risk may be situational rather than chronic. The FCA’s guidance on vulnerable customers emphasizes that firms should take a holistic view and ensure they are not penalising customers for health issues beyond their control. [5]
| Point | Value |
|---|---|
| Cancer | 40% — Highest |
| Heart / Circulatory | 20% |
| Mental Health | 12% — Significant |
| Other | 28% |
Where to get support and help
Applying for life insurance while managing a mental health condition can feel stressful or stigmatising. It is important to remember that you are not alone, and help is available. If you feel that the application process is triggering or overwhelming, you should pause and speak to a professional. The Samaritans provide a safe place to talk 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, about whatever you are going through. You can call them for free on 116 123. [3]
Mind also offers extensive resources on insurance, helping you understand your rights and how to navigate the system. They provide advice on how to handle disclosure and what to do if you feel you have been discriminated against. Remember, insurance is a financial contract, and while it feels personal, the decisions are based on data. If you are unhappy with an insurer’s decision or how you were treated, you have the right to complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service. [8]
The Financial Ombudsman Service is an independent body that settles disputes between consumers and financial firms. If an insurer has unfairly loaded your premium or declined you without a sound actuarial basis, the Ombudsman can investigate and order the firm to put things right. This service is free for consumers to use.
Example of an application with a mental health history
Fictional case: Sarah, age 35, applying for £250,000 of term life insurance. She has a history of moderate anxiety diagnosed 4 years ago. No prices are shown as real costs depend on individual underwriting.
- Initial Disclosure
- Sarah disclosed anxiety and a 6-month period of medication.
- Insurer Request
- Requested a GP report to confirm stability and end of treatment.
- Medical Evidence
- GP confirmed Sarah has been symptom-free for 2 years.
- Underwriting Decision
- Policy offered at standard rates with no exclusions.
Because Sarah was honest about her history and had a clear period of stability, she was able to secure full cover without any extra cost. This demonstrates the benefit of accurate disclosure and the fact that a history of anxiety does not always lead to higher premiums.
I often see clients who are terrified that their history of depression will make them uninsurable. In reality, the UK market is very sophisticated. The key is to be open from the start. If one insurer says no, another might say yes. Using a broker who can "pre-market" your application anonymously to different underwriters is often the best way to find a fair price without multiple hard searches on your record.
Common questions
Can I get life insurance if I have a history of depression or anxiety?
Yes, the vast majority of people with a history of depression or anxiety can successfully obtain life insurance in the UK. Insurers will ask about the severity, frequency, and treatment of your condition. If your symptoms are mild or you have been stable for a significant period (typically 1-2 years), you may even be offered "standard rates," meaning you pay the same as someone without a mental health history. For more recent or severe cases, you might face a "loading" (a price increase) or a temporary postponement while the insurer waits for more evidence of stability. The ABI and Mind both emphasize that mental health should not be a barrier to protection, provided you are honest during the application process. It is always worth comparing multiple insurers, as their underwriting criteria can vary significantly.
Do I have to tell the insurer about my mental health history?
Yes, you must disclose your mental health history if the insurer asks for it. Under the Consumer Insurance (Disclosure and Representations) Act 2012, you have a legal duty to take reasonable care not to make a misrepresentation. This means answering all questions honestly and accurately to the best of your knowledge. If you fail to disclose a condition—even if you think it is minor—and it later comes to light during a claim, the insurer could refuse to pay out the lump sum to your family. This "non-disclosure" is one of the most common reasons for claims being rejected. If you are unsure whether something is relevant, it is always safer to disclose it and let the insurer decide if it affects the policy terms.
Will my premiums be higher because of a mental health condition?
Not necessarily. Many people with well-managed mental health conditions are offered insurance at standard rates. However, if your condition is considered moderate to severe, or if you have had recent episodes, the insurer may apply a "loading" to your premium. This is a percentage increase added to the base cost to reflect the statistical increase in risk. The amount of loading depends on the insurer’s specific underwriting manual. For example, one insurer might add 25% to the premium, while another might offer standard rates for the same condition. This is why it is beneficial to use a specialist broker who can research the market for you. According to the ABI, insurers are committed to fair treatment and must base their pricing decisions on sound actuarial data or medical evidence.
Can I be refused life insurance because of self-harm or suicide attempts?
It is possible to be refused, but it is not a certainty. Insurers take a history of self-harm or suicide attempts very seriously, but they also consider how much time has passed since the event. If the incident occurred many years ago and you have been stable and under regular medical supervision since then, many insurers will still consider your application. You might face a "suicide exclusion" for the first year or two of the policy, or a permanent exclusion for that specific cause of death. If the event was recent (typically within the last 1-3 years), the insurer may "postpone" your application. This means they cannot offer cover right now but invite you to reapply once a longer period of stability has been established. Specialist insurers often have more flexible criteria for high-risk histories.
What should I do if my application is declined?
If you are declined, do not panic. A decline from one insurer does not mean you are uninsurable across the entire market. First, ask the insurer for the specific reason for the decline; they are usually willing to provide a high-level explanation. Next, check your medical records to ensure the information they based their decision on is accurate. You can then approach a specialist protection broker. These experts have access to "niche" insurers who specialise in covering people with pre-existing medical conditions, including complex mental health histories. They can also speak to underwriters directly to argue your case. Finally, if you feel you have been treated unfairly or that the decision was discriminatory, you can follow the firm’s formal complaints process and eventually escalate the matter to the Financial Ombudsman Service for an independent review.
How does the Financial Ombudsman help with mental health insurance disputes?
The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) is a free, independent body that resolves disputes between consumers and financial businesses. If you believe an insurer has unfairly rejected your application, loaded your premium excessively, or handled your mental health disclosure insensitively, you can take your case to them. The FOS will look at whether the insurer followed the law (such as the Equality Act 2010 and CIDRA 2012) and whether they acted "fairly and reasonably" in the circumstances. They will often require the insurer to prove that their decision was based on credible evidence rather than stigma or outdated assumptions. If the Ombudsman finds in your favour, they can instruct the insurer to change their decision, offer a policy, or pay compensation for any distress caused. It is a vital safeguard for consumers navigating the insurance market.
Related guides
Sources
- ABI — Mental health and insurance guidance (2024-03-12)
- Mind — Insurance and mental health (2023-11-05)
- Samaritans — Contact us (2024-01-01)
- ABI — Individual protection claims paid in 2025 (2026-05-15)
- FCA — Guidance on the fair treatment of vulnerable customers (2021-02-23)
- Legislation.gov.uk — Consumer Insurance (Disclosure and Representations) Act 2012 (2012-03-08)
- NHS England — Adult Mental Health Statistics (2024-10-20)
- Financial Ombudsman Service — Complaints about insurance (2024-06-10)