Is Mental Health Covered by Income Protection?
Yes – mental health conditions can be covered by income protection. Policies generally cover inability to work due to mental health conditions on the same basis as physical conditions: own occupation, suited occupation, or any occupation.
How History of Mental Health Affects Applications
If you have a history of mental health conditions, insurers will assess it individually. Common outcomes:
| History | Typical Outcome |
|---|---|
| Single episode of mild anxiety/depression, fully resolved, 2+ years ago, no medication | Standard terms |
| Mild anxiety, on low-dose medication, working normally | Mental health exclusion or small loading |
| Multiple episodes or hospitalisation | Mental health exclusion |
| Current severe depression, recent time off work | Possible decline or postponement |
Mental health exclusion: If you receive an exclusion for mental health, you are still covered for all physical conditions including cancer, heart attack, back injury, and accidents. It is still worth having.
Mental Health Claims
Mental health is the second most common reason for IP claims in the UK (after musculoskeletal). If your policy covers it, you can claim for conditions including:
- Clinical depression preventing you working
- Severe anxiety disorders
- PTSD
- Burnout and work-related stress (if a diagnosable condition)
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes if covered. Past history may cause exclusion, but physical conditions still covered.
Usually yes. Mild/resolved: standard or exclusion. Severe: exclusion likely but still coverable.