Life Insurance with Anxiety

Can I Get Life Insurance with Anxiety?

Yes — anxiety is one of the most common conditions declared on UK life insurance applications, and it is widely insurable. The outcome depends heavily on the severity of your anxiety, how long ago you experienced episodes, whether you are currently on medication, and whether the anxiety has been associated with any other mental health conditions.

Mild, well-managed anxiety — such as situational anxiety that has been treated and resolved — will often result in standard rates with no loading. More severe anxiety disorders, or anxiety associated with depression or other conditions, may attract a loading or specific exclusion.

How Does Anxiety Affect My Premium?

The impact on your premium depends on several factors:

• Severity: Mild anxiety (no hospitalisation, no medication, or medication successfully stopped) typically attracts no loading. More severe anxiety may attract a loading of 50–200%.
• Current status: Whether you are currently experiencing symptoms or are in a period of remission matters significantly. Stable conditions with no recent episodes are viewed more favourably.
• Medication: Being on medication is not necessarily negative — it shows the condition is being managed. The type and dose of medication matters.
• Associated conditions: Anxiety combined with depression, self-harm, or alcohol dependency typically attracts more significant underwriting consideration.

What Information Will the Insurer Ask For?

Insurers will typically ask about your anxiety history, including:

• When were you first diagnosed or treated?
• Have you had time off work due to anxiety?
• Are you currently taking medication? If so, what and at what dose?
• Have you ever been hospitalised due to a mental health condition?
• Have you had any suicidal ideation or attempts?
• When did you last have a significant anxiety episode?

Being honest and thorough is essential. Insurers access GP records at the point of claim — any non-disclosure can invalidate your policy.

Which Insurers Are Most Competitive?

Legal & General, Aviva and AIG are among the most competitive for anxiety-related applications. The key differentiator between insurers is how they assess the severity and frequency of anxiety episodes, whether medication is involved, and how long the condition has been stable.

The most competitive insurer for your specific profile can only be identified by comparing the whole market. Premiums vary significantly — sometimes by 30–40% — for the same applicant across different providers.

Can I Also Get Critical Illness Cover and Income Protection?

Critical illness cover is generally available for those with anxiety, as standard CIC policies do not cover mental health conditions themselves. The anxiety history will be assessed for general risk purposes but does not directly affect the covered conditions. A loading may apply depending on severity.

Income protection is where anxiety requires more careful consideration. Many IP policies exclude claims arising from mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression. Ensure you check whether the policy includes mental health cover — some insurers specifically include it; others exclude it as standard. An adviser can identify which insurers provide the best mental health income protection cover.

Tips for Applying with Anxiety

• Be fully transparent: Always disclose your full medical history. Non-disclosure is the most common reason for a declined claim — and insurers check medical records at the point of claim.
• Use a whole-of-market adviser: They know which insurers are most favourable for your condition and can submit your application to get the best available terms.
• Apply when well-controlled: If your condition is managed with medication, applying when your condition is stable and well-controlled gives the best chance of favourable terms.
• Don't self-reject: Many people assume they cannot get cover or will pay extortionate premiums. In the majority of cases, cover is available at reasonable cost.