---
title: Life Insurance With Depression and anxiety: Can You Qualify?
url: https://coverfolk.com/health/depression-anxiety
updated: 2026-10-08
---

# Life insurance with depression and anxiety

Yes. Policygenius rates depression and anxiety as low impact on life insurance prices. Steady treatment and no recent hospital stays help the most.

[What insurers look at](#looks)

Updated October 8, 20265 sources[Fact checked](/editorial-standards)

The short answer

Yes. Policygenius rates depression and anxiety as low impact on life insurance prices. Steady treatment and no recent hospital stays help the most.

**About 13.1% of people age 12 and older had depression in the past 2 weeks (2021 to 2023). About 19.1% of US adults had an anxiety disorder in the past year (from a 2001 to 2003 survey).**[Source: CDC NCHS: Depression Prevalence in Adolescents and Adults, August 2021 to August 2023](https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db527.htm)

Depression and anxiety are common. The CDC says about 13.1% of people 12 and older had depression in a recent 2 week period. Policygenius rates both as low impact on life insurance prices.

Insurers look at how severe your condition is and whether it affects your work. Fewer medicines and a steady plan help. Insurers usually want 6 months to a year of steady treatment. A mental health hospital stay often means the insurer will wait at least a year before offering coverage.

Short term issues after a big life event, like depression after having a baby, are unlikely to affect your application, per Policygenius. You should still list them. Policygenius says Corebridge is not the best pick for mental health conditions.

## What insurers look at

* How severe it is and whether it affects work or daily life
* Your medicines, how many, and if they change often
* Any hospital stay for mental health (Policygenius says within a year can mean a no)
* How long your treatment has been steady (Policygenius says 6 months to 1 year)
* Any past suicide attempt
* Whether you are working or on disability

## Coverage that may fit

**Term life**

The usual fit. Policygenius names the Banner Life family as a top pick for anxiety and depression.

**Simplified issue**

No exam, but you answer health questions. Coverage often reaches about $50,000, and you can still be turned down for serious conditions. Can work if your condition is mild and steady.

**Guaranteed issue**

For people who cannot pass health questions. There is no exam and no health questions, coverage tops out around $25,000, and the price is high. Mutual of Omaha sells it to people 45 and older, per Policygenius. Most have a waiting period, often 2 years, before the full amount pays for a natural death (Policygenius, graded death benefit). A fallback if you were recently in the hospital or were turned down.

## Common questions

Will taking an antidepressant hurt my rate?

Not by itself. Insurers prefer fewer medicines and a steady plan.

What if I was in the hospital?

Insurers often wait at least a year after a mental health hospital stay.

Do I have to share therapy visits?

Yes, if asked. Forms ask if you are getting therapy now. Leaving out facts can put a claim at risk.

## Sources

1. [CDC NCHS: Depression Prevalence in Adolescents and Adults, August 2021 to August 2023](https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db527.htm)
2. [NIMH (NIH): Any Anxiety Disorder](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-anxiety-disorder)
3. [Policygenius: Life Insurance and Mental Health](https://www.policygenius.com/life-insurance/mental-health/)
4. [Policygenius: Can You Buy Life Insurance With Pre-Existing Conditions?](https://www.policygenius.com/life-insurance/pre-existing-conditions/)
5. [NerdWallet: How to Get Life Insurance With Pre-Existing Conditions](https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/life-insurance-cancer)

General information, not medical advice. Insurer rules change. An agent can tell you which companies treat your condition best.