Depression and Life Insurance
Last updated September 2026
Depression is common, and most people being treated for it qualify for standard or near-standard life insurance rates.
- Most people being treated for depression qualify for standard or near-standard rates.
- Stability — time since your last episode, consistent treatment — matters more than the diagnosis itself.
- Carriers vary meaningfully in how they underwrite mental health history, so comparing more than one helps.
How Underwriters Look at It
As with anxiety, stability is the key word. Underwriters look at how long you’ve been diagnosed, whether you’re currently in treatment (therapy, medication, or both), and whether there’s been any hospitalization or history of self-harm. A single well-managed episode years ago looks very different to an underwriter than an active, unstable presentation.
How Severity Is Assessed
Clinicians commonly use a screening tool called the PHQ-9 to gauge depression severity, which underwriters may see referenced in medical records:
| PHQ-9 Score | Severity |
|---|---|
| 0 – 4 | Minimal depression |
| 5 – 9 | Mild depression |
| 10 – 14 | Moderate depression |
| 15 – 19 | Moderately severe depression |
| 20 – 27 | Severe depression |
A standard clinical screening scale, not an insurance-specific tool. Underwriters weigh overall stability, treatment history, and hospitalization history far more than a single score.
What Can Help Your Rate
- Time since your last hospitalization or acute episode, if any
- Consistent medication and/or therapy engagement
- Being currently employed and functioning well day-to-day
- No co-occurring substance use or other mental health diagnoses
What to Expect When You Apply
Expect questions about diagnosis history, current treatment, and any hospitalizations. Carriers vary meaningfully in how they underwrite mental health history, so a decline or a higher rate from one company doesn’t necessarily reflect what another would offer.
This is general education, not medical advice, and it doesn't guarantee a specific rate class or approval. Underwriting depends on your full health history and the guidelines of the insurer you apply with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get life insurance if you have depression?
Yes. Most people being treated for depression, especially with a stable and consistent treatment history, qualify for standard or near-standard rates.
Does a past hospitalization for depression rule out coverage?
No, but it will be reviewed more closely. More time elapsed since the hospitalization with no recurrence generally improves your outcome.
Will my therapist's notes be requested?
For more significant history, carriers may request records from your treating providers. For routine, stable, well-documented cases, this is less common.
What if I was declined due to a mental health history?
Appetite varies a lot by carrier for mental health history — a decline from one company doesn't mean every company will decline you.
Further Reading
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