Life Insurance And Antidepressants: What You Need To Know

Taking antidepressants is a common pre-existing condition that can impact your life insurance application. Life insurance companies are in the business of assessing risk, so they will want to know about your mental health history and current prescriptions. This information will help them evaluate your application and determine your premiums. It's important to be honest and forthcoming when disclosing your medical history. While taking antidepressants may affect your life insurance premiums, most people who take them can still obtain traditional life insurance policies at competitive rates.

Type of Antidepressant

The type of antidepressant you are taking will impact your life insurance application. Underwriters will want to know the specific type of antidepressant, the dosage, how often you take it, and when you were first prescribed the medication.

There are six primary categories of antidepressants:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) – Usually the first type of antidepressant prescribed. SSRIs generally have fewer side effects than other classes of antidepressants. Examples include Prozac, Selfemra, Paxil, Pexeva, Zoloft, Celexa, and Lexapro.
• Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) – Examples include Cymbalta, Effexor XR, Pristiq, Khedezla, and Fetzima.
• Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs) – Examples include Wellbutrin, Aplenzin, and Forfivo XL.
• Atypical antidepressants – This category of antidepressants does not fit into another category. They are often sedating and taken in the evening. Examples include Oleptro, Remeron, Brintellix, and Viibryd.
• Tricyclic antidepressants – This class of antidepressants is typically prescribed only after SSRIs have been tried first. They are known to cause more side effects than other classes. Examples include Tofranil, Pamelor, Surmontil, Norpramin, and Vivactil.
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) – MAOIs are typically prescribed only when other antidepressants have been confirmed to be ineffective. They require a strict diet due to the potential for serious interactions and cannot be combined with SSRIs. Examples include Parnate, Nardil, Marplan, and Emsam.

The specific type of antidepressant you are taking will impact the underwriter's assessment of your application. For example, SSRIs usually have fewer side effects than MAOIs. Therefore, it is important to be prepared to communicate the following information:

• The specific antidepressant(s) you are prescribed
• How long ago you were prescribed the antidepressant
• The dosage you take
• How often you take the antidepressant

Diagnosis

To be prescribed antidepressants, you must first be diagnosed with a depressive disorder by a licensed healthcare professional. This usually involves an evaluation of your mental health, during which the healthcare professional will determine the type of depression you are experiencing. The diagnosis will fall into one of several categories, including:

• Major Depressive Disorder (Clinical Depression)
• Persistent Depressive Disorder
• Bipolar Disorder
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Each category of depression has its own set of symptoms and characteristics, which helps healthcare professionals determine the appropriate treatment plan. For example, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) typically emerges during the fall and winter months when the days get shorter, and is often treated with light therapy. On the other hand, Major Depressive Disorder (Clinical Depression) is characterised by an all-consuming dark mood, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite and sleep habits, and is usually treated with a combination of medication and counselling.

Once a diagnosis is made, the healthcare professional will determine the appropriate treatment plan, which may include antidepressant medication. It is important to note that antidepressants are just one part of the treatment for depression and should be used in conjunction with other therapies such as counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy. Additionally, antidepressants can take several weeks to start working and may cause side effects, so it is crucial to closely monitor their effects and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

When applying for life insurance, individuals taking antidepressants may be asked a series of questions about their diagnosis, including the specific type of depression they have been diagnosed with, when the diagnosis was made, the severity of their symptoms, and any other treatments they are undergoing. Insurance companies use this information to assess the risk associated with the applicant's depression and determine their eligibility for coverage. It is important to be honest and forthcoming when providing this information, as it can impact the outcome of the application.

Symptoms

• Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or irritability
• Angry outbursts
• Slowed thinking or body movements
• Inability to concentrate
• Unexplained physical symptoms such as headaches or backaches
• Changes in appetite and sleep habits
• Loss of interest in activities
• Lack of energy or fatigue
• Anxiety
• Weight change
• Feelings of guilt

The underwriter will also want to know how these symptoms affect your daily life and your ability to function. For example, they may ask if you are on disability or unable to work due to your symptoms.

It's important to be honest and forthcoming about your symptoms when applying for life insurance. Providing detailed information about your symptoms and their impact on your life can help the underwriter assess your application more accurately and potentially improve your chances of getting coverage.

Hospitalization

If you have been hospitalized due to depression or have attempted suicide, underwriters will want to know the outcome of these events. You will be asked a series of questions about your experience, including:

• Have you ever required hospitalization? If so, what was the outcome?
• Were you ever admitted to the Emergency Room? If so, what was the outcome?
• Have you attempted suicide? If so, when and how many times?

It is important to be honest and forthcoming when answering these questions, as it can impact your life insurance rates and coverage options. Providing detailed and comprehensive information can increase your chances of getting the best life insurance rates and finding a policy that meets your specific needs.

If you have been hospitalized for depression or have a history of suicide attempts, it is crucial to work with an experienced insurance agent who can help you navigate the application process and find the right coverage for your situation. They can assist you in disclosing your medical history accurately and ensuring that the insurance company has a complete understanding of your health status.

In addition to hospitalization, underwriters will also consider other factors, such as the type of antidepressant you are taking, your specific diagnosis, symptoms, any other medications or treatments, and your overall health. These factors will be evaluated to assess the risk associated with your application and determine the appropriate rating and premium for your life insurance policy.

It is worth noting that mild depression and anxiety are generally not considered to increase the risk of dying. As a result, many individuals taking antidepressants can still obtain traditional life insurance policies at competitive rates. However, it is always advisable to consult with a knowledgeable insurance agent to guide you through the process and ensure you receive the coverage you need.

Other Medications

In addition to antidepressants, other medications may be prescribed, either temporarily or long-term, to treat medical conditions comprehensively. It is common to be prescribed combination drug therapy, and studies have shown that this approach is more successful in treating persistent depression than relying on a single drug.

Common medications that may be prescribed in conjunction with antidepressants include anti-anxiety medications or tranquilizers.

If you are taking other medications in addition to antidepressants, such as anti-anxiety medications, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, lithium, or thyroid hormone, underwriters will want to know about these as well.

Frequently asked questions