Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition caused by very stressful, frightening or distressing events [3] A common symptom is suffering with lack of sleep (insomnia) Symptoms can be so severe that it can affect the person’s day to day life PTSD can originate from events such as: serious road accidents, violence, assault, health issues and anything that may be traumatic There are different types of PTSD such as ‘ Complex post-traumatic stress disorder ’ which can occur in people who repeatedly experience traumatic situations Many people who experience PTSD also experience associated conditions such as depression , anxiety , and suicidal feelings . You should visit a GP if you're still having problems about 4 weeks after a traumatic experience [4] .

PTSD Life Insurance [2025 Guide]

Q: Can you get life insurance if you have PTSD?

It could be possible to secure life insurance if you have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). There isn’t an actual product called ‘ PTSD life insurance ’, simply it is a term used for those with the condition, applying for a standard life insurance policy. When applying for a standard policy, such as term life insurance , insurers will ask to review your medical records to calculate the cost of your premiums. Insurance providers usually assess the severity of the condition rather than having a blanket policy of automatic rejection based on PTSD. This means your personal circumstances will be considered carefully before a decision is made on your application. On estimate, 1 in 10 people in the UK are likely to experience PTSD at some point in their lives, that's around 6,665,000 people [1] . The condition is particularly common among military personnel and police officers who are often exposed to traumatic experiences. In some cases, those with PTSD are able to secure a policy with a standard price. However, other factors can also affect your eligibility and the cost of your premiums. If you’re concerned about applying for life insurance with PTSD or how your condition may affect your chances of securing a policy, get in contact with one of our friendly professionals.

Q: Is PTSD considered a pre-existing condition?

Yes, your mental health condition will be considered a pre-existing condition . Nevertheless, this should not deter you from seeking out affordable life insurance coverage. Approximately 1 in 4 individuals in the UK experience mental health issues [2] , indicating a high prevalence among potential policyholders. It’s important to disclose any health conditions during the application, as this makes sure your policy is valid. If you don’t then you risk your loved ones not receiving a pay out (due to non disclosure ).

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Life insurance with PTSD

Can you get life insurance if you have PTSD?

It could be possible to secure life insurance if you have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

There isn’t an actual product called ‘PTSD life insurance’, simply it is a term used for those with the condition, applying for a standard life insurance policy.

When applying for a standard policy, such as term life insurance, insurers will ask to review your medical records to calculate the cost of your premiums.

Insurance providers usually assess the severity of the condition rather than having a blanket policy of automatic rejection based on PTSD.

This means your personal circumstances will be considered carefully before a decision is made on your application.

On estimate, 1 in 10 people in the UK are likely to experience PTSD at some point in their lives, that's around 6,665,000 people^[1]. The condition is particularly common among military personnel and police officers who are often exposed to traumatic experiences.

In some cases, those with PTSD are able to secure a policy with a standard price. However, other factors can also affect your eligibility and the cost of your premiums.

If you’re concerned about applying for life insurance with PTSD or how your condition may affect your chances of securing a policy, get in contact with one of our friendly professionals.

At Reassured we offer free, no-obligation life insurance quotes.

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Why use Reassured to compare life insurance quotes?

We can compare free personalised quotes, with no-obligation from a variety of leading UK insurers
Reassured have a specialist impaired risk team to help those who have previously been declined find some form of cover
We offer a free trust writing service on most policies (avoid / minimise 40% inheritance tax)
We're rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot with over 80,000 customer reviews
We’re regulated by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority)
Variety of policy types for all types of circumstances

Does having PTSD affect my life insurance?

Having PTSD could affect whether you’re able to secure life insurance and the cost of your premiums due the potential risks.

However, it will depend on various factors such as the severity of your condition and the symptoms you’re experiencing.

Insurers may request to see a medical report from your GP while assessing your application so they can understand more about your PTSD.

For this to happen, they’ll need your permission. However, your application will not be able to continue if you do not provide this, as the insurers will not have the information needed to underwrite your policy.

Insurers will also calculate life insurance premiums based on other key details about yourself and your chosen policy, such as:

Age
Weight / BMI
Medical history
Physical & mental health
Occupation / lifestyle
Drug use & alcohol consumption
Smoking status
Level of cover
Length of cover

If your PTSD is severe, insurers may increase the cost of your monthly premium based on this, while others may decline. However, you may be able to apply to a specialist insurer.

In some cases, it’s possible to secure life insurance at the standard price. However, this will depend on your own personal circumstances and the severity of your condition.

When applying for life insurance through Reassured, our friendly agents can talk you through the entire process and make sure you're fully informed.

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What policy options are available?

When you apply for life insurance with PTSD, you may have access to a variety of policies. Some of the most popular being:

Level term life insurance

Term lasts for a set period of time (up to 40 years)
A fixed lump sum pay out if you pass away during the term
Pay out can be up to £1,000,000
Medical information is required in the application
Free terminal illness cover

Decreasing term life insurance

Term lasts for a set period of time (up to 40 years)
Pay out provides a lump sum pay out which decreases over the term
Medical information is required in the application
Free terminal illness cover

Over 50s life insurance

The policy will last for the rest of your life
Must be a UK resident aged 50 - 85
Guaranteed pay out up to £20,000 (after the 12 - 24 month waiting period)
No medical information required and therefore will not affect your policy

Whole of life insurance

The policy will last for the rest of your life
Pay out can be up to £1,000,000
Medical information is required in the application
Provides a pay out when you pass away (not if you pass away)

Term-based life insurance policies through Reassured offer free terminal illness cover as standard.

Please note you must be 18 or over to apply for a life insurance policy through Reassured.

We can compare quotes from all policy types listed by some of the UK's top leading providers to help you find the right cover.

Is PTSD considered a pre-existing condition?

Yes, your mental health condition will be considered a pre-existing condition.

Nevertheless, this should not deter you from seeking out life insurance coverage. Approximately 1 in 4 individuals in the UK experience mental health issues^[2], indicating a high prevalence among potential policyholders.

It’s important to disclose any health conditions during the application, as this makes sure your policy is valid.

If you don’t then you risk your loved ones not receiving a pay out (due to non disclosure).

What questions will I be asked during the application?

Some questions you may be asked about your PTSD when applying for life insurance is:

When were you diagnosed?
What are your symptoms?
Do you take medications / attend therapy?
Have you had to take time off work?
Have you ever been admitted to hospital?
Have you ever tried to harm yourself/attempt suicide?

The purpose of this is for the insurance company to assess the extent of your PTSD and determine the level of risk you present (and the cost of your monthly premium if they are able to offer you the cover).

Life insurance for veterans with PTSD

PTSD can be slightly more common in war veterans than the general public. At some point in their lives, 7 out 100 veterans will have PTSD^[3].

As a veteran, there may still be life cover options still available to you.

If you're between the ages of 50 - 85 you could secure an over 50s policy, as you will not be asked about your disorder.

It could be possible to secure traditional life insurance. However, depending on the severity of your PTSD, you could face inflated premiums or being declined.

Will I be declined for having PTSD?

If your condition is well controlled and symptoms are mild, you may not have any problems applying.

In certain situations and depending on your personal circumstances, it is possible that an application may be denied or delayed for a period of time. This is where after a time frame stipulated by the insurer you may be able to apply again.

Alternatively, if being previously declined standard life insurance and you are a UK resident aged between 50 -85, you could consider over 50s life cover.

Due to no medical questions asked for this policy, you won’t even need to inform your insurer of your disorder and acceptance is guaranteed.

Reassured offer a specialist impaired risk service that specialises in helping applicants who have been previously declined life insurance (or are worried they may be refused) find some form of cover to protect their family.

FAQs:

Why may I need life insurance?

Taking out life insurance can help protect your loved ones financially when you're no longer around. It can help cover costs such as:

Mortgage / rent payments
Childcare & future education costs
Household payments & bills
An inheritance
Medical costs
Any other financial commitments

Can I arrange life insurance for someone who has PTSD and doesn’t want to discuss it?

Unfortunately, not, you can't arrange life insurance for anyone but yourself.

We understand it can be a delicate subject and our agents will make sure to approach questions with care.

If you were worried and felt the need for extra support whilst applying, Reassured’s specialist impaired team are there to help you find our best deal that suits you.

Can I secure critical illness cover with PTSD?

The same rules apply when it comes to critical illness cover (CIC) as it does with life insurance with PTSD.

However with CIC, any pre-existing conditions may be excluded from the policy, so it’s important to check exactly what you are covered for in your policy documentation.

If you're able to secure a life insurance policy, for a fee, you could be able to add on CIC which offers a pay out to you if you’re diagnosed with a serious illness (as long as it’s listed within the policy).

What is PTSD?

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition caused by very stressful, frightening or distressing events^[4]
A common symptom is suffering with lack of sleep (insomnia)
Symptoms can be so severe that it can affect the person’s day to day life
PTSD can originate from events such as: serious road accidents, violence, assault, health issues and anything that may be traumatic
There are different types of PTSD such as ‘Complex post-traumatic stress disorder’ which can occur in people who repeatedly experience traumatic situations
Many people who experience PTSD also experience associated conditions such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal feelings.

You should visit a GP if you're still having problems about 4 weeks after a traumatic experience^[4].