If you’re looking for life insurance with bipolar disorder, you’re not alone — and the good news is, you can qualify for coverage. While insurers often see bipolar disorder as a higher-risk condition, many people are approved every day for term life, whole life, and even burial insurance policies. Understanding how bipolar life insurance works, what factors affect approval, and which carriers are most flexible can make the difference between a decline and a policy that fits your needs.
For applicants with bipolar disorder, coverage is just one piece of the puzzle. Insurers evaluate your full profile — including your overall health, medications, lifestyle, age, and other factors. Even small differences can impact how a policy is offered or even declined. Trying to navigate this alone or relying on generic online advice often leads to higher premiums or a decline, which makes it harder to obtain coverage from another carrier.
The safest way to get the right outcome is to work with a licensed, experienced independent broker who understands high-risk underwriting. A professional can help you find the policies and carriers that best fit your unique profile. Using a specialist like Maple Valley Insurance Group does not cost more than trying to do it yourself, but it can save you time, oney, stress, and potentially a decline.
At Maple Valley Insurance Group, we regularly help clients who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder — including those who have been told elsewhere that coverage wasn’t possible. Whether you’re looking for bipolar life insurance, term or whole life policies, or burial insurance for bipolar disorder, there are options designed to fit your unique situation.
This guide will walk you through:
- How life insurance companies view bipolar disorder and what factors affect approval
- What questions you can expect during the application process
- Which types of policies may work best for your circumstances
- How to avoid multiple declines and protect your MIB (Medical Information Bureau) record
Understanding the nuances of life insurance with bipolar disorder is key. With the right guidance, you can navigate the underwriting process confidently, avoid unnecessary stress, and secure coverage that truly meets your needs.
Let’s dig in.
How Life Insurance Companies View Bipolar Disorder
Life insurance companies often classify bipolar disorder as a higher-risk condition. This is mainly because insurers consider the potential for severe mood swings, hospitalizations, or suicidal ideation. However, not all cases are treated the same, and approval is possible — especially when your condition is stable and well-managed.
Underwriters evaluate your application based on several factors, including:
- Your official diagnosis (Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II)
- Stability of your condition over time
- Current and past treatment plans, such as medications or therapy
- History of hospitalizations or disability related to bipolar disorder
- Other co-occurring conditions, like substance abuse or anxiety
Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II: Key Differences
| Diagnosis | Characteristics | Impact on Underwriting |
|---|---|---|
| Bipolar I | Manic episodes may require hospitalization; may include psychotic features. | Approval may be limited; fewer insurers offer coverage, making a knowledgeable broker essential. |
| Bipolar II | Hypomanic episodes with depressive periods; less severe than Bipolar I. | Generally more favorable if the condition is stable; broker guidance improves approval chances. |
Some carriers default to higher-risk ratings by lumping all bipolar diagnoses together, while others specialize in nuanced underwriting. Choosing the right insurer — and working with an experienced broker — can significantly improve your rates and approval odds.
Don’t Apply Blindly: Why Working With the Right Broker Matters
If you’ve been calling insurance companies directly, stop. Applying without guidance can increase the risk of being declined — and every decline is reported to the Medical Information Bureau (MIB). Multiple declines make it harder to get approved later.
This is not a situation for a generalist agent. High-risk underwriting expertise is needed. Many people with bipolar disorder are declined simply because they applied to the wrong policy or carrier due to limited access or knowledge.
What to do instead: work with an independent life insurance broker who understands high-risk cases. We pre-screen your situation anonymously and only submit formal applications to companies likely to approve you. This protects your MIB record and saves time, stress, and unnecessary denials.
Life Insurance Application Prep for a Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis
Whether you’re applying for life insurance with bipolar disorder or standard coverage, the insurer will want a detailed health history. This includes:
- Date of bipolar diagnosis
- Type of diagnosis (Bipolar I or II)
- Hospitalizations or suicide attempts
- Medication history (current and past)
- Frequency of psychiatric visits or therapy
- Work or school history (any disability or time off)
- Co-occurring disorders (e.g., substance abuse, anxiety)
You’ll also need to answer standard questions such as:
- Date of birth, gender, and tobacco use
- Occupation and any high-risk hobbies
- Drug or alcohol use
- Criminal record, if applicable
Depending on your answers and the policy applied for, the insurer may request an APS (Attending Physician’s Statement) from your doctor. This is standard and helps underwriters confirm your diagnosis and treatment history.
Can You Be Denied Life Insurance with Bipolar Disorder?
Yes. But it’s not guaranteed. It is a case by case basis and does depend upon the the policy applied for.
Bipolar I applicants—especially those with recent hospitalizations or suicide attempts—face the highest risk of decline. However, many insurers will make an offer if you’ve been stable for at least 12–24 months and are compliant with treatment.
Pro tip: Honesty matters. Don’t try to hide your diagnosis or “brown sugar coat it.” It will show up in your records, and misrepresentation can result in an automatic denial.
Been declined for term life insurance? You’re not alone — it happens more often than you think. Instead of giving up, you can take the next steps with confidence. Check out our guide for what to do if your application was declined and how to find coverage that fits your situation.
Previously Rated Up or Declined for Whole Life Insurance? If you’ve ever received a disappointing offer or even been declined for whole life insurance, don’t worry — there’s still a path forward. Many declines happen not because of your condition alone, but because the application wasn’t matched to the right carrier or policy type for your unique situation.
Here’s the best part: when you fill out our pre-qualification form (Engine Form ID 15), you’ll get a secure link to submit your information online. It usually takes just 5–10 minutes — even if you have a lot of prescriptions — and you can do it privately from home. Once you submit it, our team will analyze your complete profile — medications, lifestyle, age, and other factors — and provide a recommendation tailored to your exact situation. Instead of explaining your circumstances to 10 different agents, you can have one bipolar life insurance expert review everything and guide you to the carriers and policies that make sense for you.
Pre-Qualification Form Instructions
Please fill out this form to get pre-qualified for your life insurance options. Once submitted, you’ll receive a secure link via email or text to complete your online questionnaire. This information is completely private and will only be shared with a licensed Maple Valley Insurance Group advisor.
Clicking the link in your email or text will open your secure form directly on your device, so you can provide details quickly and safely.
Suicide Clauses: What You Need to Know
All life insurance policies include a two-year suicide exclusion clause be default. If the insured dies by suicide during the first two years, the policy won’t pay a death benefit—only a refund of premiums.
Some insurers offering life insurance with bipolar disorder may add a permanent suicide exclusion for applicants with severe mental health histories. This means suicide would never be covered, regardless of how long the policy has been in force.
These clauses are in place to prevent misuse of life insurance. While it may sound harsh, they help keep premiums manageable for all policyholders.
Will Life Insurance Be More Expensive With Bipolar Disorder?
Yes. Applicants with bipolar disorder typically pay higher premiums than if you did not have the diagnosis. The actual cost depends on:
- Type of policy (term vs. whole life)
- Type of bipolar diagnosis
- Stability of condition
- Presence of other risk factors
Some companies will outright decline applications with any mental health condition. Others will make competitive offers—if you know where to look.
What Type of Life Insurance Should You Apply For?
Here’s a quick policy overview of life insurance for bipolar disorder:
| Policy Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Term Life | Affordable coverage for 10–30 years | Requires medical underwriting; harder to qualify |
| Whole Life | Permanent coverage, builds cash value | More expensive than term; some medical questions |
| Guaranteed Issue | No health questions; guaranteed approval | High cost; low coverage amounts; 2-year waiting period |
If you’ve been declined and have severe symptoms and/or other health problems, guaranteed issue whole life may be your only option—but it’s far from ideal if you’re otherwise stable and managing your condition well. It’s very important to work with an experienced life insurance broker.
Burial Insurance With A Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis
If you are looking for a simple life insurance policy for burial and final expense needs and are managing bipolar symptoms, there are whole life insurance policies available in smaller amounts designed for less than great health. Amounts are between $2,000 and $50,000 of coverage. A good number of these policies will accept bipolar disorder but are not ideal. Many of these are graded or guaranteed issue whole life policies. The most affordable and best coverage options will have some health questions. None of these will require any exam. You could be approved the same day as your application.
Definitely work with a seasoned independent life or burial insurance advisor with a Bipolar Disorder history for the best outcome. It is very easy to be sold a subpar and very expensive policy because of many carriers’ underwriting practices or an inexperienced agent selecting the wrong policy and or company. With that said, companies and policies such as Colonial Penn’s $9.95 life insurance should be avoided.
Conclusion
Obtaining life insurance with a bipolar diagnosis is not easy. It’s crucial to work with a life insurance specialist who truly understands medical underwriting and has experience navigating challenging cases. The right advocate can evaluate your situation, anticipate potential issues, and help you find the best coverage for your needs.
Every case is unique:
- An individual who has missed significant work due to the condition and also has type 2 diabetes may face more difficulty obtaining coverage.
- Someone who works full time, maintains a steady routine, and goes to the gym several times a week is generally in a stronger position.
Having the right advocate on your side — someone who knows the market, has extensive real life experience with high risk life insurance and can clearly lay out your options — is invaluable.
Bipolar disorder can complicate life insurance: Many companies automatically decline applicants with certain prescriptions or major depressive symptoms. Your advisor/advocate needs to understand these nuances to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
In closing, I’ll mention one last point. While looking for the right bipolar friendly insurance carrier and policy, it is important to understand that multiple health issues all add up an applicants life insurance application. In combination, they will result in a table rating for the insurance or possible decline. Sometimes a risk profile is just too high and a whole life insurance policy may become necessary to insure the client. Whole life is just easier to qualify for and sometimes the only solution.
The key point to remember – It is not just about Bipolar disorder itself but rather the total risk profile of any individual applying for coverage.
At Maple Valley Insurance Group, based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, we help people across the country understand their insurance options and make informed decisions that best fit their needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re ready to see what coverage you might qualify for, these frequently asked questions answer the most common concerns people with bipolar disorder have about life insurance. From rates to policy types — and even burial insurance — we break it down so you know exactly what to expect and how to get approved.
Can I get life insurance with bipolar disorder?
Most people with bipolar disorder can qualify for life insurance if their condition is stable and properly managed. Working with an independent broker greatly improves your chances of approval.
Will bipolar disorder make life insurance more expensive?
Applicants with bipolar disorder may pay higher premiums, depending on the stability of their condition and the policy type. Getting a personalized quote ensures you see your best rate.
What type of life insurance is best for people with bipolar disorder?
Term life is usually the most affordable option if you qualify. If declined, simplified issue or guaranteed issue whole life policies ensure coverage even with bipolar disorder.
Do I need a medical exam?
Not always. Some policies require a medical exam, while no-exam options are available. Approval depends on your health history and stability.
Can I get burial insurance with bipolar disorder?
Many people with bipolar disorder qualify for burial insurance. Final expense and guaranteed issue policies often require no health questions and provide reliable coverage for funeral costs.
What is the best burial insurance for someone with bipolar disorder?
Whole life insurance, also called final expense insurance, is typically the easiest burial coverage to qualify for with bipolar disorder. It provides lifetime coverage, fixed premiums, and a guaranteed death benefit for funeral expenses.
Approval rules differ among carriers, so working with an independent broker helps you identify companies with flexible underwriting for bipolar applicants instead of relying on a single insurer.
Whether you have coverage or are just researching, we can help you compare plans and explore your options.
