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Looking for life insurance with bipolar disorder? You’re not alone — and you can still get coverage. Many people with bipolar struggle to find affordable options, often because insurers misunderstand mental health risks. But that doesn’t mean you’re uninsurable. We’ve helped hundreds of people with bipolar disorder secure life insurance without unnecessary stress.

At Maple Valley Insurance Group, we regularly help clients who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder — including those told elsewhere they couldn’t get coverage. Whether you’re looking for bipolar life insurance, term or whole life policies, or even burial insurance for bipolar disorder, there are options designed to fit your situation.

This guide will walk you through:

• How insurers view bipolar disorder and what affects approval
• What questions to expect during the application process
• Which types of policies might work best for you
• How to avoid multiple declines and protect your MIB record

Let’s dig in.

How Life Insurance Companies View Bipolar Disorder

Life insurance companies generally view bipolar disorder as a high-risk condition. This is mainly because of the potential for severe mood swings, hospitalization, or suicidal ideation. However, not all cases are treated the same.

Insurers evaluate your condition based on:

• Your official diagnosis (Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II)
• Stability of your condition over time
• Your treatment plan (medications, therapy, etc.)
• History of hospitalization or disability
• Other co-occurring conditions (substance abuse, anxiety, etc.)

Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II: What’s the Difference?

Some carriers lump all bipolar diagnoses together, often defaulting to the higher-risk Bipolar I rating. Others specialize in nuanced underwriting, distinguishing between types and offering better rates. This is why your choice of carrier—and broker—absolutely matters.

Don’t Apply Blindly: Why Working With the Right Broker Matters

If you’ve been calling insurance companies directly, stop.

Every declined application gets reported to the Medical Information Bureau (MIB). Multiple declines make it even harder to get approved later.

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 that are likely to approve you. This protects your MIB record and saves you from unnecessary headaches.

What to Expect During the Application Process

Whether you’re applying for term or permanent life insurance, the insurer will want to know your full health history. That includes:

• Date of bipolar diagnosis
• Type of diagnosis (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:

• Date of birth, gender, tobacco use
• Occupation and any high-risk hobbies
• Driving record
• Drug or alcohol use
• Criminal record, if applicable

Depending on your answers and policy applied for, the insurer may request an APS (Attending Physician’s Statement) from your doctor. This is normal and helps underwriters confirm your diagnosis and treatment history.

Can You Be Denied Life Insurance with Bipolar Disorder?

Yes. But it’s not guaranteed.

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. It will show up in your records, and misrepresentation can result in an automatic denial.

Suicide Clauses: What You Need to Know

All life insurance policies include a two-year suicide exclusion clause. 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 overview:

If you’ve been declined and have severe symptoms and/or have 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 is very important to be working with a 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 Bipolar Disorder for the best outcome. It is very easy to be sold a subpar and very expensive policy because of carriers’ underwriting practices or an inexperienced agent for that matter. With that said, companies and policies such as Colonial Penn’s $9.95 life insurance should be avoided.

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.