The details underwriters look for
Bipolar disorder covers a range of experiences, so insurers need specifics. They ask whether you have bipolar I or II, when you were diagnosed and how often you have had manic, hypomanic or depressive episodes over the years.
They then ask about hospital stays, including any time detained under the Mental Health Act, and when the last one was. Medication such as lithium or another mood stabiliser, how long you have taken it and whether you see a psychiatrist or community team regularly all matter too.
- Type of bipolar and date of diagnosis
- Date of the most recent episode
- Hospital admissions and their dates
- Medication and how settled you are on it
- Any history of self-harm or suicidal thoughts
Why stability carries weight
Underwriters look closely at how long you have been well. Someone who has had no episodes for several years, stays in regular contact with their care team and keeps to their treatment plan is likely to get better terms than someone who was unwell recently.
Steady work, a settled home life and low alcohol use also help. They show the insurer that the condition is being managed well in everyday life, which is often more telling than any single date on a form.
A written crisis or relapse plan agreed with your care team is worth mentioning if you have one. It shows the insurer that early warning signs are recognised and acted on, which can reassure an underwriter weighing up how likely another serious episode would be.
The outcomes you could see
Life cover is often available with a premium loading. Where the condition has been stable for a long time, the loading may be modest. A recent admission or episode often leads to a postponement, and a history of serious self-harm may lead to a decline from some insurers but not from others.
Income protection is the hardest cover to arrange. Some insurers decline it, while others offer it with a mental health exclusion that still protects you against injury and physical illness. Critical illness cover is sometimes available, as bipolar is not a listed condition, though a loading is possible.
Why honest answers are essential
Mental health history is clearly recorded by GPs and hospitals. If an admission or episode is missing from your application, the insurer may refuse a claim when your family needs it most. A loaded premium on a policy that pays is worth far more than a cheaper one that does not.
Talking about difficult times is not easy. A good adviser will ask only what the insurer needs, explain why each question matters and handle your answers with care and discretion.
How Hi Tomorrow helps with bipolar disorder
Insurers differ a lot in how they view bipolar disorder. We know which insurers on our panel tend to be more open, and we present your history clearly, putting the length of your stability and your treatment plan at the front of the application.
If cover is postponed, we explain why and when it may be worth trying again, then get back in touch at that point. If income protection is not available, we can talk through other ways to protect your income, such as a short-term policy or relying more on savings.