Life Insurance with Antidepressant Medications

Yes, taking Lexapro (escitalopram) is very common and generally has minimal impact on life insurance rates. If you're stable on Lexapro for mild to moderate depression or anxiety, with no hospitalizations, you can often qualify for Standard Plus rates. Many insurers view treatment positively - it shows you're managing your health.

Anxiety medication can affect rates depending on the type and your overall mental health history. SSRIs like Lexapro or Zoloft for anxiety typically have minimal impact. Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Klonopin) are viewed more cautiously, especially with long-term use. Buspar for anxiety is generally viewed favorably.

Yes, your medical history, including mental health diagnoses, will be part of your insurance application. Insurers access your medical records and prescription history. This is why honesty is essential - they will find out. However, a well-treated depression diagnosis doesn't prevent coverage; it just factors into your rate class.

Yes, though it depends on when, why, and how you've been since. A single hospitalization years ago, followed by stable treatment and no recurrence, is very different from multiple recent hospitalizations. Most insurers want at least 2-3 years of stability after a psychiatric hospitalization before offering standard rates.

A history of suicide attempts is one of the most significant factors in mental health underwriting. Most insurers require at least 5-10 years since any attempt before offering coverage. When they do, rates are often Table-rated. Be completely honest about this history - failing to disclose can void your policy. Guaranteed issue options exist if traditional coverage isn't available.

Seeing a therapist is generally viewed neutrally or positively. It demonstrates you're actively managing your mental health. What matters more is your diagnosis, medication, and stability. Therapy alone (without a psychiatric diagnosis or medication) typically has no impact on rates.

Yes, though underwriting is more rigorous than for simple depression or anxiety. Stable bipolar disorder, well-controlled on medication with no recent manic episodes or hospitalizations, can qualify for Standard or Table rates. The key factors are medication compliance, stability (2+ years without episodes), and ability to work.

Yes, most applications ask about your medical history going back 5-10 years, and some ask about your entire history. Answer honestly. The good news is that old, resolved episodes with no recurrence are viewed much more favorably than recent or ongoing issues. Distant history often has minimal impact on current rates.