Depression and life insurance application

pamaris

Hi,

I am helping DH fill out an application for life insurance, with L&G, with me as the beneficiary. 9 years ago DH had a serious depression, due to stress, but this was treated and he has not had symptoms or needed medication for 8 years. However, 3 months ago we returned from the USA to the UK after a 4.5 year absence, and we found that his mum was not caring for herself. She soon suffered severe pneumonia, a heart attack and sepsis, which put her in hospital for 2 weeks. A week after she came home she suffered a major stroke and was delusional. Because of all this, DH was having anxiety so he saw the doctor and was placed on citalopram (antidepressant). This helped quite a bit; he is not having symptoms and his mum has made a full recovery as well. DH is 38 years old. This latest bout seems highly related to the circumstances.

Basically, we explained all this in the application, since questions were asked about depression. Is it appropriate to go into so much detail, or should we just let them ask the questions and give them info as needed?

Another question is; DH was adopted at birth, and has never met his biological parents, so how should he answer the questions about family history? Will it count against him that he does not know the answers?

Thanks

dunstonh

Is it appropriate to go into so much detail, or should we just let them ask the questions and give them info as needed?

The more the better.

Another question is; DH was adopted at birth, and has never met his biological parents, so how should he answer the questions about family history? Will it count against him that he does not know the answers?

You answer it by stating no and put a note as you have here.

If you are using an IFA or whole of market adviser, you should get them to check round the underwriting departments first to see how the application will be dealt with. At this point, he is likely to find some refusing cover at this time or increasing premium/reducing cover. The price you have been quoted is unlikely to the be the price you will pay and any altered terms or refused cover have to be declared in all future applications for the rest of your lifes. A check round the underwriters will allow you to find out which providers will not impose as many terms without it going on your record. The application can then be submitted to that provider.

pamaris

OK, thanks.

I got the application and quote from https://www.moneyworld.com. Perhaps when I return the app. to them I will just put a note asking them to scan the underwriters as you said.

I wonder if we would be better off seeing someone (IFA) in person.

Thanks, you are always helpful.

zoe_lou

Hi,

I am in a similar position to yours in that we have a few medical disclosures and I am about to apply through either cavendish or moneyworld, one is slightly more expensive than the other but with no fee so I think I will go with this.

Have you applied for a policy now and if so did all go smoothly or am I likely to be in for a bumpy ride due to medical problems? Obviously without me disclosing what they are I dont expect you to tell me what sort of decision to expect but I just wondered if the advisers help and advise as to who is going to be most leanient?

Help is appreciated as it seems a bit of a minefield!!

georgiasmum

I have suffered from depression periodically all my adult life. i have had 2 periods of absence from work due to it. With regard to insurance you must declare it but it has had a minimal impact upon my applications or premiums. I cannot claim for depression on asu but otherwise it is ok as I am not and have never been a suicide risk, self harmed or other 'dangerous behaviour'. if you have been sectioned, seen a psychiatrist or other serious mental illness it will have a baring on things.

pamaris

Hi!

I applied through moneyworld. They were very helpful and efficient. I applied with 3 different companies and fully disclosed all relevant information. I explained that DH's "breakdown" was 9 years ago, and he has consistently held down a job, without taking any days off for the past 8 years. He had recently seen a psychiatrist who determined that it was a one off due to stress. Recently his mum had a stroke, which contributed to another bout of depression, and I explained that as well. The incident 9 years ago was quite serious and DH was put in hospital for 6 weeks, which I also explained.

I was very detailed, and originally I was told that for 250k of life insurance, there would be a 50% load because of the depression. This would have made it £30 a month. Turns out they took all the information into account and gave him the insurance at the standard rate, without the loading (£20 a month).

Just be as specific and detailed as possible. I was able to show that DH's depression was circumstantial, and that he had recovered and was living a healthy life, and they took that into consideration. Your situation may be very different, but just be honest.

ETA: I ended up with Legal & General.