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🧠 Income Protection & Mental Health

Income Protection for Mental Health

Mental health is the number one cause of income protection claims in the UK, around 30% of all claims. Whether you have a history of depression, anxiety, or stress, cover is almost always available. Don't assume you can't get protected.

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Can You Get Income Protection with a Mental Health Condition?

The short answer is yes. Many people with a history of depression, anxiety, stress, or other mental health conditions assume they will be automatically declined for income protection. This is one of the biggest myths in the UK insurance market.

The reality is that most managed mental health conditions can be covered. What varies is the terms you are offered. These depend on several key factors that insurers assess:

  • Your specific diagnosis, mild depression is viewed very differently from severe bipolar disorder or psychosis.
  • Treatment and management, conditions managed with medication and regular GP contact are viewed more favourably than untreated conditions.
  • Hospitalisation history, if you have never been hospitalised for mental health, your options are significantly broader.
  • Time since last episode, a period of stability (typically 2–5 years) improves your terms considerably. The longer you have been well, the better.
  • Impact on work, insurers want to know whether your condition has caused you to take time off work, and if so, how recently and for how long.
Key fact: Mental health conditions account for around 30% of all income protection claims in the UK. Insurers know this is a common reason people need to claim, it is built into their pricing and they are experienced in handling these claims. Having a history does not automatically mean you cannot get cover.

The most important thing you can do is compare multiple insurers. Their approaches to mental health differ dramatically, one insurer might exclude mental health entirely while another offers full cover at standard rates for the same condition. An independent broker who understands the market is invaluable here. Read our guide to income protection with pre-existing conditions for more detail.

What to Expect

Applying for Income Protection: Mental Health Scenarios

Your mental health history determines the terms you are likely to be offered. Here is what to expect at different levels.

Your SituationNo HistoryMild / ManagedModerateSevere
Typical exampleNo mental health diagnosisDepression or anxietyMultiple episodes, someHospitalisation, complex
Standard terms likely?Yes, full coverPossible with some insurersUnlikelyVery unlikely
Mental health exclusion?No exclusionSome insurers may apply oneMost insurers will apply oneAlmost always applied
Premium loading?Standard ratesStandard or small loadingLoading likelySignificant loading if
Cover available?Yes, all insurersYes, most insurersYes, many insurersPossible, specialist
Broker recommended?OptionalYes, to find best termsYes, essentialYes, essential

These are general guidelines. Every insurer has different underwriting criteria, and terms can vary significantly between providers. Comparing the market is essential.

Important: Always disclose your full mental health history when applying. Failure to do so could result in a claim being rejected when you need it most. Insurers are generally far more understanding than people expect, honesty protects you. Read our pre-existing conditions guide for more detail.
Your Situation

Income Protection for Your Mental Health Situation

Whatever your mental health history, there are options available. Here's what to expect for common scenarios.

💊

Managed Depression on Medication

If you take antidepressants and your condition is stable, most insurers will offer cover. Some may apply a mental health exclusion, but others may cover you fully, especially if you've been stable for 2+ years.

Cover widely available
💭

Anxiety Disorder

Generalised anxiety, social anxiety, and panic disorder are all insurable conditions. Insurers will want to know about your treatment plan, whether you've needed time off work, and how long you've been stable.

Most insurers will offer terms
🔥

Work-Related Stress & Burnout

Stress and burnout are increasingly common and are valid reasons to claim on income protection. If you've had a stress-related absence, insurers will assess how recent it was and whether the underlying cause has been resolved.

Cover available, broker helps
🛡️

PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder is more complex to insure, but cover is not impossible. Insurers will consider the cause, your treatment, and ongoing impact. A specialist broker can find insurers with more favourable views on PTSD.

Specialist broker essential
🤔

Worried About Disclosing

Many people fear that disclosing mental health history will lead to automatic rejection. It won't. Dishonesty is far riskier, failing to disclose can void your policy entirely. Insurers deal with mental health claims every day.

Always disclose, it protects you
📋

Claiming for Mental Health

If you already have income protection and need to claim for a mental health condition, the process is straightforward. Contact your insurer, provide GP evidence, and your claim will be assessed like any other illness.

Contact your insurer to start

Worried about being declined? A specialist broker can help.

Get matched with an FCA-regulated adviser who understands mental health underwriting and knows which insurers offer the best terms for your situation.

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Costs Explained

How Much Does Income Protection Cost with Mental Health History?

Your cost depends on whether insurers apply a mental health exclusion or a premium loading. Here's what to expect for a 30-year-old non-smoker in an office job covering £1,500/month.

£25–£40/mo
With Mental Health Exclusion
Standard or near-standard rates, but mental health claims are excluded. You're still covered for every other illness and injury, cancer, back problems, accidents, and more.
£35–£60/mo
With Mental Health Included
Higher premiums but full cover including mental health. Available from some insurers if your condition is mild and stable. A broker can find the best option.
Worth knowing: Even with a mental health exclusion, income protection is enormously valuable. Around 70% of all IP claims are for non-mental-health reasons, including cancer, musculoskeletal conditions, and accidents. A policy with this exclusion still provides substantial financial protection. See our full guide to income protection costs.

The strongest argument for taking out income protection early is that if you develop a mental health condition after the policy is in place, you are fully covered. Applying while in good mental health guarantees the broadest possible terms.

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Real Reviews

What Our Customers Say

Emma H.
Emma H.
London • Income Protection
★★★★★
“Got cover despite my anxiety history”

I'd been on sertraline for anxiety for three years and assumed no one would insure me. My adviser found an insurer that offered full cover with no mental health exclusion. I'm paying £32/month and I feel so much more secure.

Chris P.
Chris P.
Glasgow • Income Protection
★★★★★
“Claimed for burnout, paid within weeks”

I had a severe burnout episode and couldn't work for four months. My income protection kicked in after the 8-week waiting period and covered my mortgage and bills. The claims process was straightforward and compassionate.

Laura M.
Laura M.
Cardiff • Income Protection
★★★★★
“The adviser made all the difference”

I have a history of depression and was nervous about applying. My adviser knew exactly which insurers to approach and got me cover with just a small loading. The whole process was sensitive and professional.

Daniel F.
Daniel F.
Manchester • Income Protection
★★★★★
“PTSD covered with no exclusions”

After being diagnosed with PTSD following a workplace incident, I assumed income protection was out of reach. My adviser found two insurers willing to offer full cover including mental health. I pay £36/month for £1,800/month of cover. The relief was enormous.

Fiona J.
Fiona J.
Birmingham • Income Protection
★★★★★
“Depression exclusion but still worth it”

My policy excludes mental health claims due to my depression history, but it still covers everything else, cancer, accidents, back problems, the lot. At £19/month, it protects my £1,200 mortgage against 70% of possible claims. Better some cover than none at all.

Ryan K.
Ryan K.
Leeds • Income Protection
★★★★★
“Anxiety medication was not a barrier”

I take citalopram daily for generalised anxiety and was dreading the application. My adviser handled everything, and the insurer offered standard terms with no loading and no exclusion. I am covered for £2,000/month at £28/month. I could not believe how straightforward it was.

Learn More

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Got Questions?

Income Protection & Mental Health: Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, most people with managed mental health conditions can get income protection. The terms depend on factors including the specific condition, its severity, whether you have been hospitalised, the treatment you receive, and how long it has been since your last episode. Some insurers offer full cover, others may apply a mental health exclusion, and in some cases you may pay a higher premium.
Mental health is one of the most common reasons for income protection claims in the UK, accounting for around 30% of all claims. If you take out a standard policy with no mental health exclusion, you can claim for conditions including depression, anxiety, stress, PTSD, and other diagnoses that prevent you from working.
It is unlikely you will be completely declined. Most insurers will offer cover to people with a history of depression, though the terms vary. Mild depression managed with medication and no hospitalisations is typically viewed favourably. You may receive standard terms, a mental health exclusion, or a loading (higher premium). Comparing multiple insurers is important as their approaches differ significantly.
Yes, you must disclose your full mental health history when applying for income protection. This includes any diagnoses, medications, therapy, counselling, and time off work related to mental health. Failure to disclose can result in your claim being rejected. Honest disclosure protects you, insurers are generally more understanding than people expect.
A mental health exclusion means the policy will not pay out for claims related to mental health conditions. You would still be covered for all other illnesses and injuries. This is a common term offered to applicants with a mental health history. Some people accept the exclusion to get affordable cover for everything else, while others shop around for an insurer that may cover mental health.
Yes, if your income protection policy covers mental health conditions (i.e. there is no mental health exclusion), you can claim for anxiety that prevents you from working. You will need medical evidence from your GP or specialist confirming that your anxiety is severe enough to prevent you from performing your job.
Yes, work-related stress is a valid reason for an income protection claim, provided your policy covers mental health. Stress and burnout are among the most common causes of long-term absence from work in the UK. You will need your GP to confirm that your condition prevents you from working.
Insurers look at several key factors: the specific diagnosis, severity of symptoms, whether you have been hospitalised, what treatment you receive (medication, therapy, or both), how long since your last episode or treatment change, time off work due to mental health, and whether you have had more than one episode. Each insurer weighs these factors differently, which is why comparing multiple providers is essential.
It depends on the insurer and your circumstances. Some insurers offer standard rates with a mental health exclusion. Others may charge a loading (increased premium) to include mental health cover. A few may offer standard terms if your condition has been stable for a period of time. Comparing the whole market helps find the best combination of cover and cost.
This varies between insurers, but many look for a period of stability, typically 2 to 5 years since your last episode, medication change, or treatment. Some insurers may offer cover sooner if your condition is mild and well-managed. There is no universal rule, which makes comparing multiple providers important.
Getting income protection with PTSD is possible but may be more challenging than with mild depression or anxiety. Insurers will want to understand the cause, ongoing treatment, and how the condition affects your daily life and work. You may be offered cover with a mental health exclusion, or some specialist insurers may provide broader terms depending on your circumstances.
If you take out income protection while in good mental health and later develop a mental health condition, you are fully covered to make a claim. This is one of the strongest arguments for taking out income protection early, before any conditions develop that could complicate future applications.
Contact your insurer to start the claims process. You will need medical evidence from your GP or specialist confirming your diagnosis and that you are unable to work. The insurer may request access to your medical records. Claims for mental health conditions are handled in the same way as physical illness claims, if your policy covers mental health, the process is straightforward.
Yes, using an independent broker or comparison service is strongly recommended. Different insurers have very different approaches to mental health, one may exclude it entirely while another offers full cover at standard rates. A broker who understands the market can place your application with the insurer most likely to offer favourable terms for your specific situation.
Yes, a policy with a mental health exclusion still provides valuable protection. It covers you for every other reason you might be unable to work, cancer, heart disease, back problems, accidents, and hundreds of other conditions. Given that around 70% of income protection claims are for non-mental-health reasons, a policy with this exclusion still offers substantial financial protection.

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