Autism Life Insurance [2025 Guide]

Q: Can you get life insurance if you have autism?

Yes, it could be possible to get life insurance with autism. More than 1 in 100 people have autism in the UK [1] . Autism is a form of neurodiversity (as well as ADHD , dyslexia and others). The experiences of those with autism will all be completely different; it’s often referred to as a spectrum to reflect this. Having autism doesn’t always mean it will be difficult to get life insurance. Those with mild symptoms and without cognitive delay may find it easier to take out a policy. Whereas for those with severe symptoms and with cognitive delay it could be more complicated or might not be possible. The term ‘autism life insurance’ isn’t a specific life insurance policy for those with autism. It refers to someone with autism taking out a life insurance policy.

Q: Is life insurance more expensive with autism?

Autism alone might not make your premiums more expensive. However, if other personal information you provide is considered to be ‘high-risk’ then there might be price increases. The price you pay for life insurance is based on how ‘risky’ insurers believe you to be based on the information you give during the application (how likely it is for a claim to be made). Certain lifestyle choices could pose a threat to your life expectancy and so insurers increase prices due to this.

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Autism life insurance

Can you get life insurance if you have autism?

Yes, it could be possible to get life insurance with autism.

More than 1 in 100 people have autism in the UK^[1].

Autism is a form of neurodiversity (as well as ADHD, dyslexia and others). The experiences of those with autism will all be completely different; it’s often referred to as a spectrum to reflect this.

Having autism doesn’t always mean it will be difficult to get life insurance. Those with mild symptoms and without cognitive delay may find it easier to take out a policy. Whereas for those with severe symptoms and with cognitive delay it could be more complicated or might not be possible.

The term ‘autism life insurance’ isn’t a specific life insurance policy for those with autism. It refers to someone with autism taking out a life insurance policy.

Does an autism diagnosis affect life insurance?

Yes, autism could affect a life insurance application depending on personal circumstances.

Autism is a spectrum, meaning experiences can vary. Therefore, how the individual experiences autism can determine the outcome of a life insurance application.

When taking out life insurance, insurers will want to see that there’s ‘insurable interest’. This means that there would be a financial impact after death.

For those that work, have financial commitments and a partner/family there’s likely to be ‘insurable interest’.

However, parents who are looking to take out life insurance on behalf of their adult children with autism that require 24/7 care (either by parents or in a support facility) insurers may not see an insurable interest.

In cases like this it would be more complicated to get cover, could require more specialist options or might not be possible.

Do you have to declare autism on life insurance?

Yes, it’s important to let insurers know that you have autism.

They might not directly ask if you have autism during the application process, but you’ll be asked about your medical history and lifestyle.

Can you be denied life insurance because of autism?

In terms of being declined for life insurance due to discrimination against those with autism, it’s reassuring to know that there are legislations in place that prevent this:

Firstly, the life insurance industry adheres to the 2010 Equality Act which protects people from discrimination and victimisation.
In 2023, new Consumer Duty legislation came into force. This ensures that insurers deliver helpful and accessible support, timely and clear information, fair value and consideration for customers that are vulnerable.
Insurers that are under the Association of British Insurers (ABI) follow the ‘Supporting Autistic Customers’ guide, which was published in 2024. This provides guidance on how to better understand autism in the insurance industry and outlines practices for the customer journey.

However, there are some instances in which disclosing autism could cause complications or a declined application:

If you’re actively in the process of getting a diagnosis for autism, insurers may decline or postpone your application. Insurers don’t tend to approve applications while a diagnosis is still in process. They’ll need the full picture of your circumstances in order to underwrite your policy.
If a parent is looking to take out a life insurance policy on behalf of their adult child who has autism, this application could be declined. If the adult child requires 24/7 care either by the parent or a care facility, isn’t able to work and doesn’t have a family to provide for, there may be no ‘insurable interest’ – this means that, because no one would be impacted by the death financially, insurers may not approve the application. In cases like this it would be more complicated to get cover and could require more specialist options.
If you have autism alongside other lifestyle or health factors that could be considered as high-risk. High-risk factors could include, smoking, excessive drinking, pre-existing medical conditions and a dangerous hobby/occupation.

Is life insurance more expensive with autism?

Autism alone might not make your premiums more expensive. However, if other personal information you provide is considered to be ‘high-risk’ then there might be price increases.

The price you pay for life insurance is based on how ‘risky’ insurers believe you to be based on the information you give during the application (how likely it is for a claim to be made).

Certain lifestyle choices could pose a threat to your life expectancy and so insurers increase prices due to this.

Health and lifestyle factors that could be considered as high-risk include:

Pre-existing medical conditions
Mental health conditions
Smoking
Excessive drinking
High BMI
Dangerous hobbies
Dangerous occupation

Tips for applying for life insurance with autism:

Consider applying online

If you’re in good health and have no other high-risk factors, you could apply online. This means you can complete the application at your own pace.

Make sure you’re in a comfortable environment

If the thought of applying for life insurance feels overwhelming, make sure you set yourself up a in comfortable space and surround yourself with things that can ease any stress.

It’s ok to ask questions

Within the life insurance industry there can be some complicated terminology, if you’re not sure what something means during the application process it’s ok to ask questions.

Similarly, if you’re not sure why a certain bit of information is needed from you, you can ask the reason why.

It’s your application so it’s important that you feel in control and confident in your decision.

Be open and honest

While discussing personal matters such as your health and lifestyle can seem intrusive, it’s important to be open and honest. Insurers need this information to assess whether they can offer you a policy and how much you’ll pay for cover if they can.

You could be expected to give information on the following: