In this article:

Reassured summary icon

OCD life insurance key points

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition where a person has obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours that cause significant distress and impairment on daily life [1]
  • There isn’t a specific policy called ‘OCD life insurance’, the term simply refers to someone diagnosed with OCD securing a form of life cover
  • Having OCD may not mean you can't secure a life policy, it could be possible for some people with mild or well managed diagnoses to secure a standard policy (standard terms means no price increases or exclusions are added to the policy)
  • Always be honest about your condition in your application, as not disclosing your OCD could affect a future claim
  • Around 50% of OCD cases fall into the ‘severe’ category [2]

Can I get life insurance with OCD?

Yes, it could be possible to secure life insurance if you have OCD.

Life insurance providers will typically ask a series of questions regarding a variety of factors, including your health, lifestyle and OCD diagnosis.

The table below shows how having OCD could impact your life insurance application:

Severity Life insurance policy impact 
Mild or well managed OCDOften no impact, may be offered standard premiums
Moderate to severe OCDInsurers may ask additional questions or request a medical report. Cover could still be available but with higher premium costs
Severe OCD casesHigher likelihood of being declined or postponed. However, you could be accepted by a specialist provider or an over 50s policy (if eligible)

These details help insurers gain a greater understanding of your condition to then be able to potentially offer the most suitable terms. In some cases, your condition may not have an impact on your application.

Reassured can compare multiple quotes from a variety of life insurance providers, including smaller specialist insurers (through our advised team) who focus on those looking for cover with medical conditions.

Mental health and life insurance

Insurers evaluate risk using various factors, including mental health.

This aspect can be just as significant as physical health. Both your physical and mental health, along with your family's medical history, can be taken into account for their premium calculations.

However, this doesn't necessarily imply that your premiums will increase; it simply assists insurers in offering a fair quote tailored to your personal circumstances.

This includes references to other mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

When applying for cover with a mental health condition, it’s essential to be open and honest about your health, to ensure that your policy remains valid if a claim is made.

Does OCD affect life insurance?

Yes, in some cases, having OCD could affect your life insurance application.

However, the impact of your condition on your policy will depend on several factors:

  • Severity and frequency of symptoms
  • Medication and treatment
  • Hospitalisation or self-harm history
  • Duration of time since diagnosis

Each life insurance provider has its own underwriting criteria, which means that the outcome of your application can differ significantly between companies.

It's essential to compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the policy that best meets your individual needs and circumstances.

What policy options are available?

When exploring life insurance options, you may discover there are many different types. Each have their own unique features and can be suitable to different circumstances.

The main options that could be most suitable for those with OCD are:

Level term life insurance – A type of policy that covers you for a specific amount of time (known as the term) which is typically up to 40 years. If you pass away during the term, your loved ones will receive a fixed lump sum. Both premiums and your pay out amount (sum assured) will remain the same throughout. This form of cover is most suitable for those with an interest only mortgage.

Decreasing term life insurance – similarly to level term, this policy also covers you for up to 40 years (depending on your set term). This is a form of cover that reduces over time, often aligning with a repayment mortgage. It’s ideal for protecting a mortgage as it decreases in line with your mortgage as you pay it off. A popular option due to its typically cheaper premiums.

Over 50s life insurance – A policy different to the others, that is suitable for UK residents aged 50 - 85 with guaranteed acceptance and no medical questions asked, meaning your OCD (or other medical conditions) will not affect your policy. Policies often come with a waiting period that typically ranges from 12 to 24 months (meaning if you pass away due to natural causes in this time, you won’t receive a pay out).

Whole of life insurance – A form of cover that provides lifelong protection and will pay out a lump sum to loved ones, when not if, you pass away. Typically, a more expensive option, however it provides the peace of mind that comes with knowing your loved ones will be financially supported when you are no longer there.

Reassured can provide quote comparisons for all the policies listed above.

How much does life insurance with OCD cost?

The cost of a life insurance policy with OCD will depend on personal factors, as well as the type of policy that is suitable for you. 

This can be measured by: 

  • Age
  • Smoking status
  • BMI
  • Lifestyle and occupation
  • Medical history
  • Health and wellbeing (this could include your OCD diagnosis)
  • Policy type/ level of cover / length of cover

During the application process, insurers assess your eligibility and determine the cost of your policy by asking further detailed questions about your OCD. 

This step is crucial as it allows the insurer to gather information about your circumstances, which in turn helps them tailor the policy to your specific needs. 

Why not find out how much life insurance you need using our life insurance calculator below:

Calculator

How much life insurance do you need?

Work out how much life insurance you may need based on your current financial commitments and what you want your policy to cover. Simply fill in the fields which apply to you for an instant calculation.

?

£137,934 is the estimated mortgage debt per household in the UK.

The purchase of a home is likely to be the largest financial commitment any of us will make in our lifetime. Your life insurance should cover your remaining mortgage balance to allow your loved ones to stay in the family home should anything happen to you.

Source: Moneynerd.co.uk

£
?

The average monthly household budget in the UK is £2,548 (that’s £30,576 per year), which is spent on transport, food & drink, utilities (gas, electricity, water etc), clothing, council tax and leisure activities.

With energy prices hitting a record high and the cost of living rising sharply in the UK, you may wish to factor in utility bills and family living expenses into your cover.

Source: Nimblefins.co.uk

£
?

The average personal debt of UK adults has risen to £34,566 (not including mortgage debt), with credit cards, personal loans and overdrafts being the most common forms of debt.

Factoring in any debts into your life insurance cover means that, if they need to be paid back from your estate after your passing, your loved ones won’t miss out financially.

Source: Money.co.uk

£
?

According to SunLife, the average cost of a funeral in the UK is £3,953 (with the overall cost of dying at £9,200).

Funeral costs have increased by 116% since 2004 and are a significant cost which should be factored into the amount of life insurance you secure.

Source: SunLife.co.uk

£
?

When factoring in cover for your children, you may wish to calculate the amount based on how long it is until they reach financial independence.

This could include childcare (£7,000 per year for part-time care), school expenses (£1,519 per school year for uniforms, lunches, stationary etc), as well as an additional sum for further education (this could be a contribution of up to £5,000 per year).

Sources: Daynurseries.co.uk, Primarytimes.co.uk & Savethestudent.org

£
?

2 in 5 adults say they are relying on an inheritance to fund their retirement.

Factoring in an inheritance to your sum assured could allow loved ones to live a more financially comfortable life. Alternatively, you could leave a cash gift to a charity of your choosing.

Source: Moneyage.co.uk

£ -
?

If you’re lucky enough to have your own savings or are part of the 30% of UK residents who already have a life insurance policy in place, this can provide financial protection for loved ones.

By entering your current cover, savings or death in service amount you can reduce the sum assured you require.

Source: Scottishbusinessnews.net

£ -

Your total cover estimate

£ 0

Let us find you our best quote.

Why Reassured icon

Why use Reassured for OCD life insurance?

  • Reassured is the UK’s largest broker with more than 15 years industry experience *
  • We have a specialist impaired risk team who can help those previously declined secure some form of cover
  • Award-winning service rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot from 80,000+ customer reviews
  • All quotes are fee free and with no obligation, meaning you can explore all your available options with no stress
  • Free trust writing service (avoid or minimise 40% inheritance tax)
  • Reassured provide award-winning services & are Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulated

Can I be declined cover with OCD?

It’s unlikely you’ll be declined life insurance just down to having OCD.

Most people with mild or well managed symptoms could be accepted without any issues.

However, if your OCD is on the more severe scale, or links to other mental health conditions, you may find it more difficult to get standard cover.

If you've previously been declined for life insurance in the past, don't lose hope because there may still be options for you. For instance, here are a few alternatives that might be available:

  • Over 50s life insurance – if you’re a UK resident aged 50-85 then you could secure an over 50s life insurance policy, where no medical questions are asked in the application (therefore OCD won’t affect your policy)
  • Exploring options from other insurers,
  • Specialist insurers

Previously been declined life insurance? Reassured’s advised team offers a specialist service to help you secure some form of cover.

How to get life insurance with OCD?

Top tips

  • Be honest on your application, if not your loved ones could miss out on making a claim due to non-disclosure
  • Compare from a variety of insurers, as many life insurance providers will have different policies and terms, comparing can help you find the right cover for you
  • Provide details of your diagnosis and treatment in the application, so that the insurer can provide the right price and policy for your circumstances
  • Secure cover sooner rather than later,as typically the older you get the higher your premium costs tend to be

Securing life insurance can be a straightforward process with the right guidance. Get in touch with Reassured to see what policy could fit your needs.

Help and support

The NHS website recommends referring yourself directly to an NHS talking therapies service or to see a GP.

 Here, they can also refer you to a local talking therapies service if necessary. Other websites with additional information and support linked to OCD are: 

Compare life insurance quotes with OCD through Reassured

Securing life insurance with OCD could be possible. 

At Reassured, we can help you find fee-free life insurance quotes with no obligation, even if you have been diagnosed with OCD or another mental health condition.

Working with top UK insurers, as well as our specialist advised team, we can help you to find a suitable policy to suit your personal circumstances and needs. 

Why not get in touch today to become a step closer to financially protecting your loved one’s futures?