I’ve been struggling to get life insurance and could really use some advice. This is a throwaway account so I can be open about my medical history.
I’ve been denied coverage three times now—once for unclear reasons, another time because of ‘information from my psychiatrist’ (see below), and most recently due to pending cardiac testing, which I’ve now completed.
An agent recently shopped my anonymized medical records around and told me no company would approve me because of past mental health issues and the fact that I was prescribed Ketamine for treatment-resistant depression.
I’ve been off Ketamine for over a year now, and my cardiac tests came back fine. Should I apply again and hope they don’t dig too deep into my records? Do I need to wait longer? And will these rejections make it even harder to get approved?
I’m really frustrated with the process and would appreciate any advice.
Finding the right company can be tough since every insurer evaluates things differently. Without knowing exactly what’s in your psychiatrist’s records, it’s hard to say what’s causing the issue.
I’d recommend getting a full copy of your psych records and reviewing them yourself. A lot of people don’t realize what’s actually in their medical files until they look.
Things like ‘severe depression’ or mentions of suicidal thoughts can be red flags for insurers, even if those weren’t ongoing issues for you.
A good step would be to ask your psychiatrist to write a letter explaining your history in a positive light—emphasizing stability and that you’re in a good place now. You can share that letter with an underwriter when applying. It could make a difference!
@Lior
I already have my full psych records from the past four years and didn’t see anything that seemed like a red flag. I’ve never had suicidal ideation or self-harmed, so it’s frustrating that I keep getting declined.
I like the idea of getting a letter from my psychiatrist. Can that actually be included in my application?
@Cameron
That’s great you already have your records! The Ketamine history might still be a sticking point, but since you’ve been off it for over a year and your cardiac tests came back fine, you should have options.
Yes, a psychiatrist’s letter can absolutely be included. If they can confirm your depression is stable and you’re doing well, that can help sway an underwriter.
If you trust your current agent, ask if they can push for reconsideration with the insurers that already declined you—it could save you from having to start over. A good agent will also find out if there’s a specific waiting period (e.g., 2-3 years off Ketamine) before a company will approve you.
@Arden
Yeah, it helped a lot. It wasn’t a miracle fix, but it opened my mind to different ways of thinking, which led to gradual improvements in my overall mental health.
I first did Spravato (J&J’s nasal spray version) and had the best results with it. Later, I tried at-home lozenges from a compounding pharmacy, but they weren’t as effective, so I eventually stopped treatment.
I’ve heard IV and intramuscular injections work best, but they’re expensive. Spravato was covered by insurance, so it only cost me $20 per session.
@Cameron
That’s really interesting! My sister is a therapist and has been seeing positive results in clients who’ve tried it. Glad to hear you’re doing better!
Has your agent looked into a small guaranteed-issue whole life policy? It won’t be as much coverage, but it could be a temporary solution while you work through this.
I’d also recommend pulling your MIB report to see if there are errors and disputing anything inaccurate. Some conditions require a 2-5 year waiting period before insurers will consider approving you, but at least you’d have something in place for now.
Also, just want to say—you’re more important than a policy. Hope your treatments have been helping!