October is Mental Health Awareness Month: What It Means for Life Insurance

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October is Mental Health Awareness Month: What It Means for Life Insurance

Every October, Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us that caring for our emotional and psychological well-being is just as important as caring for our physical health. Yet when it comes to financial planning—especially life insurance—many people with mental health conditions hesitate to apply, fearing higher premiums or possible denial.

The truth is: having a mental health history doesn’t automatically disqualify you from getting life insurance. But understanding how insurers view mental health can help you make informed, confident decisions.

💡 How Life Insurance Companies View Mental Health

When you apply for life insurance, underwriters assess your overall health and lifestyle to determine your risk level. Mental health conditions—such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder—are part of that assessment, but they are weighed individually based on factors like:

  • Diagnosis and severity (for example, mild anxiety vs. major depressive disorder)
  • Treatment and medication (are symptoms well-controlled?)
  • Frequency of therapy or hospitalization
  • Any history of self-harm or suicide attempts

Insurers today have become more understanding and nuanced in their approach. Many recognize that with proper treatment and stability, mental health conditions can be well-managed, and applicants can live long, healthy lives.

💬 The Importance of Transparency

One common mistake is trying to “hide” mental health history on an application. This can backfire later, potentially invalidating your policy. The better strategy is full transparency — but paired with context.

For example, if you take medication for anxiety and it has helped you manage stress effectively for years, that shows stability and proactive self-care. A good financial professional can help you frame this information in a positive, accurate way.

💰 Your Options: From Traditional to No-Medical-Exam Policies

If your mental health history is more complex, there are still solid life insurance options available:

  • Simplified issue life insurance – No medical exam, just health questions.
  • Guaranteed issue life insurance – Acceptance is almost certain, though coverage limits are lower.
  • Group or employer-sponsored life insurance – Often available without medical questions.

Each policy type has trade-offs, but the right strategy can ensure your loved ones are financially protected, no matter what.

❤️ Mental Health Is Health — and Protection Is Empowerment

Your mental health journey should never be a barrier to financial security. In fact, seeking protection through life insurance is an act of empowerment — for yourself and those who depend on you.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, take a few moments to review your protection plan. Whether you’re living with a mental health condition or simply want to better understand your options, professional guidance can make all the difference.

If you’d like to talk privately about how mental health may affect life insurance eligibility or pricing, I’m happy to provide insight — no cost, no pressure, just clear information.

When Science Meets Dollars: Breast Cancer, Research & Financial Planning

By sites • January 11, 2025
Breast cancer remains among the most common cancers facing women in the U.S., and thanks to ongoing research, detection and treatment have improved dramatically. But even with progress, a diagnosis can create a serious financial shock. Sound financial planning now must account for that possibility. The Numbers: Risk & Impact • The average lifetime risk for a woman in the U.S. developing breast cancer is about 12.9% (roughly 1 in 8). • Breast cancer accounts for about 30% of new female cancer diagnoses (excluding skin cancer) in the U.S. • Over time, death rates from breast cancer have fallen—declining approximately 44% since 1989—thanks largely to earlier detection and better therapies. • Age matters. For example, a U.S. woman’s 10-year risk of developing breast cancer is roughly: • Age 30 → 0.49% • Age 40 → 1.55% • Age 50 → 2.40% • Age 60 → 3.54% These numbers highlight: the risk is real, increases with age, but much can be mitigated via research, screening, and better treatments. Why Financial Planning Must Include “What If” Even with health insurance, a cancer diagnosis can bring unplanned costs: out-of-pocket for treatments, travel to specialty centers, caregiving, lost wages, home modifications, and more. Financial resilience means thinking ahead: • Emergency funds should allow you to weather interruptions in income or large medical bills. • Insurance design matters—beyond just health and disability insurance, consider riders or living benefits that help during illness. • Flexibility is key—you want benefits you can use however you need (not just restricted to medical bills). • Review periodically—as medical science and insurance offerings evolve, your coverage needs may change. Do Nationwide & National Life Support Cancer / Critical Illness Riders?  Yes — both insurers offer living-benefit or accelerated benefit features that can cover serious illnesses like cancer (so long as the specific policy definitions, conditions, and state forms align). Important caveats: • The specific definition of “cancer / critical illness” matters (some policies only cover invasive cancer or exclude early/non-invasive forms). • Waiting periods or “manifestation” clauses may apply—e.g. National Life’s cancer condition must manifest after the 30th day of the rider. • Any payout reduces remaining death benefit and policy values. • Availability and terms vary by state and product.