We’ve successfully helped many veterans of war obtain affordable life insurance who have post traumatic stress disorder. These cases are very similar to the depression or bipolar life insurance cases we get.
What the Insurance Companies Need to Know
Essentially, the life insurance companies want to know what medications are being taken, and how well the depression, or in this case, PTSD, is being controlled. Some factors that help us determine control are whether or not you are on disability for PTSD. It speaks volumes to underwriters if you’ve been able to hold a steady job. Note, some people with severe PTSD may be affected so much that they will not be able to.
It’s also important to know whether you’ve ever had any suicidal thoughts or threats or hospitalizations due to post traumatic stress disorder. If the disorder is well controlled, standard or better rates may be available.
Vietnam Vet with PTSD’s Story
However, I recently had one client dragged through the mud by Fidelity. Here’s his story.
He is 65 years old, retired at age 55 from postal service.
Vietnam Vet with post traumatic stress disorder. He lived with it for several years with no treatment. Approx 10 yrs ago he visited a psychiatrist who diagnosed him with PTSD and prescribed him Wellbutrin. He only visited him one time. Since then his primary care dr has been renewing the rx. He takes 20 mg per day.
With the PTSD, my client was able to take a partial disability from the VA, and retire from the postal service at age 55. He is now on 60% disability with VA, half for PTSD and half for a shoulder cuff injury, which has required surgery.
Just declined by Fidelity for “use of Wellbutrin and high blood pressure history”, although underwriter did say the MIB had other hits.
Spoke at length with my client who said he has never been hospitalized due to PTSD, and is a Christian, and would never ever consider suicide, and can’t remember ever making any statements about suicidal thoughts in the past, and certainly hasn’t in the past 10 years since he’s been on Wellbutrin. He worked with it for years holding a steady job at the postal service, and for the past 10 years, since getting treatment, he’s been doing great.
The description above is what I sent out in a trial offer request on my client’s behalf. He will most likely be rated at Standard or mildly substandard with most companies.
If you have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or any other high risk medical disorder, please call us for a free quote at 877-443-9467.
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