Last Updated: November 19th, 2025
Yes, you can get life insurance with PTSD. Many people with post-traumatic stress disorder qualify for standard rates, especially if you’re employed, compliant with treatment, and stable on medication. Mild to moderate PTSD that’s well-managed typically results in standard or slightly higher rates. Prudential is particularly experienced with PTSD cases and often offers competitive rates for applicants with controlled symptoms.
If you have PTSD, you might think life insurance is out of reach. Maybe someone told you that mental health conditions make coverage impossible, or you’re worried about being rejected because of your service-connected disability rating.
Here’s the truth: most people with PTSD can get life insurance, and many qualify for standard rates.
At Best Life Quote, the majority of our PTSD clients are military veterans whose condition stems from active duty service. Whether you served in Iraq, Afghanistan, or another combat zone, we specialize in finding coverage for veterans with service-connected PTSD.
The key factors insurers look at aren’t whether you have PTSD or receive VA disability benefits, but how you’re managing the condition. Are you working? Following your treatment plan? Stable on medication? These details matter far more than the diagnosis itself or your VA disability rating.
This guide explains exactly how life insurance companies evaluate PTSD, what you can expect for rates, and which carriers are most likely to approve your application.
Can You Get Life Insurance with PTSD?
Yes. The insurance industry has come a long way in understanding PTSD, particularly since so many veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan have been diagnosed with the condition.
Most applications from people with PTSD come back with standard rates. Some even qualify for preferred rates if the condition is mild and well-controlled.
Life insurance companies aren’t looking to deny coverage to everyone with PTSD. They’re trying to assess risk, and the good news is that well-managed PTSD doesn’t necessarily indicate higher mortality risk.
What matters is your current stability, not just the diagnosis.
PTSD, VA Disability Benefits, and Life Insurance
Most of our PTSD clients are military veterans with service-connected conditions from active duty. If this describes you, there’s something important you need to understand: your VA disability rating and your life insurance underwriting are completely separate evaluations.
VA Disability Doesn’t Prevent Life Insurance Approval
Many veterans assume that receiving VA disability benefits for PTSD automatically disqualifies them from life insurance or guarantees higher premiums. This isn’t true.
Your VA disability rating reflects the severity of your condition and how it affects your ability to work and function in daily life. It’s designed to compensate you for service-connected disabilities. A 70% PTSD rating, for example, entitles you to specific monthly compensation from the VA.
Life insurance underwriting looks at different factors. Underwriters want to know about your current stability, treatment compliance, employment status, and overall health. They’re assessing mortality risk, not disability compensation.
You may qualify for standard life insurance rates with a 50-70% VA PTSD rating if you’re employed, stable on medication, and managing your symptoms—though approval varies by carrier and individual history.
We Specialize in Veterans with Service-Connected PTSD
At Best Life Quote, we’ve helped hundreds of veterans with combat-related and service-connected PTSD secure life insurance coverage. We understand the unique aspects of military PTSD and know which carriers, like Prudential, have the most experience underwriting these cases.
Veterans who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, or other combat zones often face specific PTSD triggers related to deployment experiences. Carriers that specialize in military underwriting understand this context and evaluate your application with that knowledge.
Active Duty PTSD Is Understandable to Insurers
Life insurance companies recognize that PTSD stemming from active duty service is a legitimate response to extraordinary circumstances. You weren’t in a car accident or experienced civilian trauma, you served your country in combat situations that most people will never face.
This context matters. Underwriters at companies like Prudential who regularly work with military PTSD cases understand that combat-related PTSD is different from other trauma responses. They know that many veterans successfully manage their symptoms and live stable, productive lives.
Common Scenarios We See
Here are typical situations we encounter with veteran clients:
A veteran with a 50% VA disability rating for PTSD who works full-time, takes medication as prescribed, sees a therapist regularly, and has had no recent hospitalizations will typically qualify for standard life insurance rates through Prudential or similar carriers.
A veteran with a 70% VA disability rating for PTSD who is unemployed due to the condition, has had multiple medication changes in the past year, and experienced a recent hospitalization will face table 4 or higher ratings. We can still find coverage, but premiums will be higher.
A veteran with 100% VA disability for PTSD who attempted suicide within the past two years will likely need to postpone the application until establishing longer-term stability. After 2-3 years of stability, we can revisit coverage options with better rating potential.
VA Life Insurance vs. Private Coverage
You might already have SGLI (Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance) or VGLI (Veterans’ Group Life Insurance) through the VA. These programs offer guaranteed coverage regardless of health conditions, which is valuable.
VGLI maxes out at $500,000 in coverage, and premiums increase as you age. Private life insurance through carriers like Prudential can provide higher coverage amounts at potentially lower rates, especially if you’re young and your PTSD is well-managed.
Many veterans maintain both VA life insurance and private coverage to maximize their family’s financial protection.
The Bottom Line for Veterans
If you’re a veteran with service-connected PTSD receiving VA disability benefits, don’t assume you can’t get private life insurance. We work with veterans at all disability rating levels and have secured coverage for clients with 30%, 50%, 70%, and even some with 100% ratings.
Your service-connected disability rating is not the same as your life insurance risk rating. We specialize in helping insurers understand the difference and presenting your case in the best possible light.
How PTSD Affects Your Life Insurance Rates
Your life insurance rate class depends on several factors related to your PTSD. Here’s what you can typically expect:
Mild PTSD (Standard to Preferred Plus Rates)
If you have mild PTSD with minimal symptoms, you’re compliant with treatment, and you’re employed with no recent hospitalizations, you’ll likely qualify for standard rates. In some cases, preferred rates are possible.
This applies to people who had traumatic experiences but have successfully processed them with therapy, have no suicidal ideation, and maintain stable employment and relationships.
Moderate PTSD (Standard to Table 2 Ratings)
Moderate PTSD that’s stable on medication typically results in standard to table 2 ratings. This category includes people who have ongoing symptoms but manage them effectively with medication and therapy.
You’re working, you’ve had no suicide attempts, and you’re compliant with your treatment plan. You might have occasional difficult periods, but overall you maintain stability.
Table 2 ratings mean your premiums are about 50% higher than standard rates. It’s not ideal, but it’s still very affordable coverage.
Severe PTSD (Table 4+ or Postponed)
If you have severe PTSD with recent hospitalizations, multiple suicide attempts, or an inability to work due to symptoms, you’ll face higher rates starting at table 4 or higher. In some cases, carriers will ask you to postpone your application until you’ve achieved greater stability.
Table 4 means premiums are about 100% higher than standard rates. Higher table ratings increase from there.
For severe cases, guaranteed issue life insurance might be your best option until your condition stabilizes. These policies don’t require medical exams or health questions, but they have lower coverage amounts and higher premiums.
What Underwriters Look At
When you apply for life insurance with PTSD, underwriters evaluate specific factors to determine your risk level.
Treatment Compliance
Are you seeing a therapist regularly? Taking prescribed medications? Following your treatment plan? Compliance shows stability and self-awareness, both of which underwriters view positively.
Employment Status
Being employed is one of the strongest indicators of functional stability. It shows you can maintain routines, handle responsibilities, and function in daily life. Unemployed applicants face more scrutiny, even if unemployment isn’t related to PTSD.
Time Since Diagnosis
How long have you been diagnosed, and how has your condition progressed? Stable PTSD that’s been well-managed for several years looks better than a recent diagnosis where stability hasn’t been established.
Medication Management
Are you on a stable medication regimen? Frequent medication changes or non-compliance raise red flags. Successful medication management demonstrates that you’re actively managing your condition.
Suicide Attempt History
This is the most significant factor. Any history of suicide attempts, especially recent ones, dramatically affects your rating. Suicidal ideation that’s been managed and resolved is viewed differently than active or recent attempts.
Co-Occurring Conditions
Do you have depression, anxiety, or substance abuse issues alongside PTSD? Multiple mental health conditions increase complexity and affect underwriting decisions. Substance abuse, in particular, can lead to declined applications or significant rate increases.
Prudential: Our Go-To Carrier for PTSD
At Best Life Quote, Prudential is our preferred carrier for clients with PTSD, especially military veterans with service-connected conditions.
Prudential has extensive experience underwriting PTSD cases from veterans who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other combat zones. They understand that combat-related PTSD is a legitimate response to extraordinary service conditions, and they take a nuanced approach to mental health underwriting.
Prudential doesn’t automatically rate everyone with PTSD the same way. They look at your individual circumstances: treatment history, current stability, employment status, and overall functionality. They recognize that many veterans with PTSD live stable, productive lives and don’t pose increased mortality risk.
In some cases, our veteran clients with 50-70% VA disability ratings for PTSD have received standard life insurance rates through Prudential, though others received table ratings depending on overall health and stability.
Prudential also offers accelerated underwriting for certain applicants, which can speed up the approval process if you meet specific health and lifestyle criteria.
For veterans specifically, Prudential’s underwriting team has seen thousands of PTSD cases and knows how to evaluate service-connected conditions fairly and accurately.
Tips for Getting Approved
Getting approved for life insurance with PTSD requires preparation and strategy. Here’s how to improve your chances.
Get Your Medical Records Organized
Before you apply, request copies of your medical records from your psychiatrist or therapist. Review them for accuracy. If there are errors or outdated information, ask your provider to correct them before your application goes to underwriting.
Work with an Independent Agent
Independent agents work with multiple carriers and know which companies are most favorable for PTSD cases. We can shop your application to carriers like Prudential that have the best track record with mental health conditions.
Going directly to one insurance company limits your options. If they decline you or rate you higher than necessary, you don’t have other options.
Time Your Application Strategically
If you’ve recently changed medications, been hospitalized, or experienced a crisis, wait before applying. Establishing 12-24 months of stability significantly improves your rating.
If you’re currently in crisis or struggling with severe symptoms, focus on treatment first. Once you’ve achieved stability, then pursue life insurance.
Be Honest on Your Application
Never lie about your PTSD diagnosis, treatment history, or medications. Life insurance companies will discover the truth during the underwriting process, and dishonesty can result in a declined application or voided policy.
Honesty doesn’t hurt your chances. Underwriters expect mental health disclosures. What they’re looking for is how you’re managing the condition.
Highlight Positive Factors
Make sure your agent emphasizes positive factors in your application: stable employment, long-term relationship, treatment compliance, no recent hospitalizations, and functional day-to-day life.
These details paint a picture of stability that can offset concerns about the PTSD diagnosis itself.
FAQs About Life Insurance and PTSD
Can veterans get life insurance with PTSD?
Yes. Many veterans with service-connected PTSD qualify for life insurance at standard or near-standard rates. Prudential and other carriers have extensive experience with military-related PTSD and evaluate it based on current stability rather than the diagnosis alone.
Do I need to disclose my PTSD diagnosis?
Yes. You must disclose all mental health diagnoses on your life insurance application. The insurance company will obtain your medical records, and failing to disclose PTSD could result in a declined application or policy rescission.
Will my rates be higher because of PTSD?
It depends on your severity and management. Mild, well-controlled PTSD often qualifies for standard rates. Moderate PTSD might result in table 2-3 ratings (25-75% higher premiums). Severe PTSD with recent hospitalizations or suicide attempts will result in higher table ratings or postponed applications.
Can I get life insurance if I’ve attempted suicide?
It’s difficult but not impossible. Most carriers will postpone your application if you’ve had a suicide attempt within the past 2-5 years. After several years of stability, some carriers will consider your application with higher table ratings.
Does therapy make my application worse?
No. Active participation in therapy demonstrates that you’re managing your condition responsibly. Underwriters view therapy compliance as a positive factor, not a negative one.
What if I’m on multiple medications for PTSD?
Being on multiple medications isn’t necessarily problematic if your condition is stable. What matters is medication compliance and whether your symptoms are controlled. Frequent medication changes raise more concerns than being on a stable multi-drug regimen.
Can I get life insurance if PTSD prevents me from working?
It’s more challenging. Employment is a strong indicator of functional stability. If you’re unable to work due to PTSD, you’ll likely face higher ratings or need to apply for guaranteed issue coverage. If you’re on disability but otherwise stable, some carriers will still consider your application.
Does my VA disability rating for PTSD affect my life insurance rates?
Not directly. Your VA disability rating and life insurance underwriting are separate evaluations. You may qualify for standard life insurance rates with a 70% VA disability rating for PTSD if you’re employed, stable on medication, and managing your symptoms. Underwriters focus on mortality risk, not disability compensation levels.
I have SGLI/VGLI through the VA. Do I still need private life insurance?
VGLI provides guaranteed coverage but maxes out at $500,000 and has premiums that increase with age. Private life insurance can offer higher coverage amounts at potentially lower rates, especially if you’re younger and your PTSD is well-managed. Many veterans maintain both for maximum protection.
Will my service-connected PTSD be viewed differently than civilian PTSD?
Yes, in a positive way. Carriers like Prudential that specialize in military underwriting understand that combat-related PTSD is a response to extraordinary service conditions. They have more context for evaluating your case than carriers with limited military experience.
Can I get life insurance if I’m unemployed due to my PTSD VA rating?
It’s more challenging but possible. Employment is a strong stability indicator, so unemployment due to PTSD will result in higher ratings. If you’re on VA disability but otherwise stable with good treatment compliance and no recent crises, we can find coverage. You’ll likely face table ratings rather than standard rates.
Key Takeaways
- Most people with PTSD can get life insurance, and many qualify for standard rates
- The majority of our PTSD clients are military veterans with service-connected conditions from active duty service
- VA disability ratings and life insurance underwriting are separate evaluations—receiving VA benefits doesn’t prevent approval
- Underwriters focus on current stability, treatment compliance, and employment status rather than the diagnosis alone
- Prudential offers competitive rates for well-managed PTSD cases and has extensive experience with military-related PTSD
- Mild, controlled PTSD typically results in standard rates; moderate PTSD may add table 2-3 ratings; severe PTSD requires higher ratings or guaranteed issue coverage
- Suicide attempt history is the most significant factor affecting your rating
- Working with an independent agent gives you access to multiple carriers and improves your approval chances
Ready to explore your life insurance options with PTSD? We specialize in helping veterans and civilians with service-connected and non-service-connected PTSD find coverage at the best available rates. Whether you have a VA disability rating or you’re managing PTSD from civilian trauma, we know which carriers will give you the fairest evaluation. Call us at 800-712-8519 for a confidential consultation and quote.
