Expert: Ivan Goldberg, M.D. - 11/7/2006

Question
I have has bipolar disorder for appx 20 years. For the past 3 years my doctor and I have finnally been succussful at finding the right medication that works for me. However I have been denied life insurance policy because of this. I am single with three grown children and two grandbabies and I have to have a policy for them.  Do you know what I can do about this, if anything? Thank You

Answer
It is often difficult for people with bipolar disorder to get life insurance because of the increased frequency of suicide in people with bipolar disorder.

The strategy that some of my patients have used is to go to the insurance agent from whom they have purchased other kinds of insurance and to try to get that agent to make application to as many insurance companies as possible. if nothing else works you can offer to high higher than usual premiums and/or to have the policy written in such a way that death by suicide is specifically excluded.

Best regards . . .

Ivan
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