Best Life Insurance for Depression

Research Snapshot

• Topic: Life insurance for applicants with a history of depression.
• Target buyer: A U.S. consumer with a history of depression who understands that underwriting may consider severity, treatment, medications, current stability, hospitalizations, time away from work, history of self-harm or suicidal behavior where applicable, and other mental and physical health factors.
• Platforms included (7): openai, anthropic, deepseek, grok, perplexity, kimi, google.
• Research date: 2026-09-22 (authoritative run date). Platform-reported dates are provenance metadata only; deepseek reported an earlier date, which is disclosed as a methodology limitation.
• Unique entities named: 18.
• Qualifying entities: 9.
• Eligibility rule: Named by at least two platforms during ranking discovery.
• Ranking authority: The supplied final ranking table, ordered by platform mentions, then average listed rank, then best listed rank.
• Evidence authority: Entity evidence bundles, which mix company-owned sources and independent sources. Platform mentions count only ranking-discovery mentions, not the number of platforms that later completed a fit assessment.

The Consensus Ranking

Questions This Section Answers

• What are the best life insurance carriers for a consumer with a history of depression in 2026?
• Which carrier for depression life insurance was named by the most AI platforms, and how often did each platform rank it first?

The table below is the study's single authority for rank, platform mentions, platform share, average listed position, and best position. Nine carriers qualified. Prudential and Banner Life were named by all seven platforms; Haven Life qualified with two mentions and the weakest average position.

Which Option Is Best for Which Version of the Buyer Need?

Questions This Section Answers

• Which life insurance carrier should a buyer with depression choose if they need a no-exam accelerated decision rather than full medical underwriting?
• Is Prudential or Banner Life better for life insurance with depression when the applicant is stable on a single medication?
• Which carrier for depression life insurance is best if the buyer needs guaranteed acceptance and is age 50 or older?

1. Prudential

Questions This Section Answers

• Is Prudential worth it for life insurance with a history of depression, and what are its main drawbacks?
• Which Prudential term product should a buyer with depression compare, and what does the application ask about mental health?

Prudential is the consensus leader of this index: the only carrier named by all seven platforms, with an average listed position of 1.57 and a best position of 1. Platform fit ratings ranged from "mixed" (deepseek) to "strong" (kimi), with openai, anthropic, google, grok, and perplexity all landing on "good." The Prudential fit review consolidates the full bundle.

Why it ranked here. Prudential was the most frequently named carrier and the most frequently ranked first. Its application explicitly asks whether the applicant has ever been treated for or diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or another mental or psychiatric illness, which confirms depression is a material underwriting factor rather than an automatic exclusion ^[1]. Multiple platforms reported that Prudential tends to offer better health classifications than peers for moderate-to-severe depression and more affordable rates even with more than one mental health condition ^[2]. Google reported a "Rx for Success" pre-underwriting framework for mood and anxiety disorders that lets brokers obtain informal feedback before a formal application ^[4].

Best suited for. Applicants whose depression is treated, stable, well documented, and not associated with recent hospitalization or serious safety concerns; buyers who want a term policy with conversion options and are willing to complete medical underwriting ^[5].

Main strengths for this use case. EssentialTerm is offered in 10-, 15-, 20-, and 30-year term durations ^[1]. PruFast Track accelerated underwriting is described as delivering no-exam decisions in 24 to 72 hours when the history is straightforward, with roughly 59% of applications qualifying for accelerated paths ^[6]. Google reported that Prudential allows applicants taking two or fewer maintenance medications, with no antipsychotics, to still qualify for competitive Preferred rates ^[8]. Prudential reports A+ from A.M. Best and AA- from S&P and Fitch for its relevant life insurers as of August 4, 2026 ^[9].

Main limitations. Public materials do not disclose a current, consumer-facing table showing how Prudential treats depression by severity, medication, duration of stability, hospitalization, work absence, self-harm, or suicidal behavior ^[10]. Google reported that Prudential does not allow a Waiver of Premium rider if the policy carries any substandard table rating for depression or anxiety ^[11]. Anthropic reported that Prudential requires agent consultation and a phone interview and does not offer fully online application and purchase ^[12].

2. Banner Life

Questions This Section Answers

• Is Banner Life or Prudential better for life insurance with depression when the applicant is stable on a single SSRI?
• What no-exam coverage limit does Banner Life's OPTerm actually offer for an applicant with depression?

Banner Life finished second with seven platform mentions, an average listed position of 1.71, and a best position of 1. It was ranked first by openai and perplexity and second by anthropic, deepseek, google, grok, and kimi. The Banner Life fit review consolidates the full bundle.

Why it ranked here. Banner's underwriting guide states that Preferred Plus may be possible for one depression episode lasting less than one year with no current medication, and that accelerated underwriting may consider applicants with well-controlled depression and anxiety for Preferred underwriting ^[13]. Google reported that Banner calculates non-tobacco substandard premiums using Standard Plus rates as the base instead of standard rates, which reduces the cost of a table rating ^[15].

Best suited for. Applicants with one or more past depression episodes that are currently stable and well documented, seeking level-premium term coverage with 10- to 40-year duration choices ^[16].

Main strengths for this use case. OPTerm provides guaranteed level premiums during the selected term with durations of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 years, subject to eligibility, and coverage amounts listed at $100,000 or more ^[16]. Accelerated underwriting can substitute electronic health records, an attending-physician statement, or recent laboratory results for a paramedical exam ^[14]. OPTerm can be exchanged for a universal life policy issued at the same underwriting class as the existing term policy, subject to conversion provisions ^[16]. Anthropic reported an A+ (Superior) rating from A.M. Best and a NAIC complaint index well below the industry average ^[17].

Main limitations. Banner does not publish a complete consumer-facing decision matrix for depression severity, medication use, hospitalization, work absence, self-harm, or suicidal behavior ^[13]. The public materials contain inconsistent coverage-limit references: $4 million in older or supplied materials versus $5 million in the current FAQ ^[14]. Google reported that severe depression requiring multiple medications or anti-psychotics, or involving recent hospitalizations or self-harm, results in substandard table ratings or denials ^[19]. Anthropic reported that Banner lacks a mobile app and live chat, and that full medical underwriting can take four to six weeks ^[20].

Pricing or cost summary. No reliable consumer-specific premium can be stated.

3. Lincoln Financial

Questions This Section Answers

• Is Lincoln Financial worth it for life insurance with depression if the applicant has an older psychiatric hospitalization?
• Does Lincoln TermAccel accept applicants with depression, or will the case be routed to full underwriting?

Lincoln Financial ranked third with six platform mentions, an average listed position of 4.17, and a best position of 3. The Lincoln Financial fit review consolidates the full bundle.

Why it ranked here. Lincoln was named by six of seven platforms. Anthropic reported that Policygenius identifies Lincoln Financial as its top pick for people with depression, citing favorable underwriting for the condition ^[22]. Kimi reported that Lincoln tends to look past older mental health hospitalization events faster than industry norms ^[24].

Best suited for. Applicants seeking conventional term coverage with a streamlined electronic application, ages 18–60 seeking approximately $100,000–$1,000,000 of TermAccel coverage, and applicants with stable treatment and no recent major complications who want potential conversion to qualifying Lincoln permanent insurance ^[25].

Main strengths for this use case. TermAccel is a fully electronic term-life application with online or phone interview options, possible lab waiver for qualifying applicants, and conversion to qualifying Lincoln permanent insurance ^[25]. Lincoln's TermAccel underwriting guide states availability for ages 18–60, face amounts of $100,000–$1,000,000, and 10-, 15-, 20-, or 30-year terms ^[26]. Google reported that applicants managed on up to one medication can qualify for Preferred underwriting rate classes with long-term stability and follow-up care ^[27]. Lincoln reports A from AM Best, A+ from Fitch, A2 from Moody's, and A+ from S&P for The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company as of July 29, 2026 ^[28].

Main limitations. Lincoln's public TermAccel materials do not disclose depression-specific acceptance or rating rules, and automated underwriting may still use prescription, medical, claims, and electronic health data ^[29]. The publicly available depression guideline reviewed applies to MoneyGuard long-term-care solutions, not necessarily TermAccel or ordinary term life ^[30]. Google reported that a hospitalization for depression triggers a postponement of at least two years, and that a suicide attempt within 10 years is generally declined ^[31]. TermAccel is expressly unavailable in New York ^[32].

Pricing or cost summary. No reliable public consumer premium schedule was found. Anthropic reported sample rates of $40–$60 per month for $500,000 20-year term policies for healthy nonsmokers, with depression cases varying by stability and severity ^[33].

4. Pacific Life

Questions This Section Answers

• Is Pacific Life a good choice for life insurance with depression if the applicant takes two medications and wants a large face amount?
• What happens to a Pacific Life term policy if the applicant's depression worsens after issue?

Pacific Life ranked fourth with five platform mentions, an average listed position of 4.80, and a best position of 3. The Pacific Life fit review consolidates the full bundle.

Why it ranked here. Pacific Life was named by five platforms and ranked third by openai and perplexity. Google reported that Pacific Life offers Preferred rate classes for applicants with mild to moderate depression stable on up to two medications, provided they have had limited time off work and no hospitalizations or electroconvulsive therapy ^[34]. Grok reported that Pacific Life ranked first for coverage options among mental health life insurance options in a 2026 review ^[35].

Best suited for. Applicants with stable, well-documented depression who want conventional term coverage and may qualify for accelerated underwriting, and applicants who value converting term coverage to Pacific Life universal life without new underwriting during the conversion period ^[36].

Main strengths for this use case. PL Promise Term provides fixed premiums for 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years with a $50,000 minimum death benefit [e4:official:C1]. Pacific Life states that PAL+ can route applicants through the least-invasive underwriting method and that accelerated underwriting may offer up to $3 million without a medical exam for ages 18–60 [e4:official:C1]. PL Promise Term may be converted in whole or in part to a Pacific Life universal life policy during the level-premium period, up to age 70, without new underwriting, with the converted policy receiving an equivalent risk class ^[36]. Anthropic reported an A+ rating from A.M. Best and a 0.05 NAIC complaint index ^[37].

Main limitations. Pacific Life's public PL Promise materials do not specify how depression severity, treatment, medications, hospitalizations, time away from work, self-harm or suicidal behavior, or current stability affect eligibility or pricing ^[38]. Google reported that a history of clinical depression involving self-harm, suicidal behavior, hospitalizations, or electroconvulsive therapy generally disqualifies applicants from Preferred rate classes ^[39]. Anthropic reported that Pacific Life lacks a direct online application and that ages 60–70 with medical conditions typically require an attending physician statement ^[40]. Kimi reported that Pacific Life is not rated among the most accommodating carriers for moderate-to-severe depression ^[42].

Pricing or cost summary. No public consumer rate table or depression-specific quote was verified.

5. John Hancock

Questions This Section Answers

• Is John Hancock worth it for life insurance with depression if the buyer wants wellness rewards rather than the lowest premium?
• Does John Hancock's Vitality program change underwriting for depression, or only post-issue rewards?

John Hancock ranked fifth with four platform mentions, an average listed position of 7.00, and a best position of 6. The John Hancock fit review consolidates the full bundle.

Why it ranked here. John Hancock was named by four platforms and ranked sixth by deepseek and perplexity and eighth by anthropic and kimi. Anthropic reported that John Hancock's underwriting guidelines are lenient and accommodative toward applicants with depression, with mild-to-moderate cases potentially qualifying for Standard Non-Smoker or Preferred Non-Smoker rate classes ^[43]. Google reported that John Hancock's Vitality program includes a HealthyMind feature with a free 12-month Headspace subscription and Vitality points for meditating as little as 10 minutes a day ^[45].

Best suited for. Applicants with stable, well-documented depression who want conventional medically underwritten term insurance and value a wellness program with potential Vitality PLUS rewards or premium savings ^[46].

Main strengths for this use case. John Hancock offers term life insurance with 10-, 15-, 20-, and 30-year durations, and Vitality PLUS is described as available with term coverage ^[47]. Vitality GO is automatically included with eligible policies at no additional cost, and Vitality PLUS can provide premium savings, rewards, and discounts subject to eligibility and program terms ^[46]. Anthropic reported that a single stable SSRI typically draws no rating and that most applicants still qualify for Preferred or Preferred Plus rates ^[48]. Google reported that John Hancock uses a GenAI-powered Quick Quote tool that allows agents to submit preliminary inquiries and receive initial assessments in as little as 15 minutes ^[50].

Main limitations. John Hancock's public materials do not state how depression severity, treatment, medications, hospitalizations, work impairment, self-harm history, or suicidal behavior affect eligibility or rate class ^[51]. Google reported that a depression diagnosis within the past six months results in a decline, and that the Long-Term Care rider declines depression with psychotic symptoms, hospitalizations, or suicide attempts ^[52]. Grok reported that an attending physician statement is required if depression occurred within the past three years ^[54]. Anthropic reported a NAIC complaint index of 1.21 and a J.D. Power score of 631, ranking 15th among major carriers ^[55]. .

6. Corebridge Financial

Questions This Section Answers

• Which carrier for depression life insurance is best for a buyer age 50–80 who needs guaranteed acceptance with no health questions?
• What are the coverage limits and early-death restrictions on Corebridge's guaranteed-issue whole life policy?

Corebridge Financial ranked sixth with three platform mentions, an average listed position of 4.00, and a best position of 3. The Corebridge Financial fit review consolidates the full bundle.

Why it ranked here. Corebridge was named by three platforms but achieved the strongest average listed position of any carrier outside the top two, at 4.00, with a best position of 3. Anthropic reported that Corebridge specializes in high-risk cases and can provide coverage when other carriers decline, and that it is an excellent option for more complex depression histories or recent treatment changes ^[57]. Perplexity reported that the guaranteed-issue product does not require medical exams or health questions, so depression history is not part of the application decision for that product ^[59].

Best suited for. Applicants seeking final-expense or modest permanent coverage after difficulty obtaining traditionally underwritten insurance, and older applicants whose primary need is funeral-cost or debt coverage rather than substantial income replacement ^[60].

Main strengths for this use case. Corebridge publicly lists term life, permanent life, and final-expense life insurance, and its final-expense materials identify Guaranteed Issue Whole Life and SimpliNow Legacy as relevant simplified or guaranteed-issue options ^[60]. Guaranteed Issue Whole Life is described as accepting applicants if age qualifications are met, with coverage generally from $5,000 to $25,000 ^[59]. Anthropic reported that Select-a-Term offers 18 customizable term options from 10 to 35 years with convertibility to permanent policies, and that Agile Underwriting+ may not require a medical exam, labs, or attending physician statements ^[62]. American General Life holds an A (Excellent) rating from AM Best ^[64].

Main limitations. For Guaranteed Issue Whole Life and SimpliNow Legacy, Corebridge states that deaths during the first two years receive 110% of premiums paid rather than the full policy amount, and that the suicide benefit is limited to a refund of premiums less outstanding loan amounts ^[60]. Guaranteed-issue coverage is capped at $25,000 and restricted to ages 50–80 ^[59]. Anthropic reported that independent reviews state people with mental health conditions may have difficulty finding their best rates with Corebridge ^[66].

7. Mutual of Omaha

Questions This Section Answers

• Is Mutual of Omaha worth it for life insurance with depression if the applicant is over 45 and needs guaranteed-issue whole life?
• What is the graded death benefit period on Mutual of Omaha's Guaranteed Whole Life policy, and how does it affect a buyer with depression?

Mutual of Omaha ranked seventh with three platform mentions, an average listed position of 5.00, and a best position of 4. The Mutual of Omaha fit review consolidates the full bundle.

Why it ranked here. Mutual of Omaha was named by three platforms and ranked fourth by deepseek, fifth by kimi, and sixth by anthropic. Kimi reported that Mutual of Omaha is consistently among the most accommodating carriers for moderate and recurrent depression along with Prudential, and is noted as competitive for older adults with controlled anxiety ^[67]. Google reported that for fully underwritten products, situational depression recovered with no psychiatric hospitalizations in the past three years, or major depression under age 70 controlled with medication for over six months and fully functional, can qualify for Standard health classifications ^[68].

Best suited for. Applicants with depression that is stable, treated, and likely to qualify for simplified underwriting, applicants seeking modest final-expense coverage, and applicants age 45–85 who may qualify for Guaranteed Whole Life and cannot obtain traditionally underwritten coverage ^[69].

Main strengths for this use case. Mutual of Omaha's relevant products include Term Life Express and IUL Express with simplified underwriting, Living Promise Whole Life with simplified underwriting, and Guaranteed Whole Life with no medical underwriting for qualifying age ranges ^[71]. Guaranteed Whole Life is advertised with no medical exam or health questions for ages 45–85, or 50–75 in New York, with coverage generally from $2,000 to $25,000 ^[69]. Term Life Express face amounts are listed at $25,000–$300,000 for ages 18–50, $25,000–$250,000 for ages 51–60, and $25,000–$150,000 for ages 61–75 ^[71]. Anthropic reported A+ ratings from A.M. Best and S&P Global and an A1 rating from Moody's ^[72].

Main limitations. The public product materials reviewed do not state how depression severity, medications, treatment history, hospitalizations, time away from work, or self-harm or suicidal behavior are individually evaluated ^[73]. Guaranteed Whole Life has a two-year limited or graded death benefit, with nonaccidental death during that period generally paying 110% of premiums paid rather than the full face amount ^[74].

8. Protective

Questions This Section Answers

• Is Protective worth it for life insurance with depression if the applicant wants a top rate class despite a mental health history?
• Does a depression diagnosis disqualify an applicant from Protective's accelerated underwriting path?

Protective ranked eighth with three platform mentions, an average listed position of 7.33, and a best position of 4. The Protective fit review consolidates the full bundle.

Why it ranked here. Protective was named by three platforms and ranked fourth by grok, eighth by deepseek, and tenth by kimi. Google reported that applicants with mild, well-controlled depression or anxiety may still qualify for Protective's best class (Select Preferred) underwriting tier, and that Protective uses a dual-manual reinsurance approach allowing underwriters to apply the most favorable of two guidelines ^[75]. Independent comparison data reported that Protective applicants with depression or anxiety could qualify for Preferred Plus and Preferred with up to one medication shown in the comparison ^[76].

Best suited for. Applicants with stable, treated depression, limited medication history, no recent hospitalization, and no recent self-harm or suicidal behavior, seeking traditionally underwritten term coverage with possible conversion to permanent insurance ^[77].

Main strengths for this use case. Protective Classic Choice term is the clearest initial product match for a consumer seeking affordable temporary death-benefit protection, and Protective Custom Choice UL is a permanent-coverage alternative ^[77]. Protective states that qualifying term policies may be convertible or exchangeable to eligible permanent insurance without evidence of insurability, subject to policy provisions and product availability ^[78]. Protective publicly states that depression and anxiety are generally insurable and that a diagnosis does not automatically disqualify an applicant ^[79]. Protective has an A+ AM Best financial strength rating ^[80].

Main limitations. Protective's publicly available materials do not disclose detailed depression-specific underwriting rules or guaranteed outcomes ^[81]. Perplexity reported that Protective's PLUS accelerated underwriting path lists mental or nervous disorder or depression and suicidal thoughts among conditions that can make an applicant ineligible for the accelerated path ^[82]. Google reported that severe episodes, multiple hospitalizations, or a history of self-harm or suicide attempts within recent years often lead to a flat decline or high table ratings requiring at least two years of absolute stability before reconsidering ^[83]. Anthropic reported that Custom Choice UL was discontinued effective March 31, 2025, reducing permanent conversion flexibility ^[84]. Perplexity reported that Custom Choice UL includes a 25% premium load, a $5.50 monthly administrative charge, monthly expense charges per $1,000 of initial face amount, and a monthly cost-of-insurance charge ^[85]. .

9. Haven Life

Questions This Section Answers

• Can a buyer with depression still purchase a Haven Life policy in 2026, or is the carrier closed to new applicants?
• What should an existing Haven Life policyholder with depression verify about their coverage and servicing?

Haven Life ranked ninth with two platform mentions, an average listed position of 8.00, and a best position of 7. The Haven Life fit review consolidates the full bundle.

Why it ranked here. Haven Life qualified for this index because two platforms named it, but it is the only ranked entity whose current availability is the decisive limitation. Haven Life stopped accepting new life-insurance applications on January 12, 2024, and is servicing existing policies rather than accepting new applicants ^[86]. Google reported that Haven Life issued its final policies on March 31, 2024, and that MassMutual elected to wind down Haven Life due to high customer acquisition costs and low adoption rates ^[88].

Best suited for. Existing Haven Life policyholders who need servicing or policy clarification, and historical comparison research involving online term life underwriting and coverage up to $3 million ^[86].

Main strengths for this use case. When available, Haven Term was a level-premium term policy with coverage advertised up to $3 million, and Haven Simple was a separate simplified-issue product with lower coverage limits in the cited materials ^[91]. Anthropic reported that Haven Life published guidance indicating mild to moderate depression without additional complications might not impact underwriting class, and that the company asked fewer mental health questions than fully underwritten carriers ^[92]. Historical Haven Term policies were issued by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, which holds an A++ AM Best rating ^[94].

Main limitations. Haven Life is closed to new life-insurance applicants as of January 12, 2024 ^[86]. No verified depression-specific underwriting criteria were found ^[87]. No current quote or premium can be obtained through Haven Life for a new buyer ^[91]. Historical simplified-issue materials emphasized applicants in good health and warned that complex medical histories might be better suited to traditional underwriting ^[95]. Public materials do not establish how depression history, medication, hospitalization, self-harm, or suicidal behavior would affect approval, rating, exclusions, or postponement ^[87].

Pricing or cost summary. No current purchase price is available because new applications are closed. Perplexity reported a historical advertised Haven Term starting premium of $14.99 per month for a $250,000, 20-year policy ^[96].

What the Cross-Platform Study Reveals About This Market

Questions This Section Answers

• What do AI platforms consistently say about life insurance underwriting for depression across carriers?
• Which underwriting factors do AI platforms say matter most for a depression life insurance application?

Three patterns dominate the cross-platform evidence. First, every platform treated depression as a material underwriting factor rather than an automatic decline. Prudential's application expressly asks about depression ^[97], Banner's underwriting guide addresses well-controlled depression ^[98], and Protective publicly states depression is generally insurable ^[99]. Second, the same six factors recur across platforms as the ones that decide outcomes: severity, treatment and medication stability, current stability, hospitalization history, time away from work, and any history of self-harm or suicidal behavior. Anthropic reported that severity of depression, psychiatric hospitalizations, and suicide attempt history most directly shape underwriting outcomes ^[100]. Third, no carrier in this index publishes a consumer-facing depression-specific underwriting grid. Every platform that addressed pricing rated its confidence low, and every platform that addressed depression-specific acceptance rules marked them unclear.

A fourth pattern is structural: the market splits into three product tiers. Fully underwritten term carriers (Prudential, Banner Life, Lincoln Financial, Pacific Life, John Hancock, Protective) compete on rate class and accelerated underwriting.

Where the AI Platforms Agreed

Questions This Section Answers

• Which life insurance carriers for depression did all seven AI platforms agree belong on a shortlist?
• Do AI platforms agree that stable, treated depression is insurable at standard rates?

All seven platforms named Prudential and Banner Life, and both appeared in the top two positions on every platform's list. Six platforms named Lincoln Financial. Five named Pacific Life. No platform described depression as an automatic bar to coverage.

Platforms also agreed on the mechanics of a favorable case. Anthropic reported that mild to moderate depression that is treated and stable is typically insurable at Standard rates or better with major carriers ^[101]. Kimi reported that a top preferred class is realistic for mild, stable cases and that everyday antidepressants are acceptable, while antipsychotic or MAO-inhibitor use pulls rates down ^[102]. Google reported that Prudential allows up to two maintenance medications with no antipsychotics for Preferred consideration ^[103]. Multiple platforms agreed that consistent, stable medication plans support better ratings because they demonstrate active health management ^[104].

Platforms also agreed on the negative side. Recent hospitalization, recent suicide attempts, active suicidal ideation, and self-harm history were consistently described as the factors most likely to produce postponement, table ratings, or decline.

Where the AI Platforms Disagreed

Questions This Section Answers

• Which carrier is most lenient for moderate or recurrent depression life insurance, and why do AI platforms disagree?
• Why do AI platforms disagree about whether Prudential or Banner Life is the better choice for depression life insurance?

The sharpest disagreement concerned which carrier is most accommodating for moderate or recurrent depression. Kimi described Prudential as the most lenient major carrier for moderate and recurrent depression, often issuing Preferred class ratings for well-controlled SSRI users while competitors downgrade to Standard Plus ^[106]. Anthropic reported that MoneyGeek's August 2026 analysis listed USAA, Banner Life, Pacific Life, and Nationwide as best for mental health and notably excluded Prudential from the top tier. Deepseek rated Prudential's fit "mixed" precisely because no depression-specific grid is public.

A second disagreement concerned Banner Life's no-exam ceiling and age cap. Anthropic reported the APPcelerate no-exam age cap as 20–50 in most sources but 20–60 in one, and reported no-exam limits of $1 million in one source versus $4 million in others ^[107]. Banner's own FAQ states accelerated-underwriting eligibility for ages 20 through 60 and up to $5 million, while older Banner underwriting material references $4 million ^[109]. .

How Buyers Should Choose

Questions This Section Answers

• What should a buyer with depression check before choosing a life insurance carrier for a mental health history?
• Which life insurance carrier for depression has the lowest published cost, and what fees apply?

Start with the product tier that matches the case, not the brand. If the depression is stable, treated, and well documented with no recent hospitalization or self-harm history, a fully underwritten term carrier from the top four of this ranking is the appropriate starting point, because term coverage generally provides more death benefit per premium dollar than simplified or guaranteed issue. If the history includes recent hospitalization, recent medication changes, or a suicide attempt within the last several years, the realistic options narrow to simplified-issue or guaranteed-issue products, which cap coverage and impose graded benefits.

Second, verify the specific underwriting factors rather than the diagnosis label. Every platform that addressed the question said the same thing: diagnosis date, current medications, treatment stability, hospitalization history, time away from work, and any self-harm or suicidal behavior matter more than the diagnosis itself. Anthropic reported that diagnosis date, current medications, and recent lab work determine ratings more than the condition itself ^[111].

Third, obtain informal or preliminary underwriting feedback before submitting a formal application.

Methodology

This index was produced from a single standardized prompt sent once to each of seven AI platforms: openai, anthropic, deepseek, grok, perplexity, kimi, and google. The prompt asked which life insurance carriers are generally worth considering for applicants with a history of depression, and why. The research date was 2026-09-22.

Ranking discovery produced 18 unique entities. Nine qualified under the eligibility rule of being named by at least two platforms. The final ranking table orders qualifying entities by platform mentions, then average listed position, then best listed position. That table is the sole authority for rank, mentions, share, average position, and best position in this report.

Each qualifying entity was then evaluated through a fit-assessment bundle. Bundles drew on both company-owned sources and independent sources. Where a bundle identified a source as company-owned, this report describes it as company-owned; where a bundle identified a source as independent, this report describes it as independent. Platform mentions count only ranking-discovery mentions, not the number of platforms that later completed a fit assessment.

Methodology Limitations

Several limitations apply. The study used one standardized prompt sent once to each included platform; AI answers can vary by date, wording, location, account state, model, interface, browsing configuration, and the sources retrieved. Platform-reported research dates differ from the authoritative run date of 2026-09-22; deepseek reported an earlier date, and those platform-reported dates are provenance metadata that do not independently prove freshness. The supplied URLs were collected from platform responses and were not independently validated by the writer stage. Citations are platform-reported evidence, not independently verified facts, and no-search model claims require explicit verification before being described as current facts.

No platform published a depression-specific underwriting grid for any carrier. As a result, every fit rating in this index reflects platform-reported market intelligence rather than verified carrier acceptance rules. Platform recommendations are market intelligence, not independent customer reviews or proof of quality. Where platforms disagreed, this report preserves the disagreement rather than resolving it. Where product names, pricing, or capabilities conflicted, this report describes the conflict and identifies what buyers should verify rather than guessing. Official-site retrieval failed for several entities during normalization, and one or more fetched domains were not corroborated by brand-name or site-identity metadata; those were not used as official identity signals.

Final Verdict

Prudential is the consensus leader for life insurance for depression in this 7-platform study, named by all seven platforms with an average listed position of 1.57 and a best position of 1. Banner Life is the strongest alternative for applicants with mild, well-controlled depression who want the longest term-length menu and the highest no-exam ceiling. Lincoln Financial, Pacific Life, John Hancock, and Protective serve buyers who want accelerated underwriting, larger face amounts, wellness-linked pricing, or a top rate class despite a mental health history. Corebridge Financial and Mutual of Omaha serve buyers who need final-expense or guaranteed-issue coverage, with the tradeoffs of capped face amounts and two-year graded benefits. Haven Life is not a practical option for new buyers because it stopped accepting applications on January 12, 2024.

The decisive limitation is that no carrier in this index publishes a depression-specific underwriting grid, so no buyer can predict approval, rating, or pricing from public information alone. The correct next step is an informal or preliminary underwriting assessment through an independent broker comparing at least two or three carriers before submitting a formal application.