Taking Depakote shows you’re managing a serious medical condition. Life insurance ensures your loved ones are financially protected despite your health challenges. This guide covers what insurers actually evaluate, honest approval likelihood by condition, realistic pricing, and practical application strategy.
Approval Likelihood
Rate Impact
Underwriting Timeline
Medical Testing
What Depakote Signals to Insurers
The Reality
Depakote (Divalproex) is an anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer prescribed for serious neuropsychiatric conditions. It is NOT prescribed for minor conditions. Depakote use signals that you have a significant health issue requiring pharmaceutical treatment with a serious medication. This medication is a material underwriting concern because of what it represents—a serious underlying condition affecting mortality risk and health trajectory.
Common Underlying Conditions
Why Depakote Is Prescribed
- Epilepsy/seizure disorders – most serious use
- Bipolar disorder – mood stabilization
- Migraine prevention – when other preventives fail
- Other psychiatric conditions (off-label)
Why It Matters for Underwriting
Material Underwriting Concern
Depakote use indicates a serious underlying condition. The condition itself—whether epilepsy, bipolar disorder, or severe migraine—impacts overall health and, in some cases, longevity and mortality risk. Life insurance underwriting must evaluate the underlying disease, not just the medication. The medication is a marker of serious illness requiring detailed medical assessment.
The Honest Assessment
What to Expect
Approval is possible, but not guaranteed. Rates will be significantly higher than standard. Underwriting will be thorough and require extensive medical documentation. Your specific condition, disease control, treatment response, and overall health will be carefully evaluated. Approval odds range from good (well-controlled bipolar on Depakote, migraine prevention) to difficult (active epilepsy with recent seizures). Be realistic about approval challenges while understanding that approval IS achievable.
What Underwriters Actually Evaluate
“When you apply for life insurance and disclose Depakote use, underwriters focus intensely on the underlying condition. They request comprehensive medical records, psychiatric or neurologic notes, medication history, and detailed prognosis information. The underwriting is rigorous because the underlying illness directly impacts mortality risk and policy claim probability.”
InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
1. Underlying Diagnosis
Most Critical Factor
What condition prompted Depakote? Is it epilepsy (and if so, what type and severity)? Is it bipolar disorder (type I or II? acute or stable?)? Is it migraine prevention? Is it another psychiatric condition? Diagnosis is the primary underwriting factor. Epilepsy and bipolar disorder face more rigorous underwriting than migraine-only use.
2. Disease Control and Stability
Critical Indicator
For epilepsy: How long seizure-free? Recent seizures are a major concern. For bipolar: How long stable? Recent hospitalizations or mood episodes raise concerns. For migraine: Frequency and severity? Good disease control is favorable. Poor control or recent episodes are unfavorable. Stability and control directly impact underwriting outcomes.
3. Treatment Response and Compliance
Behavioral Signal
Is Depakote effectively managing your condition? Do you take it as prescribed? Do you keep psychiatric or neurologic appointments? Good treatment response and medication compliance signal responsibility and disease engagement. Poor response or non-compliance raises mortality risk concerns.
4. Psychiatric Hospitalization History
Major Risk Factor
Have you been hospitalized for psychiatric reasons? When? Why? Recent hospitalizations or multiple admissions raise significant mortality risk concerns. For bipolar disorder, hospitalization history is carefully evaluated. More recent or more frequent hospitalizations worsen underwriting.
5. Suicidal Ideation or Attempts
Critical Concern
Suicidal ideation or attempts are the most significant mortality risk factors for psychiatric applicants. Any history of suicide attempts will substantially impact underwriting. Current suicidal ideation may result in application decline. This is evaluated carefully based on timing, severity, and current mental state.
6. Duration of Condition and Depakote Use
Context Factor
How long have you had your condition? How long on Depakote? Long-standing conditions with established treatment are more favorable than newly diagnosed conditions. Applicants on Depakote for years with good stability face better underwriting than those recently started.
Approval Odds By Underlying Condition
“Honest approval likelihood varies dramatically based on your underlying condition. The following assessment is based on typical underwriting practices and realistic expectations.”
InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
Bipolar Disorder – Most Favorable
Best Approval Scenario for Depakote Use
Well-Controlled, Stable 2+ Years: Approval likelihood: 50-70%. Rates 50-100% above standard. No recent hospitalizations, mood episodes, or suicide attempts. Regular psychiatric care and medication compliance are evident.
Stable, One Prior Hospitalization: Approval likelihood: 30-50%. Rates 100-150% above standard. Underwriting: Detailed. Hospitalization more than 2 years ago, stable since.
Recent Instability or Multiple Hospitalizations: Approval likelihood: 10-30%. Rates 150%+ or possible decline. Underwriting: Very rigorous or possible decline.
Recent Suicide Attempt: Approval likelihood: <5%. Most carriers decline. Waiting 2+ years may improve odds significantly.
Epilepsy – Highly Variable
Depends on Control and Seizure History
Seizure-Free 3+ Years, Well-Controlled: Approval likelihood: 40-60%. Rates 50-100% above standard. Underwriting: Standard to moderate. Good control demonstrated.
Seizure-Free 1-3 Years or Recent Minor Seizure: Approval likelihood: 20-40%. Rates 100-150% above standard. Underwriting: Detailed. Limited seizure-free history.
Frequent Seizures or Recently Diagnosed: Approval likelihood: 5-20%. Rates are very high or likely to decline. Underwriting: Rigorous or probable decline.
Note: Epilepsy type matters. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures have worse underwriting than partial seizures.
Migraine Prevention – Most Favorable Use
Depakote for Migraine Only
Chronic Migraine, Depakote for Prevention: Approval likelihood: 60-75%. Rates 25-50% above standard (or even standard). Underwriting: Standard to light. Migraine is a quality-of-life issue, not a mortality threat. Better approval odds than bipolar or epilepsy.
Note: This assumes Depakote is ONLY for migraine, not for bipolar or other psychiatric conditions. If Depakote is prescribed for dual purposes (bipolar + migraine), underwriting follows bipolar guidelines.
Off-Label Psychiatric Uses
Case-Specific
Depakote is sometimes prescribed off-label for anxiety, impulse control, ADHD, or other psychiatric conditions. Approval odds depend on the specific diagnosis, severity, and stability. Generally fall between bipolar and migraine scenarios. Work with an agent experienced in psychiatric medications.
Important Caveat
These approval odds are general estimates based on typical underwriting. Individual cases vary significantly based on specific diagnosis, clinical severity, psychiatric hospitalization history, suicidal ideation or attempts, age, other health conditions, and family history. The insurance company matters too—some carriers have more liberal underwriting for psychiatric conditions; others decline categorically. Work with an agent experienced in psychiatric medication underwriting to identify carriers most likely to approve your specific situation.
Complete Disclosure: Critical for Success
Honesty is Non-Negotiable
Complete, accurate disclosure is absolutely essential for life insurance success, especially with serious health conditions. Any misrepresentation or omission can result in policy denial or cancellation. Insurance companies will verify your information through medical records. Dishonesty now creates catastrophic problems later. Full transparency is the only acceptable approach.
Critical Information to Disclose
Be Specific and Complete
- Complete diagnosis (epilepsy type, bipolar I or II, migraine, other)
- Date of diagnosis
- Current Depakote dose and frequency
- How long you been on Depakote
- Disease control or seizure frequency
- All psychiatric hospitalizations (dates, reasons, duration)
- Any suicidal ideation or suicide attempts (timing, details)
- All other medications you take
- Names and contact info for treating psychiatrist/neurologist
- Any other health conditions or concerns
- Family psychiatric history if relevant
Documentation to Gather
Organize Before Applying
- Recent psychiatric/neurologic evaluation records
- Hospital discharge summaries if recently hospitalized
- Medication list with dosages
- Psychiatrist or neurologist contact information
- Lab results (especially liver function if on Depakote)
- Records documenting disease control (seizure log, mood stability documentation)
- Documentation of treatment compliance
- Any psychological or psychiatric testing results
How to Frame Your Application
Direct, Honest Approach
Example for bipolar: “I was diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder in [year]. I take Depakote [dose] daily. I’ve been stable for [timeframe], with my last hospitalization in [year]. My psychiatrist [name] manages my care. I remain engaged in treatment and take my medication as prescribed.” This direct, honest approach demonstrates understanding and responsibility.
Realistic Pricing Expectations
“Life insurance rates for Depakote users are significantly higher than standard due to the serious underlying conditions. The following are conservative estimates to help you understand realistic pricing based on condition and stability.”
InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
Scenario: Bipolar Disorder, Well-Controlled (Better Case)
50-100% Above Standard Rates
40-year-old female, $250,000 20-year term: Approximately $25-30/month (vs. $12-15 standard)
50-year-old female, $250,000 20-year term: Approximately $50-62/month (vs. $25-30 standard)
40-year-old male, $250,000 20-year term: Approximately $30-36/month (vs. $15-18 standard)
Stable bipolar with good control and no recent episodes.
Scenario: Epilepsy, Seizure-Free 2+ Years (Better Case)
50-100% Above Standard
40-year-old male, $250,000 20-year term: Approximately $22-27/month (vs. $15-18 standard)
50-year-old male, $250,000 20-year term: Approximately $48-60/month (vs. $32-38 standard)
Good seizure control, long seizure-free period.
Scenario: Bipolar with Recent Hospitalization (Moderate Case)
100-150% Above Standard
40-year-old female, $250,000 20-year term: Approximately $30-40/month
50-year-old female, $250,000 20-year term: Approximately $62-80/month
Hospitalization within past 2-3 years, stable since.
Scenario: Migraine, Depakote for Prevention
25-50% Above Standard (Better)
40-year-old female, $250,000 20-year term: Approximately $15-22/month
50-year-old female, $250,000 20-year term: Approximately $31-45/month
Better approval odds and rates for migraine-only use.
Critical Rate Information
These are CONSERVATIVE estimates based on typical underwriting. Actual rates vary substantially based on your specific condition, psychiatric history, age, other health conditions, and the insurance company. Some carriers have much higher rates; some may decline entirely. These estimates are for educational purposes and should NOT be considered guaranteed pricing. Your actual rate depends on your specific situation and the carrier. Get personalized quotes from multiple insurers.
Application Strategy for Best Outcomes
“Successfully obtaining life insurance with a serious health condition requires careful planning, expert guidance, and realistic expectations. Below are concrete steps to maximize your approval odds and find the best available rates.”
InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
Step 1: Assess Your Situation Honestly
Know Where You Stand
Understand your diagnosis, current condition stability, any psychiatric hospitalization history, and history of suicidal ideation or attempts. Talk with your psychiatrist/neurologist about your condition’s prognosis. Be realistic about your approval odds based on your condition (see approval odds by condition above). This honest self-assessment helps you approach the process with realistic expectations.
Step 2: Gather Complete Medical Documentation
Get Organized
Request all relevant medical records from your psychiatrist/neurologist NOW, before you apply. Collect psychiatric evaluation records, hospital discharge summaries, medication documentation, and lab results. Organize documentation by date. Having this ready speeds up underwriting and demonstrates preparation. Complete records help underwriters make favorable decisions.
Step 3: Get an Experienced Agent
Critical for Psychiatric Medications
Do not apply directly to carriers without agent guidance. Agents who specialize in psychiatric medication underwriting know which carriers are favorable to bipolar disorder, epilepsy, or other psychiatric conditions on Depakote. They understand how different companies evaluate psychiatric applicants. An experienced agent can increase your approval odds and find you the best available rates. This service doesn’t cost you anything.
Step 4: Consider Your Timing
Timing Matters
If your condition is unstable, if you’re in an active psychiatric crisis, or if you have had recent hospitalizations, consider waiting to apply. Often, waiting 6-12 months while your condition stabilizes and demonstrates long-term good control dramatically improves approval odds and rates. If your condition is stable and well-controlled for 2+ years, apply sooner. Discuss timing strategy with your psychiatrist and insurance agent.
Step 5: Be Prepared for Decline Possibility
Realistic Expectations
Depending on your condition severity, some carriers will decline you. This is not rejection of YOU—it’s a business decision based on mortality risk assessment. If declined by one carrier, other carriers may approve. An agent will shop multiple carriers. Don’t apply widely at once; work with an agent to target carriers most likely to approve your situation.
Step 6: Consider Coverage Amount Strategically
Practical Approach
If approval odds are limited, start with a modest coverage amount ($100,000-$250,000) to secure approval, then potentially add more after the policy issue. Smaller amounts are easier to approve than large ones. You can build coverage over time as your health allows. This approach ensures you get some protection.
Common Questions: Answered Honestly
Will Depakote use automatically disqualify me?
Direct answer: No, but the underlying condition may make approval very difficult.
Depakote itself is not automatically disqualifying. However, the serious underlying condition it treats IS a material underwriting factor. Depending on your specific diagnosis and stability, approval may be achievable, difficult, or unlikely. Each case is different. An agent can realistically assess your approval odds based on your specific situation.
How much higher will my rates be?
Direct answer: Significantly higher. Typically 50-150%+ above standard, depending on condition severity.
Well-controlled bipolar may be 50-100% higher. Active epilepsy or recent psychiatric hospitalization may be 100-150%+ higher or subject to decline. The more serious your condition, the higher the rates—or you may face decline entirely. See the realistic pricing section for specific examples.
Do I have to disclose Depakote and my underlying condition?
Direct answer: Yes. Always disclose everything. Non-disclosure is fraud.
Omitting Depakote or your underlying condition on a life insurance application is application fraud. This can result in policy denial or cancellation. Insurance companies verify information through medical records. Full, complete honesty is legally required and ethically necessary.
Can I hide that I have bipolar disorder or epilepsy?
Direct answer: No. Never attempt this.
Attempting to hide psychiatric or neurologic conditions results in policy denial or cancellation if discovered. Insurance companies verify through medical records, psychiatric/neurologic records, and hospital records. Dishonesty now creates catastrophic problems later. Full transparency is the only acceptable approach and protects your family.
What if I’ve never been hospitalized for my bipolar disorder?
Direct answer: That’s favorable. Approval odds improve significantly without a hospitalization history.
If you’ve had bipolar disorder for years but have never required hospitalization—managing it successfully on Depakote—your underwriting is substantially better than someone with a hospitalization history. No psychiatric hospitalization is a very positive factor. This dramatically improves your approval odds.
What if I’ve attempted suicide in the past?
Direct answer: This substantially complicates underwriting but doesn’t automatically mean decline.
Suicide attempt history is the most serious psychiatric underwriting concern. Approval odds depend heavily on timing (how long ago) and current mental state. Attempts within the past 1-2 years result in very low approval odds or likely decline. Attempts 3+ years ago with stable mental health since may, see moderate approval odds. Work with an experienced agent who specializes in psychiatric applicants with a suicide history.
How long does underwriting take for Depakote users?
Direct answer: Typically 4-6 weeks, sometimes longer.
Psychiatric underwriting requires a thorough review and specialist contact. Expect 4-6 weeks minimum. Complex cases with extensive psychiatric history extend to 6-8 weeks or longer. Provide complete documentation upfront to speed the process.
Will I need medical testing?
Direct answer: Very likely, yes. Additional testing may be ordered.
Most Depakote applicants undergo blood work, including liver function tests (Depakote can affect the liver), possible EKGs, and specialist evaluation. Testing is standard, required, and necessary for accurate underwriting. The insurer may order testing or accept recent physician results if they are current enough.
Will my rates change after I get the policy?
Direct answer: No. Once approved and in force, your premiums are locked in.
Any future changes to your psychiatric condition, mood episodes, seizures, or Depakote use after the policy issue won’t affect your rates or benefits. Your premiums remain fixed for the life of your policy. This is one of the most important benefits of locking in coverage now—you’re protected from future rate increases even if your health changes.
Your Family’s Protection Is Possible
Life insurance for Depakote users with serious underlying conditions is achievable, though challenging. Honest disclosure, complete medical documentation, expert guidance, and realistic expectations are essential. Approval depends on your specific diagnosis and condition control, but protection is possible for many applicants.
Call Now: 888-211-6171
Licensed agents experienced with psychiatric medications and serious health conditions available to evaluate your situation. We understand complex psychiatric underwriting and will be honest about your approval odds.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal, medical, or insurance advice. Life insurance availability and pricing for applicants taking Depakote vary significantly by individual circumstances, underlying diagnosis, condition severity, insurance company, and state regulations. Approval rates and pricing referenced are based on common underwriting practices for serious psychiatric and neurologic conditions and are conservative estimates. Specific underwriting decisions depend on comprehensive evaluation of individual health status, complete medical history, disease stability, psychiatric hospitalization history, suicidal ideation or attempts, and insurance company guidelines. Depakote is prescribed for serious conditions including epilepsy, bipolar disorder, and other psychiatric conditions, and underwriting evaluates the underlying condition as the primary risk factor. If you have concerns about your condition, treatment, or prognosis, consult with your healthcare provider or psychiatrist/neurologist. Some insurance carriers decline applicants with certain serious psychiatric or neurologic conditions; approval depends on carrier-specific guidelines and individual circumstances.
