Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a subtype of anxiety that often presents in primary care settings and is typically associated with a myriad of somatic complaints. Few studies have investigated the connection between this disorder and physical health symptoms after disasters such as oil spills. This study aims to analyze the relationship between GAD symptomology and physical health symptoms at different levels of exposure 18 months after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. A community sample was surveyed about their contact with the oil spill, GAD symptoms, and physical health symptoms. Levels of GAD symptomology continued to be elevated above typical prevalence rates in the community at time of assessment. Individuals with direct contact to the oil reported significantly greater levels of GAD and more physical health symptoms than those without direct contact. These significant relationships have important implications in faster identification and treatment of disaster‐related mental and physical health problems.