If you’ve suffered from substance abuse, your options for life insurance are unfortunately limited. However, a history of drug addiction doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t get coverage — it just may make it more challening.
Can I get life insurance if I’m currently struggling with a drug addiction?
While it’s possible to get coverage if you’ve had substance abuse problems in the past, finding life insurance if you’re currently dealing with drug addiction can be tricky. Most insurers require you to prove you’ve been sober and in recovery for at least two to five years.
Can I get life insurance if I have a history of substance abuse?
Yes. If you’ve struggled with addiction in the past but have completed your rehab program and are now clean, you may be able to find coverage. However, be prepared to answer questions about your substance abuse as part of your application.
- The severity of your substance abuse problem
- The length of time you were using drugs
- How long you’ve been clean and in recovery
- The types of drugs you were using and how they were administered
- Your treatment program, or whether you were required to enter a rehab facility
- Whether you relapsed
- Whether your addiction resulted in any legal issues, such as a DUI
- Whether you had any medical complications as a result of your addiction.
Your substance use isn’t the only thing your insurer will look at when considering you for coverage. They’ll also assess your:
- Age
- Gender
- Weight
- Height
- Lifestyle
- Marital status
- Occupation
- Tobacco usage
Does a past drug addiction affect my life insurance rates?
Yes. Any history of drug use affects how much you pay for your life insurance policy, and it’s important to be completely honest in your application. The amount you’ll pay for coverage will depend on your insurer’s underwriting standards, as well as the severity of your past addiction and how long you’ve been clean.
How do I get life insurance when I have a drug addiction?
If you’re currently using drugs, your life insurance application will more than likely be denied. If you’re in recovery and have been clean for a while, you could take out a traditional life insurance policy. There are a few ways to go about that:
- Enlist the help of an agent. Agents have a deep understanding of the life insurance market, and they can advise you on which insurers have the most lenient guidelines and competitive rates for your profile.
- Get group life insurance through your employer. If your employer offers group life insurance as part of your employee benefits, consider taking them up for it. The premiums are typically subsidized, and no medical exam is required.
- Directly from an insurer. If you’re comfortable researching insurers on your own, you could compare quotes from a range of providers to ensure you’re getting the best possible policy and premium.
Can I get a policy without a medical exam?
Yes. If you’d prefer to skip the medical exam, you can explore these no-exam policies.
Simplified issue life insurance
With simplified life insurance, you still need to fill out a health questionnaire — but most people are approved for coverage.
Guaranteed issue life insurance
Also known as guaranteed acceptance life insurance, this policy is open to anyone, no questions asked. But since the insurer can’t rely on the health questionnaire and medical exam to determine your risk level, you’ll pay a much higher premium.
Instant approval insurance with accelerated underwriting
There are a string of life insurance startups that can issue term life insurance on the spot. Typically, you’ll need to fill out a form about your health and lifestyle, but past substance use may not disqualify you for coverage.
Compare life insurance policies
Bottom line
Getting life insurance with a history of substance abuse may pose a challenge, but getting coverage is possible. Life insurance companies have complex underwriting standards, and some are more lenient than others. It’s important to compare your options to ensure you’re getting a solid policy at a premium you can afford.
Frequently asked questions
More guides on Finder
-
Life insurance stats 2023
A peek into Americans’ attitudes about life insurance.
-
Compare burial insurance for funeral costs
Cover funeral, burial and medical costs and help your loved ones financially when you die — but at a high price.
-
Is group life insurance worth it?
Learn about the life insurance you might be offered through work — and which exclusions to watch out for.
-
Best life insurance companies
These 10 life insurance companies beat their competition when it comes to their policy options, riders and reputations.
-
Guide to estate planning
Use this handy estate planning checklist to ensure your loved ones are taken care of financially after you die.
-
How to get life insurance with a chronic illness
Buying life insurance with a pre-existing, chronic or terminal health condition is possible — but your options may be limited.
-
How to get life insurance if you’re considered high risk
Your options when your medical history, lifestyle or hobbies make getting coverage difficult.
-
Are life insurance premiums tax-deductible?
The tax implications of life insurance as an individual, self-employed person, owner of an LLC and more.
-
24 most unfortunate ways to die
Find out your odds of dying in more than 20 circumstances — and prepare to be surprised.
-
How to cancel or change your power of attorney
In most cases, you can change the person who’s empowered to make decisions on your behalf.
Ask an Expert