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.
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Your ability to qualify for a policy will come down to your insurer, as well as factors like:
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.
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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
Yes. Many insurers have changed their underwriting guidelines since cannabis — or marijuana — was legalized in some states, and don’t classify it as a rick factor. However, some insurers are stricter guidelines that may make you ineligible for coverage.
Every year, more than 10,000 Americans lose their lives on the road due to a drunk driver. If you’ve gotten behind the wheel while under the influence, it’s indicates to the insurer that you’re more likely than the average person to participate in reckless behavior. This, coupled with previous addiction problems, is a red flag.
Yes. Life insurance is a legal contract, so you’re legally obligated to be honest in your application — otherwise your policy or death benefit could be denied. Plus, taking a medical exam involves giving blood and urine samples, which your insurer will then test for traces of illegal substances.
Katia Iervasi is a lead writer and spokesperson at NerdWallet and a former editor at Finder, specializing in insurance. Her writing and analysis on life, disability and health insurance has been featured in The Washington Post, Forbes, Yahoo, Entrepreneur, Best Company and FT Advisor. She holds a BA in communication from Australia's Griffith University.
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