Alcoholics And Life Insurance: Is Coverage Possible?

Alcoholics and recovering alcoholics can get life insurance, but it may be more difficult and expensive. Life insurance companies consider alcohol use a risk factor because excessive drinking increases the likelihood of accidental injury, criminal behaviour, and health issues. As a result, alcoholics often face higher premiums and more complex underwriting processes. To get approved for most policies, recovering alcoholics typically need to be sober for at least two to three years, and sometimes up to ten years.

How long must alcoholics be sober before getting life insurance?

If you're recovering from alcohol abuse, you'll typically need to wait until you've been sober for at least two to three years to be approved for most life insurance policies. Some companies may require you to be sober for up to 10 years. The longer you've been sober, the more affordable your rates will be.

During the application process, insurance companies will assess your history with alcohol, including any treatment you've received and your current health. They may request a blood sample to test for specific markers related to liver function and alcohol consumption. They may also review your driving records and conduct background checks for any alcohol-related incidents or criminal charges.

It's important to be open and honest about your history of alcohol use during the application process. Lying on the application is not recommended and may result in your application being denied or your policy being rescinded in the future.

If you're currently abusing alcohol, you will likely be denied coverage for most life insurance policies. In this case, you may want to consider a guaranteed issue policy, which offers lower coverage at a higher cost, or focus on getting sober and re-applying once you've achieved a period of sobriety.

Factors Affecting Life Insurance for Alcoholics

The following factors will be considered by insurance companies when assessing life insurance applications for individuals with a history of alcohol abuse:

• Age at the time of diagnosis and the time since diagnosis
• Length of time between treatment and recovery
• Adherence to doctor's recommendations and regular follow-up
• Overall health, including tobacco or drug use
• Driving records and any history of driving under the influence (DUI)
• Criminal charges or disorderly conduct related to alcohol abuse
• Participation in support groups or treatment programs

Tips for Applying for Life Insurance as a Recovering Alcoholic

If you're a recovering alcoholic, here are some tips to improve your chances of obtaining life insurance:

• Ensure you are in full recovery and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Abstain from alcohol during the application process to avoid any red flags.
• Gather all relevant information, such as doctor's contact details and medical records.
• Be open and honest about your history of alcohol use and provide evidence of treatment and recovery.
• Shop around and compare offers from different insurance companies.

What are the best life insurance companies for recovering alcoholics?

Recovering alcoholics can get life insurance, but it may be more challenging and expensive. Most providers will not offer coverage until they have been sober for at least two to five years, and some may require up to ten years. The best life insurance companies for recovering alcoholics include:

• Corebridge Financial: This company offers the best rates for people who have been sober from alcohol use for at least ten years.
• Prudential: Prudential has flexible guidelines for people who have been treated for alcoholism and have been sober for at least three years. They may also allow you to skip the medical exam.
• Pacific Life: This company offers competitive rates for people who consume up to five alcoholic beverages per day, provided there is no record of alcohol abuse or treatment. They also offer traditional coverage for people with a history of substance abuse.
• Mutual of Omaha: Mutual of Omaha offers a standard rating for recovered alcoholics with over five years of sobriety.

It is important to note that rates for recovering alcoholics can vary depending on several factors, including the duration of sobriety, overall health, age, and the type of policy chosen. It is recommended to work with an independent insurance agent or broker who can help find the most favourable options.

What is the difference in premiums for recovering alcoholics vs current alcoholics?

Life insurance is available for alcoholics and recovering alcoholics, but premiums are likely to be higher than for those without a history of alcohol abuse. The exact premium will depend on several factors, including the applicant's age, gender, medical history, and lifestyle choices.

For current alcoholics, the premium will be higher than for recovering alcoholics, as insurance companies consider active alcohol abuse to be a higher risk. Most providers will not offer coverage until the applicant has been sober for at least two to three years, and some may require up to ten years of sobriety. The longer it has been since any alcohol-related problems, the better the chance of being approved for coverage and the lower the premium will be.

Insurance companies will ask detailed questions about the applicant's history of alcohol abuse and recovery, including any treatment received. They will also request a medical examination, which will include blood and urine tests to check for the presence of alcohol and other substances. The results of these tests, along with the applicant's medical history and lifestyle choices, will be used to assess the risk and determine the premium.

For recovering alcoholics, the best option for obtaining life insurance is to shop around and compare offers from different providers. Some companies may be more understanding of the situation and offer more competitive rates. It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and abstain from alcohol during the application process, as continued drinking may affect the approval and premium.

What questions will be asked about an applicant's history with alcohol?

When applying for life insurance, applicants with a history of alcohol abuse will be asked a series of questions to assess their current situation and past behaviour. These questions will be asked by the insurance underwriter and will focus on the applicant's history of alcohol use, treatment, and recovery. Here are some common questions that may be asked:

• Have you ever been treated for excessive alcohol use? When was the last time you received treatment?
• Are you currently consuming alcohol? If not, when was the last time you consumed alcohol?
• Have you followed the prescribed treatment plan?
• Have you ever been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI)? If so, how many times?
• Have there been any relapses during your sobriety?
• Have you attended support groups or programmes such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)?
• Have you had any legal issues related to alcohol, such as public intoxication?
• Do you use tobacco or any other drugs?
• What is your current level of alcohol consumption?
• Do you hold a steady job?

These questions are designed to understand the applicant's relationship with alcohol, their commitment to recovery, and their overall health and lifestyle. It is important to answer these questions honestly, as providing false information can lead to insurance fraud and future difficulties in obtaining coverage.

What will insurance companies look for related to alcoholism if a medical exam is taken?

If you're applying for life insurance and have a history of alcohol abuse, you'll need to take a medical exam as part of the underwriting process. This will involve answering questions about your health and taking a basic physical, including giving blood and urine samples.

• Blood tests: These will identify carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT), a common sign of heavy alcohol consumption.
• Liver function: A blood sample will be tested for specific markers (enzymes and proteins) related to liver function.
• Driving records: Insurance companies may refer to your driving records to see if there is any history of driving while intoxicated.
• Criminal background check: They might perform a background check looking for any evidence of criminal charges associated with disorderly conduct, which could be linked to alcohol abuse.
• Medical history: They will ask about your medical history, including any treatment you've received for alcohol abuse and whether you're currently in recovery.
• Tobacco and drug use: They will want to know if you use tobacco or drugs, as this can impact your health and longevity.
• Family medical history: They may ask about your family's medical history, including any history of alcohol or substance abuse.
• Height, weight, pulse, and blood pressure: These measurements will be taken during the physical exam and can provide insights into your overall health.
• Urine and saliva specimens: In addition to blood samples, you may be asked to provide urine or saliva specimens for testing.

It's important to be open and honest about your history of alcohol use when applying for life insurance. Providing complete information and undergoing the necessary medical exams will help the insurance company assess your application accurately and determine your eligibility and premium rates.

Frequently asked questions