Metlife's Drug Testing Policy For Life Insurance Applicants

Life insurance policies typically involve a medical exam, which includes a drug test. MetLife, a life insurance company, requires applicants to fill out a Statement of Health (SOH) form, which includes questions about their overall health, such as whether they smoke or have been treated for a medical condition. While MetLife does conduct drug tests, it is unclear if they test for all drugs or only specific substances. The company does not perform random drug tests, but they may request an Attending Physician's Statement or a paramedical exam if applicants answer yes to any questions on the SOH form.

MetLife's pre-employment drug tests

MetLife conducts pre-employment drug tests for new hires, including those working remotely or from home. The drug test is mandatory for some teams. The test is a regular urine test, and it is done before the job offer.

The pre-employment drug test is used to determine whether prospective employees abuse illegal drugs or prescription medications. It helps protect workplace safety, boost productivity, and reduce accidents and turnover.

The testing methods can include urine, saliva, hair, and blood tests, but urine tests are the most common. The tests typically screen for the presence of amphetamines, marijuana, cocaine, opiates, and phencyclidine. However, employers can also request testing for additional substances.

In the US, most employers in regulated industries are required to perform pre-employment drug tests. Private-sector, non-regulated employers are not required to conduct pre-employment drug tests but can do so as long as they comply with state and local laws.

MetLife's drug testing methods

Drug Testing for Potential Employees

MetLife conducts drug tests for new hires, including those working remotely or from home. However, they do not perform random drug tests on employees. The drug test is usually a regular urine test, but some teams require a blood test.

Drug Testing for Life Insurance Applicants

MetLife, like other life insurance companies, typically requires a medical exam for life insurance applicants. This exam includes a drug test, which is often a urine test but may also involve a blood test. The drug panel tests for various drugs, including amphetamines, methamphetamines, cocaine, heroin, nicotine, and prescription and recreational drugs.

If you test positive for most drugs, your life insurance application will likely be declined. However, marijuana use is treated differently. MetLife allows users to smoke marijuana up to three times per week and still qualify for non-smoker rates. Nevertheless, non-disclosure of marijuana use and a positive lab result may lead to application decline.

It is important to note that life insurance medical exams also assess your overall health and confirm the information provided in your application.

The Statement of Health (SOH) process

A Statement of Health (SOH) is a document that contains a series of questions about your overall health, such as whether you're a smoker or if you've ever been treated for a medical condition like cancer or high blood pressure. This information is crucial for MetLife to evaluate your life insurance application.

There are several scenarios in which you may be required to complete an SOH:

• Requesting coverage that exceeds the threshold set by your employer.
• Reconsidering your choices after waiving all or part of your employer-paid insurance.
• Recent hospitalization (within the last 90 days).
• A salary increase that puts you over the Medical Evidence of Insurability (MEOI) level.
• Experiencing a Qualifying Life Event while actively working but not enrolled in the plan.
• Previously waiving contributory or non-contributory insurance and now wishing to be insured for the waived amounts.

If you need to fill out an SOH, you will be notified, and you'll typically have around 60 days to complete and return the form. You can ask your employer about the available submission options, and an online submission can often lead to a quicker decision.

Once you submit your SOH, MetLife will review it and respond within 10 business days. They will either request additional information or provide a final determination regarding your requested insurance coverage. If approved, your life insurance coverage will become effective once the health statement is approved by MetLife, the Benefits Office is notified, and you are actively at work.

If your application is denied due to the SOH screening, it won't affect your existing coverage or any pending coverage below the MEOI level. However, you won't receive the additional coverage amount you requested. You can dispute the denial by calling MetLife and providing medical documentation to support your reason for the dispute.

MetLife's drug testing policy

The drug test is a typical urine sample test, similar to those administered by employers. The company does not conduct random drug tests, nor does it test hair follicles. The drug panel tests for amphetamine/methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, prescription and recreational drugs, tobacco, and nicotine. Marijuana is the only drug that is generally allowed by life insurance companies, and MetLife is considered one of the more marijuana-friendly carriers. MetLife allows its users to smoke marijuana up to three times a week, which is more frequent than most insurers, who operate using the "2 X rule," allowing marijuana to be consumed twice per year or less for the best rates.

If you test positive for most drugs, your application will be automatically declined. However, if you have previously struggled with drug addiction and are now clean, it is still possible to purchase life insurance. MetLife requires applicants to be clean for at least three years, with no relapses. The company will also ask questions about your recovery, work, and family situation.

It is important to answer all questions on the life insurance forms honestly, even if they make you uncomfortable. If you are dishonest and the company finds out, your application will be denied.

The frequency of marijuana use

When it comes to the frequency of marijuana use, insurance companies have varying standards. While some companies don't test for marijuana, they may classify you as a smoker if you admit to using it. Some companies operate using the "2 x rule", where you can consume marijuana twice a year or less to get the best rates. Other companies are more lenient, allowing marijuana use more frequently. For example, MetLife allows its users to smoke marijuana up to three times per week while still being considered a non-smoker. This is significantly more generous than other companies, who may only allow marijuana use once a week or less for non-smoker rates.

It's important to note that meeting the frequency requirements doesn't guarantee the best rates. It simply means that you have a chance to qualify as a non-smoker, rather than being automatically classified as a smoker. The frequency of marijuana use can impact your insurance rates, and it's crucial to be honest about your usage to avoid issues with your policy.

If you're concerned about the potential impact of marijuana use on your life insurance application, it's recommended to consult an independent insurance agent or reach out to the insurance company directly. They can provide specific information about their policies and help you understand how your marijuana use may affect your rates.

Additionally, it's worth noting that life insurance medical exams typically include drug tests, which may involve urine or blood tests. These tests screen for various drugs, including marijuana. The results of these tests can influence the insurance rates offered to applicants.

Frequently asked questions