Three Tips For Recovering Alcoholics Applying For Life Insurance

Enjoying a glass of wine or beer in the evening or drinking socially with friends and family typically won’t impact your life insurance application. However, a history of alcoholism or unresolved problematic drinking can significantly increase your premiums due to the associated health risks.

Feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of life insurance and alcoholism? Let us help you navigate this journey with understanding and support. Get a quote from Sure Insurance today and find the peace of mind you deserve.

How alcoholism impacts life insurance

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to numerous severe health problems and increase the risk of accidental injuries due to impairment. Some of the health issues associated with alcoholism include:

• Liver disease
• Chronic heart damage
• Stroke
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Pancreatitis
• Neurological disorders
• Depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders

Due to these significant risks, individuals who drink excessively are assigned higher life insurance premiums compared to those who drink moderately or socially.

How much alcohol is considered heavy drinking?

If you are unsure whether your drinking habits qualify as excessive, insurers typically regard consuming 3-4 drinks per day as heavy drinking. Specifically, heavy drinking is defined as follows:

• For men: More than 3 drinks on any given day or more than 13 drinks per week.

• For women: More than 2 drinks on any given day or more than 10 drinks per week.

Understanding these classifications can help you evaluate your drinking habits and their potential impact on life insurance costs.

Get a quote from Sure Insurance today and let us help you secure your future with empathy and understanding.

How do life insurance companies test for alcohol use?

When applying for life insurance, part of the underwriting process includes a medical exam that involves routine blood and urine tests for substance abuse and a review of your past medical records.

Blood tests can detect carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT), an indicator of heavy alcohol consumption over the past two weeks.

Additionally, you’ll need to complete an alcohol usage questionnaire, which typically asks:

• If you no longer drink, when was the last time you had alcohol?

• Do you have a history of heavy drinking?

• Have you ever sought alcohol-related counseling?

• Have you ever undergone inpatient or outpatient alcohol treatment?

• Have you maintained sobriety since your last treatment?

• Have you ever been charged with a DUI/DWI?

We understand the challenges you face when recovering alcoholics apply for life insurance, and we are here to help you find the coverage you need. Get a quote from us today to secure your peace of mind.

How can recovering alcoholics get life insurance? 

As a recovering alcoholic, you might encounter challenges when applying for life insurance, such as higher premiums and a more extended application process due to a thorough medical history review.

However, even if you don’t qualify for a traditional policy immediately, there are still numerous options available.

Group life insurance:

Many employers provide group life insurance to their employees without requiring health information for approval. However, this coverage might be limited, and you could lose it if you change jobs.

Funeral insurance:

If traditional life insurance isn’t an option, funeral insurance can cover funeral and final expenses.

Guaranteed life insurance:

For those who don’t qualify for traditional life insurance, guaranteed life insurance offers a permanent solution that will always accept your application.

Additionally, you can reapply in the future. Insurers are more likely to offer standard rates after you’ve maintained sobriety for five or more years. It’s crucial not to delay getting some form of life insurance—staying protected against the unexpected is vital. 

Secure coverage now, and consider shopping for a new policy or requesting a rate reconsideration after five years of sobriety.

Purchasing life insurance as a recovering alcoholic can be more complex compared to someone with no history of alcohol use, but it is certainly possible. 

Being aware of potential challenges and working with an experienced life insurance advisor can help you find an appropriate and affordable plan.

How much does life insurance cost for recovering alcoholics?

The cost of life insurance for recovering alcoholics can vary significantly, from standard rates to up to 400% higher. The length of your sobriety greatly influences your rates—the longer you remain sober without relapse, the lower your premiums will be.

Generally, you can expect the following rates based on your sobriety duration:

• One to four years sober: Substandard (highest) rates

• Five or more years sober: Standard rates

At Sure Insurance, we understand the difficulties you face and are here to help you find the right coverage. Get a quote today and let us support you on your journey to securing your future.

How Being an Alcoholic Impacts Your Life Insurance Rates

Your life insurance rates are influenced by your history of alcohol consumption, including any relapses and the duration of your sobriety. The longer you remain sober, the lower your rates will be, resulting in more affordable premiums.

Due to the health risks associated with excessive drinking, many insurance providers either deny coverage or significantly raise premiums for those in the early stages of recovery. Typically, during the first two years of sobriety, recovering alcoholics may face higher premiums or coverage denials.

Each life insurance company has its own policies, but you might be eligible for traditional life insurance within two years. However, expect to receive a high-risk rating, leading to higher premiums. 

After five years of sobriety, you stand a better chance of securing a standard rating, which offers more favorable rates. During your recovery, consider a no-medical policy, such as a simplified or guaranteed issue policy, to maintain coverage until you qualify for lower rates.

How Can I Reduce My Life Insurance Cost As an Alcoholic?

Reducing your alcohol intake or achieving sobriety can significantly improve your life insurance rates. Additionally, seeking treatment or counseling can be beneficial. If you struggle with alcohol addiction, it’s crucial to seek treatment along with purchasing life insurance. 

Programs like Alcoholics Anonymous provide valuable support for recovery, and insurers often offer lower rates to those actively seeking treatment rather than ignoring their addiction.

Other Factors That Change the Cost of Life Insurance for Alcoholics

Beyond your alcohol consumption history, insurers also consider your overall health and lifestyle choices, which can impact your premiums. Most insurers require you to complete an alcohol usage questionnaire, covering aspects such as:

• Patterns of alcohol use (quantity and frequency)

• Changes in drinking habits and reasons for those changes

• Any required treatments (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous, medication, medical monitoring)

• History of relapses

• Any history of drug use or mental illness

• Driving history

Understanding these factors can help you better manage your life insurance costs and ensure you receive the coverage you need.

Get a quote from Sure Insurance today to see how we can help you secure affordable life insurance coverage tailored to your unique situation. We understand your challenges and are here to support you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about recovering alcoholics applying for life insurance

How do life insurance companies assess alcohol consumption?

Insurers typically classify heavy drinking as consuming more than three drinks per day. They will evaluate your health for alcohol-related issues and conduct blood tests to detect signs of excessive alcohol use.

How long must you be sober to qualify for life insurance?

To be eligible for most standard life insurance policies, you need to have been sober for at least 2-3 years. The best rates are generally available to those who have maintained sobriety for 5 years.

Can recovering alcoholics obtain life insurance?

Absolutely, recovering alcoholics can purchase traditional life insurance after maintaining sobriety for two to three years, though they will face higher premiums compared to individuals without a history of alcohol addiction.

Alternatively, guaranteed issue life insurance is available immediately and provides coverage regardless of past alcohol use.

Does recovery from alcoholism affect life insurance premiums?

Yes, your premiums will decrease the longer you remain sober, especially if you are undergoing or have completed treatment. After five years of continuous sobriety, you may qualify for standard rates, similar to those without any history of alcohol consumption.

Get a quote from Sure Insurance today to explore your options and find the coverage that best supports your journey.