Lena Savoie
Alcohol abuse and binge drinking are issues that affect many people. When it comes to life insurance, companies consider excessive drinking an insurance risk due to the potential for accidents and the negative health impacts associated with alcohol abuse. This can complicate the application process, and many people may feel the need to hide their drinking habits. While it is possible to obtain life insurance with a history of alcohol abuse, applicants typically need to be sober for a period of time, usually two to three years, and may face higher premiums. Life insurance providers may ask about an applicant's alcohol use and recovery details, including any treatment received. Some common insurance companies that may cover alcohol rehabilitation include Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and Humana, while public insurance options like Medicare and Medicaid can also help with costs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Life insurance companies' view on alcohol abuse | Considered an insurance risk due to the potential for self-harm or harm to others, and the associated health issues |
| Treatment for alcoholism | Diagnosis, detox, rehabilitation, and self-sufficient sobriety |
| Life insurance application process | Applicants with alcohol abuse issues are assessed on a case-by-case basis. They are asked about their alcohol use and recovery details, including any treatment received. |
| Impact on premiums | Applicants with a history of alcohol abuse may be charged higher premiums or denied coverage until they show consistent, healthy alcohol use. |
| Waiting period for approval | Applicants typically need to be sober for three years to be approved for most life insurance policies. |
| DUI convictions | Life insurance applications with recent or multiple DUI convictions are usually declined. |
| Addiction helplines | Helplines, such as American Addiction Centers (AAC), can provide information on using insurance to cover rehab costs. |
| Insurance coverage for rehab | Insurance plans, including private and public, are required to provide coverage for substance use disorder treatment under the Affordable Care Act. Specific plans like Medicare, Medicaid, and VA coverage can also help reduce costs. |
| In-network treatment programs | Choosing an in-network treatment program can help ensure coverage and reduce out-of-pocket expenses. |
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What You'll Learn
Insurance companies consider alcohol an insurance risk
Alcohol abuse can cause serious health issues, including liver failure, hypertension, stroke, breast and oral cancer, pancreatitis, memory loss, mental health problems, and reduced fertility. Excessive drinking also increases the chances of injuring yourself or others while intoxicated. Therefore, insurance companies consider alcohol consumption an insurance risk.
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has set a limit on alcohol consumption, and drinking beyond this limit is considered excessive drinking. Binge drinking is defined as four drinks for women or five drinks for men during a single occasion, while heavy drinking is defined as eight drinks for women or 15 drinks for men. Drinking above the recommended limit can lead to health issues, which increases the insurance provider's liability and, consequently, your premiums.
If you are a recovering alcoholic, you will need to wait until you have maintained sobriety for a certain period, typically three years, to be approved for most life insurance policies. During the application process, the insurance company will ask about your alcoholism and recovery, including any treatment received. Proving that you have received treatment or counselling may help you obtain cheaper premiums. The longer you have been sober, the more affordable your rates will be.
Some insurance companies may offer better rates for those who have been sober for an extended period. For example, Corebridge Financial offers preferred rates for individuals who have maintained sobriety from alcohol for at least ten years and have zero or one other health condition. It is important to note that everyone is assessed on a case-by-case basis, and insurance companies will evaluate your current health status when determining your premium.
If you are currently struggling with alcohol abuse, it is advisable to seek treatment and postpone your application until you have achieved sobriety and are considered a lower-risk applicant. This will increase your chances of obtaining affordable life insurance coverage.
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Alcohol abuse increases health and injury risks
Life insurance companies consider alcohol abuse an insurance risk due to the associated health and injury risks. Alcohol misuse can lead to high blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, and an increased heart rate. Chronic heavy drinking increases the risk of heart problems caused by narrowed arteries and heart attacks. Even low drinking levels may be harmful, causing deficiencies in specific blood components, such as anaemia and enlarged red blood cells. Alcohol abuse weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to diseases and impairing its defence against infections. It can also cause peripheral neuropathy, resulting in numbness in the arms and legs and painful burning in the feet.
Additionally, alcohol abuse increases the risk of several types of cancer. Even one drink per day can increase a woman's risk of breast cancer by 5% to 15%. Alcohol can also interfere with the brain's communication pathways, impacting mood, behaviour, clear thinking, and coordination. It can also increase the risk of stroke. Heavy alcohol consumption can disturb the endocrine system, leading to health issues such as thyroid diseases, abnormal cholesterol levels, reproductive dysfunction, and diabetes.
The effects of alcohol abuse can also lead to injuries, including motor vehicle crashes, falls, drownings, and burns. It increases the risk of violence, suicide, sexual violence, and intimate partner violence. Alcohol poisoning and overdose are also possible consequences of alcohol abuse. Alcohol misuse can result in sexually transmitted infections or unplanned pregnancies due to unprotected sex. It can also lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder when consumed during pregnancy.
When applying for life insurance, individuals with a history of alcohol abuse may face higher premiums or be required to wait until they have maintained sobriety for several years. Life insurance providers consider the full details of an applicant's alcoholism and recovery, including any treatment received. Proving completed treatment or counselling may help obtain more affordable premiums.
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Alcoholics must be sober for three years for insurance
Alcohol abuse can lead to serious health issues, which is why life insurance companies consider it a risk. Excessive drinking increases the chances of injury to oneself or others while intoxicated. It can also cause liver failure, hypertension, stroke, cancer, and pancreatitis, among other ailments. Therefore, heavy drinking and alcoholism can complicate the application process for life insurance, and many people feel the need to keep their drinking habits private.
Life insurance providers are usually willing to cover those with a history of alcoholism and alcohol abuse, but they will want to see that applicants have received full treatment and have stopped drinking. To be considered a "recovered alcoholic", one must have received a diagnosis and treatment for alcoholism. This can only begin once a person accepts that they have a problem with alcohol and decides to stop drinking. Treatment for alcoholism typically consists of three parts: detox, rehabilitation, and self-sufficient sobriety, with the latter being the most important and challenging step.
If you are a recovering alcoholic, you will likely have to wait until you have been sober for at least three years to be approved for most life insurance policies. The longer you've been sober, the more affordable your rates will be. Proving that you've received treatment or counseling may also help you obtain cheaper premiums. However, if you have recent or multiple DUI convictions on your record, your life insurance application will likely be automatically declined.
It is important to note that everyone is assessed on a case-by-case basis, and some insurance companies may offer more competitive pricing and flexible terms for recovering alcoholics. For example, Corebridge Financial offers the best rates for people who've been sober from alcohol use for at least ten years.
If you are concerned about the cost of life insurance due to your drinking habits, it may be worth postponing your application until you are alcohol-free and subsequently a lower-risk applicant. You can also consider opting for higher voluntary deductibles, where you pay a pre-decided share of hospitalization/medical expenses before filing a claim, which reduces the liability of the insurance company and thus lowers your premium.
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Treatment and counselling can help get cheaper premiums
Life insurance companies consider excessive drinking an insurance risk due to the increased likelihood of injury to oneself or others while intoxicated. Alcohol abuse can also lead to serious health issues, which further complicates the application process and makes people want to hide their drinking habits. Heavy drinkers and alcoholics are usually required to be sober for at least three years to be approved for life insurance, and they often have to pay higher premiums than those without a history of alcoholism.
However, if you are seeking life insurance and are worried about the cost, it is worth knowing that treatment and counselling can help you get cheaper premiums. While it may take time and postponing your application until you are alcohol-free, receiving a diagnosis and treatment for alcoholism can help you be considered a "recovered alcoholic". This involves first accepting that you have a problem with alcohol and deciding to stop drinking. Treatment then comes in three parts: detox, rehabilitation, and self-sufficient sobriety.
The longer you've been sober, the more affordable your rates will be. Proving that you've received treatment or counselling may help you get cheaper premiums. For example, Corebridge Financial offers the best rates for people who've been sober from alcohol use for at least 10 years. If you have one or zero other health conditions, the company will assign you a Preferred health class, which comes with the second-lowest rates.
There are also other ways to find effective and affordable treatment. For instance, some therapists use a sliding-scale fee structure, which can be helpful for individuals concerned about the cost of therapy. Some insurance plans also offer reimbursement for sessions with a therapist who is not on their list of in-network providers. Additionally, online therapy is often much cheaper than in-person therapy and can be a cost-saving solution. Platforms such as Talkspace offer online therapy and partner with health plans to make mental health care more accessible and affordable.
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Insurance companies ask about alcohol use and recovery
Life insurance companies consider excessive alcohol consumption a risk factor because drinking increases the chances of accidental injury to oneself or others. Alcohol abuse can also lead to serious health issues, including cardiovascular disease and liver cirrhosis. Therefore, insurance companies are interested in applicants' alcohol consumption habits.
During the application process, insurance agents will ask about your alcohol use and recovery, including any treatment or counselling you have received. They may also ask about your reasons for seeking cover and conduct a health questionnaire. This helps them assess your situation and manage your expectations for the kind of cover you'll reasonably have on offer. Everyone is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
If you are a heavy drinker, have alcohol abuse issues, or are a recovered alcoholic, some insurance companies will still try their best to get you the policy you want. However, you may have to pay higher premiums than someone without a history of alcoholism. The longer you've been sober, the more affordable your rates will be. Proving that you've received treatment or counselling may help you get cheaper premiums.
If you are currently undergoing alcohol rehabilitation, it is important to inform your insurance company of the program you have enrolled in and provide proof of your progress, supported by a doctor. This will strengthen the validity of your life insurance application. You can also show your driving history to the insurance provider if you have never been detained for drink-driving.
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Frequently asked questions
When you apply for life insurance, the insurance company will ask you about your alcohol use and any treatment you've received. They will also inquire about your reasons for seeking cover and conduct a health questionnaire to assess your risk level.
They may ask about the substances you use, how long you've been using them, your home environment, and your reasons for seeking treatment. They may also inquire about any DUI convictions, as these can impact your application.
To be considered a recovered alcoholic, you must have received a diagnosis and completed treatment for alcoholism. Treatment typically includes detox, rehabilitation, and self-sufficient sobriety, with the latter being the most critical and challenging step.
Life insurance companies consider alcohol use an insurance risk due to the potential for injury and health issues. If you have a history of alcohol abuse, you may have to pay higher premiums or wait until you've been sober for a certain period (typically two to three years) to be approved for coverage. Proving that you've received treatment can help you obtain cheaper premiums.
