Drug Use or Abuse High Risk Life Insurance Quotes

Drug use, even for occasional and recreational purposes, can have a big effect on the premiums you pay for life insurance. It is a common misconception that a history of drug use will automatically disqualify you from obtaining a life insurance policy. Depending on the type of drugs used, how recently they were used, and treatment received, a “table rating” or “flat extra” rating may be assigned.

If you are currently using illegal drugs other than marijuana, you will only be able to qualify for a guaranteed-issue life insurance policy with a “graded” death benefit. Marijuana users can still get fully underwritten coverage and will usually be assigned the rating for a tobacco user, or a mild “table rating.”

You should always be up front about drug use because if a company discovers use in your history or medical exam that was not admitted, you will almost certainly be declined. Admitting the information up front will receive more favorable treatment by the underwriters.

Life insurance companies will want to know the following information to make an accurate risk assessment:

What type of drugs have you used?
How often did or do you use them?
Have you ever been arrested?
Were you ever charged with a misdemeanor or felony relating to drug use?
Has your driver’s licensed ever been suspended or revoked?
If you have used in the past but no longer use, how long ago was the last use?
Have you ever been sent to rehab, voluntarily went to rehab, or sought treatment from a support group such as Narcotics Anonymous?
Any other co-morbid conditions such as tobacco use, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, etc?

If you have a history of drug use or abuse, you should not apply with multiple companies at the same time. The more companies that give you a table rating or decline coverage on a formal application, the less likely you are to get a better offer!

You need the help of an independent life insurance agent that can shop your medical profile informally (no personal information is revealed to the insurance companies, just a general medical profile). We specialize in high risk life insurance and make sure you are getting the best possible offer. This is how it works:

Call us at 1-888-972-0024 to review by phone. You can also e-mail us by CLICKING HERE.
We submit your general medical profile to 10-15 of the most competitive, highly rated life insurance companies with the lowest rates in the industry (again, no personal information is disclosed)
We review each of the offers and send you a spreadsheet with the lowest rates from the company or companies that made the best offer(s)
You apply for the policy of your choice. We walk you through the application, follow up on the underwriting, and get the finalized offer. Note, there is no cost to apply and no obligation to accept the final offer from the insurer.
The policy can be delivered, signed, and paid for electronically with many insurers today – a paper policy delivery can still be mailed upon request. Once the signatures and initial payment are completed – you’re done!

Understanding Your Rating: Life Insurance Risk Classifications | Table Ratings Explained (B–J) | Flat Extra Ratings

Authoritative Resources: Life insurance underwriting practices are regulated by the NAIC. Insurers may check your health history through the MIB Group — you can request your free annual MIB report at mib.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get life insurance with a history of drug use?

Yes, in many cases. The underwriting outcome depends on the type of drug, how long ago use occurred, whether you have completed treatment, and whether you have maintained documented sobriety. Past marijuana use is often treated separately from harder substances. A history of opioid addiction with documented long-term recovery can qualify for coverage at select carriers.

How long do I need to be sober to get life insurance?

The required sobriety period varies by carrier and substance. For marijuana, many carriers have no waiting period. For alcohol abuse, most carriers want 2–5 years of sobriety. For hard drugs (opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine), most carriers require 3–5 years of documented sobriety with no relapses before considering an application.

Will past drug use show up on a life insurance application?

Underwriters order an Attending Physician Statement (APS) from your doctor and check the MIB (Medical Information Bureau) database. Past drug use documented in your medical records will be discovered. Full disclosure on your application is essential — misrepresentation is the leading cause of claim denials and constitutes insurance fraud.

Can I get life insurance while in recovery or on medication-assisted treatment?

Some carriers will consider applicants who are stable on medication-assisted treatment (MAT) such as buprenorphine or methadone, particularly if you have maintained the program for 12+ months with no relapses and are otherwise in good health. This is a specialty underwriting area where carrier selection matters enormously.

What life insurance options exist if I am declined due to drug history?

If you are declined by traditional fully-underwritten carriers, guaranteed issue whole life insurance is available with no medical questions. Additionally, some carriers offer simplified issue term policies with limited health questions that do not ask about past drug use beyond a defined recent window. An independent broker can identify the most suitable option.

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