Life Insurance for Recovering Alcoholics (2026)

This information is for educational purposes only and shouldn't replace professional insurance or medical advice. Life insurance eligibility and rates vary by insurer and individual circumstances. Consult with licensed insurance professionals for personalized guidance.

If you're in recovery from alcohol addiction, you might wonder about your life insurance options. The good news is that recovering alcoholics can get life insurance, though eligibility depends on sobriety timeline and current health status.

You'll pay more for life insurance as a recovering alcoholic. Insurers classify applicants in recovery as higher risk because of increased mortality rates and potential health complications, such as liver disease and heart problems.

Insurers check medical records and may deny claims if you misrepresent your alcohol history. Lying on your application constitutes fraud and can void your policy entirely.

Insurance companies charge recovering alcoholics higher premiums because alcohol use disorder affects life expectancy and increases health risks. The longer you stay sober and have good health, the more your rates improve.

Alcohol use disorder damages vital organs and creates chronic health conditions that increase mortality risk. Heavy drinking causes liver cirrhosis, pancreatitis, heart disease, high blood pressure, and increased cancer risk. Insurers review your medical records for alcohol-related conditions when determining your premium.

Heavy alcohol use shortens life expectancy. This mortality data shapes how insurers price policies for recovering alcoholics.

Insurance companies also consider relapse rates when evaluating applications. Recovery requires ongoing effort, and insurers account for the possibility of future alcohol use when setting premiums. Your commitment to continued treatment can improve your application.

Your best option comes down to how long you've been sober and your health status. Each option balances coverage amount, cost, and approval requirements differently.

Policy availability and eligibility requirements vary by insurer. Check with your chosen insurer what options are available based on your profile.

Insurers evaluate sobriety history based on the severity of prior alcohol or substance use, treatment history and any relapses. Required sobriety periods vary by carrier, but common sobriety timelines include:

Gather documentation of your sobriety timeline and treatment history before applying. Work with a life insurance agent who specializes in high-risk applicants to improve your chances of approval. They can also help you find the best rates.

Life insurance medical exams test for current alcohol use and liver damage from past drinking. Blood tests measure liver function through ALT, AST and GGT levels, which can remain elevated after heavy drinking stops. Insurers also test for carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT), a blood marker that shows alcohol use patterns.

Urine tests detect ethyl glucuronide (EtG), which shows recent alcohol consumption. Some insurers use phosphatidylethanol (PEth) blood tests that can detect alcohol use over longer periods. These tests make it impossible to hide recent drinking from insurance companies.

Abstain from alcohol completely before your medical exam. Elevated test results will result in denial or much higher premiums. Schedule your exam after you've kept consistent sobriety and your liver function tests have normalized.

Insurance companies ask detailed questions about your alcohol use history and recovery. Be prepared to answer questions about the following:

• Date of your last drink
• Names and dates of treatment programs you attended
• Participation in support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous
• Relapse history and dates of any relapses
• DUI or DWI convictions and dates
• How you maintain sobriety and what support systems you have
• Alcohol-related health conditions (liver disease, pancreatitis, heart problems, high blood pressure)
• Treatment received for alcohol-related conditions
• Recent medical test results showing health improvements

Multiple relapses or recent legal issues from drinking extend the waiting period before you qualify for standard coverage. Document any treatment you've received for health conditions and show improvement in recent medical tests. Your doctor's notes demonstrating stable health strengthen your application.

Life insurance regulations and available options may vary by state. Check with licensed agents in your area for state-specific requirements

Denial for life insurance doesn't mean you'll never qualify. Request a copy of your denial letter, which must explain the reasons for rejection. Address any alcohol-related health issues through proper medical treatment. Work with your doctor to manage conditions like high blood pressure, liver function problems, or heart issues.

Continue documenting your sobriety through regular participation in support groups and treatment programs. Keep consistent contact with your doctor and complete recommended health screenings. These records show your commitment to recovery when you reapply.

Wait before reapplying for coverage. This allows you to extend your sobriety record and potentially improve your health markers. Consider applying with a different insurer, as each company has different underwriting standards for recovering alcoholics.

Life insurance is available for recovering alcoholics, though you'll pay higher premiums and meet stricter requirements than standard applicants. Most insurers require two to three years of documented sobriety before approving traditional policies, but guaranteed issue and group coverage provide immediate options during early recovery.

Your rates improve the longer you stay sober, with some companies offering preferred rates after 10 years of abstinence. Be honest about your recovery timeline and health history when buying life insurance for recovering alcoholics, as insurers check all information through medical records.