Life Insurance Drug Test

Life insurance drug tests catch two things most applicants don't expect: undisclosed tobacco use and prescription drug misuse. Cotinine—the metabolite that indicates nicotine—shows up in blood and urine for weeks after use, and applying as a non-smoker while testing positive for cotinine can void your policy. Prescription opioids, benzodiazepines, and other controlled substances also appear, and the context matters: a disclosed prescription is treated differently than an undisclosed one. This page covers exactly what carriers test for, how results affect your application, and what to disclose to avoid a denial or policy rescission later.

Life Insurance Underwriting and Drugs

Yes, life insurance companies do test for drugs. In fact, when you apply for any fully underwritten policy, you will be required to take a life insurance physical examination as part of the broader underwriting process.

A life insurance physical examination entails meeting with a paramedical professional who will collect the blood and urine test samples insurers use for health markers and this panel.

These samples will then be tested for various types of substances. You will also typically be asked some additional questions on your application regarding any past drug use or abuse.

What Drugs Do Life Insurance Companies Test For?

There are a number of drugs that a life insurance company may test for. These include:

Will You Qualify for Coverage If You Abuse Drugs

Taking drugs can have an impact on whether or not you qualify for life insurance. Your acceptance of coverage, as well as the amount of premium you are charged, will typically depend on which drugs you take, and how often you do so.

For example, a marijuana user can qualify for coverage even if they test positive for THC in a life insurance drug test. In some cases, based on age and other health factors, an individual who smokes pot could even qualify for life insurance at a non-smoker premium rate with some carriers.

Likewise, based on the particular drug (or drugs) used, adjustments to your coverage or your premium cost - either up or down - may be made, depending on the following factors:

What drug (or drugs) have you used in the past?

• Severity and frequency of the drug abuse
• The type(s) of drugs that are abused
• The severity of any associated complications
• Evidence of drug dependence and/or withdrawal
• Any legal problems that are related to substance abuse (such as getting a DUI)
• The number of different drugs (including alcohol) that are being abused
• Number of any relapses
• Your current participation in a support group (such as AA or Narcotics Anonymous)

If, however, you use any other type(s) of non-prescription drugs, you will not be eligible for coverage with any company if you can not pass the life insurance drug test.

Can You Qualify for Life Insurance with a History of Past Drug Abuse?

If you are now clean and sober, but you have a history of past drug abuse, you may still be able to get life insurance. The amount of coverage that you're eligible for, as well as the amount of the premium, will generally be based on your individual situation and health condition.

With most insurance carriers, you will need to have been out of drug or alcohol rehab for a certain amount of time before the insurance company will consider you.

Most life insurance companies will also ask some or all of the following questions:

• What drug (or drugs) have you used in the past?
• What form(s) of the drug(s) did you administer?
• How long did you use the drug(s)?
• How much of the drug(s) did you use?
• Did you attend drug or alcohol rehab? And if so, how long were you there? Did you attend rehab more than once? If so, how many times did you go?
• Were you ever hospitalized because of your drug use or abuse?
• Did your drug use lead to any serious health conditions (such as HIV, heart disease, etc.)?
• Are you currently employed?
• How long have you been clean?
• Do you currently have support from friends and/or family members?

In some cases, it may be possible to obtain a fully underwritten plan. In others, though, it may be easier to qualify for a simplified issue or a Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance policy.

An Insurance Geek can help you with choosing the potential options that may be right for you, as well as for your budget.

Taking the Next Step to get Life Insurance

Once again do they drug test for life insurance? Yes, they do.

Because most life insurance carriers will have questions regarding both past and present drug use, it is best if you are well prepared when applying for coverage and know exactly what insurance companies test for in the life insurance drug test.

Working with an independent life insurance specialist like an Insurance Geek will be crucial for getting covered and finding the best price. That's because we can guide you to the best company for your specific needs. We can also walk you through any of the additional paperwork and information that may be required from the insurance carrier.

At Insurance Geek, we are affiliated with more than 30 of the top life insurance carriers in the marketplace, and we can help you with any of the questions or concerns that you have before moving forward.

If you have any questions about getting life insurance with a history of drug abuse then you speak with a Geek. You can easily click to call with the button in the bottom right corner of the screen to get the guidance you need.