Life Insurance For Alcohol Use
Over 100 Carriers to Quote From. Here are a few of them!
Life insurance with alcohol abuse is absolutely possible—approval and pricing just depend on how your history is presented to underwriters. At Diversified Insurance Brokers, we work with 100+ top-rated carriers and know which companies are most recovery-friendly, what evidence they value, and how to structure your application for the best outcome.
Life Insurance with Alcohol Abuse
If you have a history of alcohol abuse, it doesn’t mean you’re uninsurable. At Diversified Insurance Brokers, we specialize in helping clients with challenging medical histories find affordable coverage tailored to their needs.
Speak with an expert who understands high-risk life insurance cases.
How alcohol history affects life insurance underwriting
Carriers evaluate risk patterns more than labels. The same facts presented differently can change the offer. Expect review of:
- Current use: Moderate/occasional use is treated differently than daily or binge use.
- Diagnoses & events: Prior alcohol abuse diagnosis, rehab/IOP, ER visits, accidents, or DUIs.
- Sobriety period: Many carriers look for 2–5 years alcohol-free for the best rates.
- Labs & records: Liver enzymes (AST/ALT), GGT, CDT/PEth if available, primary-care notes.
- Comorbidities: Depression/anxiety treatment, hypertension, hepatitis, or GI issues.
Best coverage types for alcohol-related histories
- Level term life (10–40 years) — best pricing if sober and otherwise healthy.
- Whole life / Guaranteed universal life — permanent coverage with predictable premiums.
- Simplified-issue term or whole — limited questions, no exam; good fallback if fully underwritten rates are high.
- Guaranteed-issue whole life — last-resort approval (no questions). See our burial insurance calculator and burial insurance options.
Expected outcomes: where you might land
| Profile | Typical Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sober 5+ years, clean labs, no DUI | Standard to Preferred | Some carriers may still cap at Standard initially |
| Sober 2–4 years, stable health | Standard or Table rating | We shop carriers that favor documented recovery |
| Recent treatment (<2 years) or DUI in last 3–5 years | Table rating or postpone | Consider simplified/guaranteed-issue for interim coverage |
| Active heavy use, abnormal labs | Postpone or decline | Temporary burial coverage may still be available |
How to improve approval odds
- Document sobriety: Provide dates, sponsor/meeting participation, counseling notes (if comfortable).
- Update labs: Recent primary-care visit with normal AST/ALT/GGT can help.
- Explain DUIs/ER events: A short, factual cover letter shows change and stability.
- Right-fit carriers: We pre-underwrite with companies that consistently approve recovery cases.
Who this is best for
- Individuals in recovery seeking fair, affordable coverage.
- Moderate drinkers with otherwise good health.
- Applicants declined elsewhere due to alcohol history.
- Families wanting predictable, permanent protection.
Why work with Diversified Insurance Brokers
- 100+ A-rated carriers: We know which underwriters are most flexible with alcohol histories.
- Expert case positioning: We present your history clearly and favorably.
- Fast turnaround: Our carrier relationships speed up decisions and can yield better offers.
- Confidential, respectful process: Your information stays secure.
Example case
A client sober for 4 years with normal liver panels was declined elsewhere. We matched them with a recovery-friendly carrier and secured a $250,000 20-year term at Standard, saving $400+/yr compared with prior quotes.
Helpful resources
FAQs: Life Insurance with Alcohol Abuse
Can I get life insurance with a history of alcohol abuse?
Yes. Approval and pricing depend on factors like your sobriety period, medical records, and labs. We shop 100+ carriers to find recovery-friendly options.
How long do I need to be sober for better rates?
Many carriers look for 2–5 years alcohol-free for their best offers, though some will consider earlier with stable health and clean records.
Will a DUI affect my life insurance application?
Yes. A recent DUI can lead to a table rating or postponement. Many carriers reconsider after about 3–5 years with a clean driving and health record.
What medical information do insurers review?
Underwriters often review liver enzymes (AST/ALT, GGT), CDT/PEth if available, primary-care notes, treatment history, and any related conditions.
Which policy types are available with alcohol history?
Fully underwritten term or permanent policies if eligible; simplified-issue when underwriting is stricter; guaranteed-issue whole life when declines occur.
How can I improve my approval odds?
Document sobriety, provide recent normal labs, explain prior events briefly and factually, and let us pre-underwrite with carriers that favor recovery cases.
Ready to check your approval odds?
We’ll pre-underwrite with the right carriers and find your best path to coverage.
Prefer to talk? Call 800-533-5969
