2024 Burial Insurance with Substance Abuse
last updated on March 26, 2024You can qualify for burial insurance with substance abuse, depending on the amount of time you have been clean and sober.
If you have completed treatment or been off drugs for eighteen months or longer, you have the best chance of getting approved for the best plan and the lowest rates.
Even if your substance abuse is more recent, you can still qualify for burial insurance. Read on to know your options.
FOR EASIER NAVIGATION:
- What Is My Best Insurance Option If I Have a History of Substance Abuse?
- What Types of Burial Insurance Should I Avoid?
- What Type of Burial Insurance Is Best?
- If I Have Substance Abuse, Do I Need a Medical Exam to Qualify for Burial Insurance?
- Burial Insurance Underwriting If You Have Substance Abuse
- How Much Insurance Do I Need If I Have Substance Abuse?
- How Should I Pay My Premiums?
- Substance Abuse and Burial Insurance Riders
- Information We Need if You Have Substance Abuse
- How to Be Approved If You Have a History of Substance Abuse
- Benefits of Burial & Funeral Insurance
- Other Common Uses for Final Expense Life Insurance with Substance Abuse
- How Can Funeral Funds Help Me?
- Additional Questions & Answers On Burial Insurance With Substance Abuse
What Is My Best Insurance Option If I Have A History Of Substance Abuse?
WHAT IF I ALREADY QUIT SUBSTANCE ABUSE?
Most life insurance companies strictly insure people with a history of substance abuse unless they have remained clean and sober for a minimum of eighteen months to two years.
If you are a former drug addict and you have maintained sobriety for longer than two years, you can easily qualify for level death benefit with first-day coverage and no waiting period.
It is important to remember that whether or not you may qualify for a level death benefit plan is completely up to each individual insurance company. Every life insurance company has different underwriting criteria. It is best to seek professional advice from an independent life insurance agency like Funeral Funds about your specific case.
Best Option: Level death benefit plan with first-day coverage
WHAT IF I’M CURRENTLY USING DRUGS?
If you are currently taking an illegal substance or abusing prescription drugs, it will be difficult for you to secure a level death benefit plan with first-day coverage. One of the most critical factors that the insurance company will look at is the type of drugs you are currently using.
If you’ve been diagnosed, received treatment, hospitalized, or recommended for counseling or treatment within the last 2 years, you will qualify for a first-day benefit plan.
You will be covered from the first day, and your death benefit will be phased in over time.
Best Option: First-day benefit plan
If you’re currently abusing drugs and you lie on your life insurance application, it is considered fraud to lie about your substance abuse. If you have a drug-related death during the contestability period, there is a good chance that the company will investigate your drug history.
If they find out that you lied on your application, the company will not be required to pay your death benefit to your beneficiary.
Admitting substance abuse may cause your premiums to go up or result in a waiting period, but falsely representing your substance abuse can cause you serious problems in the future.
BURIAL INSURANCE WITH SUBSTANCE ABUSE
TOBACCO USE
Tobacco use includes cigarettes, pipes, chewing tobacco, and e-cigarettes. Because of the various diseases associated with tobacco use, insurance companies consider tobacco use to be a higher-risk activity.
Although not considered substance abuse, tobacco use is bad for your health. Tobacco users will pay twice more for life insurance from all insurance companies. It is called tobacco rating.
Those who have been tobacco-free for at least 12 months or longer can qualify for the non-tobacco rate.
Best Option: Level death benefit plan with first-day coverage
Alcohol abuse, also called alcohol dependence, alcohol addiction, alcohol misuse, and alcoholism, is a disease that is characterized by unhealthy drinking behaviors. It also includes binge drinking.
Alcohol abuse can cause health and lifestyle issues that increase the risk of premature death. Alcoholics run risks such as depression, liver failure, and risky behavior like drinking and driving.
Many life insurance companies will offer you first-day coverage if your alcohol abuse diagnosis, a recommendation for treatment, or treatment is beyond 24 months or longer.
Best Option: Level death benefit
If your alcohol abuse is within the past year or you still use alcohol, you will not qualify for first-day coverage. A guaranteed issue life insurance plan is your best option for coverage.
Best Option: Guaranteed issue burial insurance
Recreational Marijuana Use
Life insurance is available for marijuana users with or without a prescription. If you’re a recreational marijuana user or use marijuana medicinally, plans are available where you don’t have to disclose your usage.
If you are a marijuana user and you use it recreationally, you may be able to qualify for level death benefit at a non-tobacco rate.
Best Option: Level death benefit
Recent Rehabilitation and Hospitalization Due to Marijuana Use
If you’ve been hospitalized or put in rehab due to marijuana use, your only option for coverage is guaranteed issue whole life insurance.
Best Option: Guaranteed issue burial insurance
Medical prescriptions for marijuana use are allowed in some states. Since it is legal, there are no legal issues regarding the law enforcement agency qualifying for life insurance.
Some insurance companies offer a level death benefit to medical marijuana users if the condition being treated is mild to moderate.
Best Option: Level death benefit plan with first-day coverage
Ironically, if you use marijuana with a prescription to treat severe medical conditions such as cancer or terminal illness and a variety of other chronic diseases, you will qualify for guaranteed issue burial insurance.
Best Option: Guaranteed issue burial insurance
If you are a CBD oil user, you can qualify for burial insurance. The insurance industry has become more lenient with CBD oil users, with a rising number of U.S states legalizing marijuana for medical use.
CBD oil users may be approved for first-day coverage depending on the type of medical condition the CBD oil is treating. If you’re using CBD oil to treat a minor health issue and are generally healthy, you can qualify for a level death benefit plan.
Best Option: Level death benefit plan with first-day coverage
If you use CBD oil to treat a severe medical condition, you will not qualify for a level death benefit plan, but another option exists. You can receive approval for a guaranteed issue life insurance.
Best Option: Guaranteed issue burial insurance
In the past, it was challenging to qualify for life insurance if you currently use illegal drugs like opium, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin. If you currently abuse illicit drugs or prescription drugs, most companies will require you to have a minimum of two to five years of sobriety without any relapse or hospitalization before offering the best plan.
Some insurance companies will offer first-day coverage if you have maintained sobriety for two years or longer.
Best Option: Level death benefit
If you currently use illegal drugs, you will qualify for guaranteed issue burial insurance.
If you have been hospitalized or put in rehab because of substance abuse or you have major organ damage, your only option for coverage is guaranteed issue burial insurance.
Best Option: Guaranteed issue burial insurance
What Types Of Burial Insurance Should I Avoid?
| PLANS TO AVOID | WHY? |
|---|---|
| Term life | Premiums increase after 5 years. Coverage ends after 80. |
| Pre-paid funeral plans | Expensive |
| Universal life | Tied with stocks |
| No health questions policies | With 2-year waiting period |
| Plans offering "teaser rates" | $9.95 per unit plans or $1 buys $100,000 coverage |
| Over priced plans | Insurance from TV and junk mail |
| Plans that accept mail-in payments | Risky |
| Plans that accept Direct Express | High lapse rate |
| Plans that accept Credit Cards | High lapse rate |
What Type Of Burial Insurance Is Best?
| FUNERAL FUNDS PLAN BENEFITS | INCLUDED |
|---|---|
| 1st Day Coverage | YES |
| Rates NEVER Increase | YES |
| Coverage NEVER Decreases | YES |
| Easy to get approved | YES |
| No Medical Exam | YES |
| Same Day Approval | YES |
| Death Claims Pay Fast | YES |
| Builds cash value | YES |
| Coverage Up To Age 121 | YES |
If I Have Substance Abuse, Do I Need A Medical Exam To Qualify For Burial Insurance?
You are NOT required to take a medical exam to qualify for burial insurance with substance abuse.
When you apply for burial insurance, you only have to answer some basic questions about your health. The application process is simple; you don’t need to provide medical records or blood and urine samples.
You’ll get the official approval from the insurance company often within minutes!
Burial Insurance Underwriting If You Have Substance Abuse
Underwriting is the process utilized by life insurance providers to determine your insurability and how much they will charge you for coverage. It is the company’s fact-finding process, so do not lie on the application.
Burial insurance companies have two ways of underwriting:
FIRST – They may ask you a series of health questions. Your answers to their questions will determine your eligibility.
SECOND – They will electronically review your prescription history to verify your health.
#1 HEALTH QUESTIONS
Every life insurance company with underwriting has health questions that ask about current substance abuse or in the past.
Some insurance companies may ask about substance abuse this way:
- “Other than your prescription drugs, have you ever used narcotics, marijuana, stimulants, hallucinogens, or sedatives?”
If you answer “yes,” give the type of drugs, amount, frequency of use, and how long you have been taking these drugs? Also, indicate when you last used them.
When you’re applying for coverage, don’t worry about your substance abuse history being used against you by law enforcement agencies. Your rights are fully protected under HIPPA Laws (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act 1996).
HIPPA guarantees the “privacy of individually identifiable health information.” All the information you disclosed on your application is strictly private and confidential.
#2 PRESCRIPTION HISTORY CHECK
Insurance providers will electronically perform a prescription database check. This will provide information about all prescription medications you are taking and how many times those drugs have been filled over the years.
They will see what medications you are taking and identify any “red flags” that could indicate if you are abusing your medications.
THE EFFECT OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE ON LIFE INSURANCE ELIGIBILITY
Substance abuse is excessive dependency on harmful substances that can alter moods or feelings. When you apply for life insurance, the insurance company will be interested in how long you have been sober.
Substance abuse can negatively alter the course of the user’s life and cause it to end prematurely. For this reason, life insurance companies want to know about your substance abuse history.
Commonly abused illegal drugs:
- Cocaine
- Crack cocaine
- Ecstasy
- Heroin
- Marijuana
- Methadone
- Methamphetamine
- Methamphetamines
- Opium
Commonly abused prescription drugs:
- Amphetamines
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Codeine
- Dextromethorphan
- Fentanyl and analogs
- Methadone
- Methylphenidate
- Morphine
- Opioid pain medications
- Sleep medications
People who abuse any of these drugs are considered at higher risk and prone to some other health issues in the future.
Mortality risks associated with substance abuse include:
- Deaths from natural causes such as heart attack or stroke
- Accidental deaths from vehicular accidents, trips, and falls
- Accidental deaths from a drug overdose
- Deaths from infection from injectables such as HIV or hepatitis
- Violent deaths from suicide or homicide
Other risks associated with illegal drug use:
- Multiple substance abuse, especially with street drugs
- Substance abuse can cause psychiatric impairments
- Substance abuse can cause occupational, marital, and familial problems.
- Substance abuse can cause problems with the legal system, such as driving under the influence of drugs or other arrest records.
Anytime you pose a higher risk to the insurance companies, your application can be declined, or you will need to pay more and have a waiting period.
People with a history of substance abuse need to maintain sobriety for at least 24 months to qualify for the best plan with the lowest rate.
How Much Insurance Do I Need If I Have Substance Abuse?
The amount of burial insurance you should buy varies depending on your personal and financial circumstances. However, burial insurance should cover the cost of your funeral, burial, and final expenses.
The first step to figuring out how much burial insurance you need is to know your end-of-life expenses. Your funeral cost is often the biggest single expense you need to pay. Other end-of-life expenses to consider are your outstanding medical bills, living expenses, credit card bills, and other debts.
Here’s an example of a funeral cost breakdown from the National Funeral Directors Association.
| AVERAGE FUNERAL COST WITH VIEWING AND BURIAL | |
|---|---|
| Non-declinable basic services | $2,300 |
| Removal/ transfer of remains to funeral home | $350 |
| Embalming & preparation of the body | $1,050 |
| Use of facilities for viewing & funeral ceremony | $965 |
| Hearse | $325 |
| Service car/van | $150 |
| Basic memorial printed package | $183 |
| Metal casket | $2,500 |
| Vault | $1,572 |
| Median Cost of a Funeral With Viewing and Burial | $9,420 |
| AVERAGE FUNERAL COST WITH VIEWING AND CREMATION | |
|---|---|
| Non-declinable basic services fee | $2,300 |
| Removal/ transfer of remains to funeral home | $350 |
| Embalming & preparation of the body | $1,050 |
| Use of facilities for viewing & funeral ceremony | $965 |
| Service car/van | $150 |
| Basic memorial printed package | $183 |
| Cremation fee (if firm uses a third-party crematory) | $368 |
| Cremation Casket | $1,310 |
| Urn | $295 |
| Median Cost of a Funeral with Viewing and Cremation | $6,970 |
| Rental Casket | $995 |
| Alternate Cremation Container | $150 |
How Should I Pay My Premiums?
The best way to pay your premium is through a savings or checking account. We recommend you set a bank draft from your savings or checking account. That way, the bank will automatically pay your premium each month, and you don’t need to worry about your policy lapsing due to non-payment.
Substance Abuse And Burial Insurance Riders
Insurance policy riders add benefits to your policy. Adding insurance riders will enhance your policy to fit your needs. Some riders are built into your policy, while others can be added at an additional cost. Most riders are affordable, and it involves little to no underwriting.
Here’s a list of common burial insurance riders:
| FUNERAL FUNDS ADD-ONS | AVAILABILITY |
|---|---|
| Terminal Illness Add-On Benefit | Included with most plans |
| Nursing Home Care Add-On Benefit | Included with most plans |
Information We Need If You Have A History Of Substance Abuse
When applying for burial insurance with a substance abuse history, we will ask you a few questions about your drug use. We want to know more information if you’ve tried illegal drugs before.
To find the best plan and pricing, we will ask you a few questions:
- When did you start using drugs?
- How long have you been using illegal drugs?
- What type of drugs have you used?
- Have you ever been hospitalized due to illegal drugs?
- How long have you been living a drug-free life?
- Have you sought treatment or professional help to ensure sobriety?
- Have you gone to rehab, how long have you been there?
- Did you have a relapse? If so, how many times?
- Do you have any medical issues caused by drugs (heart disease, stroke or HIV)?
It is essential to answer these questions honestly. Your answers will help us determine which life insurance company will best fit your needs and offer you the lowest price.
How To Be Approved If You Have A History Of Substance Abuse
First and foremost, be honest about your substance abuse history on your application. If you’ve been rejected for coverage in the past, say so.
If you had been denied several years ago, but you’ve been clean and sober since then, you may be able to qualify for a level death benefit with first-day coverage.
Most burial insurance providers require applicants to maintain sobriety for a minimum of two years. If you’ve been sober for two years or longer, do not hesitate to apply for a new life insurance policy because you now have a better chance of getting approved.
Don’t ever think that you will not be eligible for burial insurance with substance abuse!
Even if your substance abuse is more recent, say within this year, you can apply for an insurance policy but may need to pay a higher premium and have a waiting period.
If you’re currently using drugs, you’ll definitely need to work with an independent agency like Funeral Funds that can shop your case to multiple life insurance companies to get the best deal.
Benefits Of Burial & Funeral Insurance
Here are some of the benefits of purchasing a burial or funeral policy:
- No medical exam or doctor’s visit is required – easy to get approved.
- Ease of issue – easy to qualify and get insurance coverage.
- No Money Down to get approved – have your policy start whenever you want.
- Level premium – your premium will never increase.
- Fixed death benefit – your death benefit will never decrease for any reason.
- Permanent protection – your policy can not be canceled by the life insurance company if you continue to pay your premiums.
- Tax-free – the death benefit is directly paid to your beneficiary tax-free upon your death
- Cash value builds up – burial insurance is a whole life policy that builds cash value over time.
Other Common Uses For Final Expense Life Insurance With Substance Abuse
All of these examples are appropriate uses for Final Expense Life Insurance:
- Burial insurance plan with substance abuse
- Cremation insurance plan with substance abuse
- Funeral home insurance plan with substance abuse
- Final Expense insurance plan with substance abuse
- Prepaid funeral plan insurance with substance abuse
- Mortgage payment protection plan with substance abuse
- Mortgage payoff life insurance plan with substance abuse
- Deceased spouse’s income replacement plan with substance abuse
- Legacy insurance gift plan to family or loved ones with substance abuse
- Medical or doctor bill life insurance plan with substance abuse
We can help you with any of the plans above. Your pricing will depend on your age, health, and coverage amount for each program option.
How Can Funeral Funds Help Me?
Finding a policy if you have a history of substance abuse needn’t be frustrating; working with an independent agency like Funeral Funds will make the process easier and quicker.
We will work with you every step to find the plan that fits your financial requirements and budget. You don’t have to waste your precious time searching for multiple insurance companies because we will do the work for you.
We work with many A+ rated insurance carriers that specialize in covering high-risk clients like you. We will search all those companies and match you up with the best burial insurance company that gives the best rate.
We will assist you in securing the coverage you need at a rate you can afford. So, if you are looking for substance abuse funeral insurance, burial insurance with substance abuse, or life insurance.
Fill out our quote form on this page or call us at (888) 862-9456, and we can give you an accurate quote.
Additional Questions & Answers On Burial Insurance With Substance Abuse
What is considered substance abuse in insurance?
Substance abuse is any use of alcohol or drugs that leads to impairment or distress. Substance abuse can include illegal drugs, prescription drugs, and alcohol.
What are the types of substance abuse disorders in insurance?
There are different types of substance abuse disorders in insurance:
- Opioid Use Disorder.
- Marijuana Use Disorder.
- Nicotine Use Disorder.
- Stimulant Use Disorder.
- Sedative Use Disorder.
- Hallucinogen Use Disorder.
- Alcohol Use Disorder
Do I qualify for life insurance if I have a history of substance abuse?
Yes, you may still qualify for life insurance if you have a history of substance abuse. You may even qualify for a first-day coverage plan if you maintain sobriety for two years or longer.
Do I qualify for life insurance if I’m undergoing substance abuse treatment?
Yes, you may still qualify for life insurance if you’re undergoing substance abuse treatment. However, recent hospitalization or rehabilitation will only qualify you for guaranteed issue life insurance.
Do I qualify for burial insurance if I have a history of substance abuse?
Yes, you may still qualify for burial insurance if you have a history of substance abuse. You may even qualify for a first-day coverage plan if you remain sober for two years or longer.
Do I need to tell insurance about my substance abuse?
Yes, you will need to tell your insurance company about your substance abuse history when you apply for life insurance. This information will be used to determine your premium and coverage amount.
What happens if I don’t tell insurance about my substance abuse?
If you don’t tell your insurance company about your substance abuse history, you may be denied coverage or pay higher premiums. You may also risk having your policy canceled if the insurance company finds out about your substance abuse history.
Do I need to take a medical exam if I have a history of substance abuse?
No, you will not need to take a medical exam if you have a history of substance abuse.
What are the benefits of burial insurance if I use drugs?
The benefit of burial insurance is it can help your loved ones cover the costs of your funeral and other final expenses. It can also give you peace of mind knowing that your family will be taken care of financially if you pass away.
Is there an age limit for burial insurance with drug abuse?
Most life insurance companies accept applicants up to 85 years old.
Do I qualify for final expense insurance if I have a history of substance abuse?
Yes, you may still qualify for final expense insurance if you have a history of substance abuse. You may qualify for the best plan if you remain sober for two years or longer.
Can you get first-day coverage insurance if I’m currently undergoing substance abuse treatment?
No, you will not be able to get first-day coverage insurance if you are currently undergoing substance abuse treatment. However, you may still qualify for guaranteed issue life insurance.
What is the waiting period for burial insurance if I have a history of substance abuse?
Most life insurance companies have a two-year waiting period if you have a history of substance abuse. This means you will need to be sober for two years before you can qualify for a first-day coverage plan.
What is my best insurance option if I have a substance abuse history?
If you have a substance abuse history, your best insurance option will depend on your sober time.
What is my best insurance option if I use hard drugs?
You will qualify for a first-day coverage plan if you have remained sober for two years or longer.
Does current substance abuse affect life insurance?
Yes, current substance abuse will affect your life insurance coverage eligibility.
Does substance abuse treatment affect life insurance?
Yes, substance abuse treatment will affect your life insurance coverage eligibility. Recent hospitalization and rehabilitation will only qualify you for guaranteed issue life insurance.
How long do I need to be sober to qualify for a first-day coverage plan?
You will need to be sober for two years or longer to qualify for a first-day coverage plan.
What are the things that may affect my eligibility I use drugs?
The things that may affect your eligibility if you use drugs are as follows:
- Your age
- The amount of time you have been sober
- Your health status
Do I qualify for funeral insurance if I have a history of substance abuse?
Yes, you may still qualify for funeral insurance if you have a history of substance abuse. You may qualify for the best plan if you remain sober for two years or longer.
Do I need to tell the insurance company about my substance abuse treatment?
Yes, you will need to tell the insurance company about your substance abuse treatment. Failure to do so may result in your policy being canceled, or you may be denied coverage.
What is the waiting period for life insurance if I’m currently using an illegal substance?
Most life insurance companies will require you to be sober for two years or longer before they offer you a first-day coverage insurance policy.
Can you be denied insurance if you’re abusing drugs?
Yes, most life insurance companies will not offer coverage to applicants who are currently hospitalized or in a rehabilitation center for drug abuse.
Do I qualify for cremation insurance if I have a history of substance abuse?
Yes, you may still qualify for cremation insurance if you have a history of substance abuse. You may even qualify for the first-day coverage plan if you have been sober for two years or longer.
Can substance abuse affect my life insurance rates?
Yes, substance abuse can affect your life insurance rates. The higher the risk, the higher the premium you will pay.
What is the average cost of life insurance for someone with a substance abuse history?
The average cost of life insurance for someone with substance abuse will depend on your age, gender, location, and health.
Can I get life insurance if I’m in recovery?
Yes, you may still qualify for life insurance even if you’re in recovery. The key is to have remained sober for at least two years.
What are the premiums for burial insurance with substance abuse?
The premiums for burial insurance with substance abuse will depend on the life insurance company you choose.
What is the waiting period for life insurance if I’m currently on substance abuse treatment?
Most life insurance companies will not offer coverage to applicants who are currently hospitalized or in a rehabilitation center for drug abuse. You will need to be sober for at least two years to qualify for a first-day coverage insurance policy.
What is the best life insurance company for someone with substance abuse?
The best life insurance company for someone with substance abuse will depend on your needs and budget.
What are the tips for getting life insurance after substance abuse?
The following are tips for getting life insurance after substance abuse:
- Be honest about your past drug use.
- Make sure you’re sober for at least two years.
- Choose a life insurance company that understands your situation.
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