Health Conditions and Coverage

Q:I am interested in getting life insurance but am a recovering alcoholic. Though I have been clean and sober for six years now, will I be able to get insurance coverage given this pre-existing condition and, if so, how do I know if it is worth it?

Life Insurance is always subject to a rigorous underwriting process which includes:

¨ Completion of a health-related questionnaire as part of the application;

¨ A medical exam, by a licensed healthcare professional contracted by the Insurance Company, which will include blood and urine and, depending on your age and the amount of life insurance, may include some additional tests (ie: EKG, Chest X-Ray); and

¨ A review of your medical records from your attending physician.

An underwriter will then review the above information and determine what risk you represent to the company financially, and how much to charge you for coverage. Assuming that you had no prior relapses i.e. were only treated that 1 time 6 yrs ago and have no other underlying medical conditions, you would be eligible. As to the actual cost, again it would be dependent on the underwriter’s review of your medical information.