Life insurance with alcohol dependency
Alcohol dependency is different from heavy social drinking, and insurers treat it differently. If you have a formal diagnosis of alcohol dependency or addiction, or a history of treatment for alcohol misuse, the underwriting process is more involved than for most conditions. But it is not impossible, and for those in sustained recovery, options genuinely improve over time.
The short answer
Active alcohol dependency is declined by most insurers. Two or more years of sustained abstinence with normal liver function tests (GGT, ALT) opens the door to specialist insurers, though with significant loadings. Five or more years of abstinence with normal health markers significantly improves terms. The key factors are time since last drink, treatment history, relapse history, liver function, and current drinking status.
What insurers ask about alcohol dependency
Insurers take alcohol dependency seriously because of the well- documented impact on mortality. The questions are thorough, and honesty is essential throughout.
Do you have a formal diagnosis of alcohol dependency?
A formal diagnosis from a GP, psychiatrist, or addiction specialist is treated differently from self-identified heavy drinking. A diagnosis on your medical records is what insurers will see if they request a GP report. If you have sought help through NHS addiction services, rehab, or counselling specifically for alcohol, this constitutes a history of alcohol dependency for insurance purposes.
What treatment have you had?
Residential rehabilitation, outpatient programmes, AA or similar support groups, counselling, and medication (disulfiram, acamprosate, naltrexone) are all noted. The type and intensity of treatment helps insurers gauge the severity. Completing a treatment programme is viewed positively.
When was your last alcoholic drink?
This is the single most important factor. Most insurers want a minimum of 2 years complete abstinence before they will consider an application. Some require 3-5 years. The longer the period of sobriety, the better the terms. Each additional year of abstinence genuinely improves your position.
Have you had any relapses?
Relapse history is significant. A single relapse followed by a sustained return to sobriety is viewed differently from multiple relapses. The time since the most recent relapse is what matters most. If you have had a relapse, the clock on the abstinence period effectively resets.
What are your current liver function tests (GGT, ALT)?
Normal liver function tests (particularly GGT and ALT) are essential for obtaining cover. Elevated liver enzymes suggest ongoing liver damage and will significantly limit options. If your LFTs have returned to normal, this is a strong positive signal to insurers.
What is your current drinking status?
Complete abstinence is the best position for insurance. Controlled or moderate drinking after a history of dependency is viewed cautiously by most insurers. Some specialist insurers will consider it, but abstinence consistently produces the best terms.
How recovery time affects your options
The timeline of recovery is the strongest predictor of what terms you can get. Here is a realistic picture of how the insurance market responds at different stages.
Active dependency or under 2 years abstinence
Most insurers decline
If you are currently drinking or have been abstinent for less than 2 years, most insurers will decline a standard application. This is not a judgement - it reflects the statistical risk in the early stages of recovery. Guaranteed acceptance products are available but offer lower cover amounts with a moratorium period.
2-5 years abstinence
Specialist insurers may offer terms
With 2-5 years of sustained abstinence and normal liver function tests, some specialist insurers will consider your application. Loadings are typically significant (150-300%+), and the terms depend on your full history including treatment type, relapse history, and current health. A specialist broker is essential at this stage.
5-10 years abstinence
Improving terms
Five or more years of sustained abstinence with normal health markers significantly broadens your options. More insurers will consider your application, and loadings typically reduce to 75-150%. Normal liver function and no relapse during this period are key. Some mainstream insurers may offer terms at this stage.
10+ years abstinence
Near-standard terms possible
A decade or more of sustained sobriety with normal health, normal liver function, and no relapses puts you in a strong position. Some insurers may offer near-standard rates, and a wider range of mainstream insurers will consider your application. The loading at this stage might be 25-75%.
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Get QuoteThe honest answer
Alcohol dependency is one of the harder conditions to insure, particularly in the early years of recovery. This is not something we can sugarcoat. Active dependency is declined by almost all insurers, and even with 2-3 years of abstinence, the options are limited and the premiums are high. But the picture genuinely does improve with time. Every additional year of sustained sobriety makes a real difference. If you are 5+ years into recovery with normal liver function, you have real options. If you are earlier in your journey, guaranteed acceptance products provide a safety net, and our partner brokers can help you plan for when to apply for standard cover.
Why liver function matters so much
Liver function tests are central to alcohol dependency underwriting. The two key markers insurers focus on are GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase) and ALT (alanine aminotransferase).
Normal GGT and ALT: This is essential for obtaining standard cover. Normal levels indicate that your liver has recovered from alcohol-related damage and is functioning well. Most insurers will request these results as part of the application process.
Elevated GGT or ALT: Elevated liver enzymes significantly limit your options, even if you have been abstinent for several years. Elevated levels suggest ongoing liver damage and will result in higher loadings or decline. If your levels are elevated, working with your GP to address the cause before applying can improve your position.
If you have been diagnosed with alcohol-related liver disease, please see our liver disease guide for specific information on how this is underwritten.
What counts as alcohol dependency for insurance
There is an important distinction between heavy drinking and alcohol dependency. For insurance purposes, alcohol dependency typically means one or more of the following appears in your medical records:
- A formal diagnosis of alcohol dependency or alcohol use disorder
- Referral to or attendance at addiction services
- Residential rehabilitation for alcohol
- Prescription of medication specifically for alcohol dependency (disulfiram, acamprosate, naltrexone)
- A history of alcohol withdrawal symptoms requiring medical treatment
- Attendance at AA or similar structured support programmes noted in medical records
If you have been advised by your GP to reduce your drinking but do not have a formal dependency diagnosis, the underwriting is likely to be less severe. However, you must still declare any alcohol- related advice or concerns noted in your medical records.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I have to declare past alcohol dependency if I have fully recovered?
Yes, absolutely. Most application forms ask about your entire medical history, and alcohol dependency will appear in your GP records. Non-disclosure is the biggest risk you can take. If a claim is made and the insurer discovers undeclared alcohol dependency through your medical records, they may refuse to pay out entirely. Full honesty, supported by evidence of your recovery, is always the right approach.
Can I get life insurance for a mortgage while in recovery?
It depends on how far into your recovery you are. With 2+ years of abstinence and normal liver function, some specialist insurers will offer mortgage protection. If you are earlier in your recovery, guaranteed acceptance products can provide a basic level of cover while you build your sobriety timeline. Group life insurance through your employer (if available) is another option that does not require individual medical underwriting.
I attend AA but have never had a formal diagnosis. How is this viewed?
If AA attendance is noted in your medical records, it will be treated similarly to a formal diagnosis. If it is not in your medical records, you should still declare it if the application asks about alcohol treatment or support. Insurers assess the overall picture. Regular AA attendance with sustained sobriety is viewed as positive active management.
I now drink moderately after a period of dependency. Can I get cover?
This is possible but more complex. Most insurers prefer complete abstinence when there is a history of dependency. Controlled or moderate drinking after dependency is viewed cautiously because of the relapse risk. Some specialist insurers will consider it, but the terms are typically less favourable than for complete abstinence. A specialist broker can identify which insurers are most receptive.
What is guaranteed acceptance life insurance?
Guaranteed acceptance life insurance requires no medical questions. It is available to anyone regardless of health history. Cover amounts are typically lower (up to around 25,000), premiums are higher per pound of cover, and there is usually a moratorium period of 1-2 years during which the full benefit is not payable. It provides a safety net while you build the recovery timeline needed for better standard terms.
Talk to us confidentially about your options
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