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Life Insurance for Drug Users

The Insurance Surgery offers specialist, non-judgemental advice to those seeking life insurance for ex-drug users and helps to guide you through the entire process. Get in touch with our dedicated advisers today.

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What Is Life Insurance for Ex-Drug Users?

Whether you’re an active user or have dealt with drug addiction in the past, The Insurance Surgery can support you in finding suitable life insurance to protect the finances of your loved ones. This coverage offers security by providing a lump sum payout to your beneficiaries if anything were to happen to you. Many people consider taking out life insurance for reasons like:

  • Covering funeral costs
  • Replacing lost income
  • Paying off debts
  • Paying off mortgage
  • Leaving behind a lump sum for loved ones

How Does Life Insurance For Ex-Drug Users Work?

STEP 1
Complete form
STEP 2
Speak to us about your needs
STEP 3
We’ll search the market
STEP 4
We recommend the best product to suit your needs
STEP 5
Tell us when you want it to start!

Obtaining life insurance with a drug history can be difficult, but it is not impossible. When you get in touch with The Insurance Surgery, one of our experts will need to get to understand your insurance requirements and your history with drug use a little better – but please rest assured that this is a non-judgmental, safe space. Your dedicated adviser will have plenty of experience in finding life insurance for ex-drug users and will make you feel as comfortable as possible.

It’s important to be as honest as possible with your broker so that they can find cover that is guaranteed to suit your circumstances. They may ask questions about:

  • Your current drug use
  • The time since your last drug use
  • The type/classification of drugs used
  • Any psychiatric or medical treatment you have received
  • Any mental health issues you live with
  • Your medical history

With this in mind, your adviser can get to work on finding a policy that truly suits you. They’ll also consider your personal insurance requirements, such as how long you require cover and what types of insurance you need.

Critical Illness Cover

It is possible to get critical illness cover for ex-drug addicts as long as you’re not currently taking drugs.

As cannabis use is considered to be a lower-risk form of drug use, it is unlikely this will impact your chances of getting critical illness cover - you may just get similar rates as tobacco users.

Income Protection Insurance

Income protection insurance is more than likely to be unavailable to active drug users - especially if you use cocaine, heroin or steroids. Cannabis, however, may be considered by some specialist insurance providers based on a strict underwriting assessment.

Underwriters will need to know your history of drug use in order to accurately assess your level of risk.

You should consider life insurance if you have…

Dependants, like school-age children.

A partner who relies on your income.

A family living in a mortgaged or rented home.

In the event of your passing, a life insurance policy can provide financial support for your loved ones. You could also consider funeral cover, which pays for funeral expenses – easing the burden on your family during a difficult time.

However, you should check if you’re already covered through your employer’s benefits package, which often includes ‘death in service benefits’ linked to your salary. If so, you might not require an additional policy, BUT keep in mind that leaving your job or being made redundant could leave you without any cover!

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  • 15 Minute Read Time

Do You Need Life Insurance?

If you’re the primary breadwinner or share financial responsibilities, a life insurance policy can help your family maintain their standard of living in the unfortunate event that you’re no longer around to support them.

Read More

Life Cover Terminology

Understanding life insurance terminology is essential for policyholders to make informed decisions about their cover, we have broken down the meaning for some of the most used terms.
Read More

Why Choose The Insurance Surgery?

Rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot.

We take pride in the experience that we offer, guaranteeing excellent service at all times.

25 years Experience.

With 25 years of specialist life and protection experience, we can find the perfect policy for you.

Access to a range of insurers.

With a broad selection of partners, we are well-equipped to find the best insurance deals for you.

Award-winning broker.

Known for making insurance simple, The Insurance Surgery is a trusted, award-winning broker.

How Much Does Life Insurance for Drug Users Cost?

The cost of life insurance for drug users can differ from person to person. Underwriters will consider a range of factors, including your insurance requirements, history of drug abuse and your medical history.

Your history of drug use may impact your premiums, especially if you’ve used drugs in the past five years. You may also see an increase in your premiums if there have been long-lasting medical conditions as a result of drug use.

If you’re unsure of how much your monthly premiums may cost, an adviser at The Insurance Surgery will be happy to support you with some free advice. 

Your age

Your lifestyle

Your family’s medical history

Smoker Status

The length of your policy

Your occupation

Medical conditions

For a clearer idea of the average cost of life insurance, visit our Guide.

Life Insurance For Ex-Drug Users Case Study 1

Tom is 31. He used drugs 3 years ago due to a family death. Tom is now looking for life insurance and critical illness cover to protect his finances as his partner has a baby on the way.

Total Cover
Amount:

£300,000

Monthly Premium
Cost:

£50

Duration of
Policy:

75 years

pregnant couple posing
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Life Insurance For Ex-Drug Users Case Study 2

Andrea is 37 and used drugs recreationally in 2019. She was looking for decreasing life insurance to cover the mortgage for her partner and three children.

Total Cover
Amount:

£525,000

Monthly Premium
Cost:

£36.41

Duration of
Policy:

30 years

family sat in a field of flower smiling
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How much cover do you need?

You can use our Cover Calculator below to determine how much cover you need. Additionally, you will need to take into consideration the following:

Any outstanding debts

Mortgage/rent

Number of dependants

Take-home pay or income from other sources

Speak to our team of experts for FREE
specialist advice today.

Monday to Thursday:

9:00am – 8:00pm

Friday:

9:00am – 3:00pm
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Call us on 0800 083 2829

Facts About Life Insurance.

Life insurance can serve multiple purposes, including income replacement, wealth transfer, estate planning, and business succession. But how does life insurance shape up with the UK population?

7.5 million families

in the UK have no life insurance or critical illness cover.

£40,000

The average life insurance policy in the UK covers only about £40,000.

28%

of UK adults believe life insurance is too expensive.

30%

of people get life insurance due to becoming a parents

Forbes Advisor, 2025

What Are the Different Types of Life Insurance Policies?

A term life insurance policy...

Term life insurance policy covers a specified duration, such as 10, 20, or 30 years. Should the insured individual pass away during this period, the policy pays a lump sum to their designated beneficiaries.
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Whole-of-Life Insurance.

Whole-of-life insurance covers a person’s entire lifespan, provided premiums are consistently paid. It delivers a lump sum to beneficiaries upon the insured’s death.
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Increasing Life Insurance.

Also known as ‘Index-linked’, increasing life insurance is a policy in which the payout is tied to a financial index, such as the Consumer Price Index, and will differ based on inflation.
Find Out More

Decreasing Insurance.

Decreasing life insurance means that the total cover amount goes down over time. It’s designed for things like paying off a mortgage, where you owe less money as time goes on.
Find Out More

Joint Life Insurance.

Joint life insurance covers two individuals under one policy, typically a couple. It pays a lump sum when the first insured individual dies, closing the policy. It is available as both term and whole-of-life.
Find Out More

Over 50s Life Insurance.

Over 50s life insurance guarantees acceptance without a medical report. With lower cover amounts and fixed premiums, it is used to cover funeral costs or leave a modest inheritance.
Find Out More

How different policies payout over time.

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Benefit from Our Life Insurance Policies Today.

Relax, knowing that your family can receive the financial support that they need after you pass, and trust The Insurance Surgery to guide you through the life insurance process. With 25 years behind us, we are a trusted broker known for our expertise, prioritising transparency, and providing excellent customer service. So, rely on us to ensure you receive the cover you need at a fair and affordable price.

For a life insurance quote, contact us today on 0800 083 2829 to schedule a free consultation and take the first step towards protecting yourself and your loved ones financially.

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  • 15 Minute Read Time

Understanding Inheritance Tax (IHT) and Life Insurance

Understanding how IHT works and the ways to mitigate its impact can help you plan and ensure that your loved ones don’t face unexpected tax bills.  

Read More
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Price Promise.

Obtain a cheaper quote elsewhere, we’ll beat<br>the price and also give you a £50 gift card!*

We are committed to offering unbeatable prices. Our
Price Promise ensures that we will find you the right
cover for your circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a drug addict get life insurance?

In many cases, life insurance will not be made available to drug addicts. If you’ve been in recovery for several years, however, you’re far more likely to have your application accepted. Owing to the impact that recreational drugs can have on your mental and physical health, most insurance underwriters view life insurance for drug addicts as extremely high risk, meaning that many will only accept applications if you have been clean for at least two years.

If you’ve been denied cover in the past, The Insurance Surgery may still be able to help you secure a suitable policy.

Most insurers will void claims related to drug abuse or overdoses, but there may be occasions wherein exceptions are made. If you’re unsure of the terms of your life insurance policy, The Insurance Surgery can take a look and let you know.

Certain insurance providers may require drug tests, especially if you have disclosed your history of drug use. If your life insurance application requires a medical examination, a drug test may be involved.

Insurance underwriters will want to see a period without drug use to give them some reassurance that you are not still dependent on illegal substances. The use of drugs in itself is not the main issue when applying for life insurance; the more important factor is the prolonged impact that drugs can have on your health. If your health has been affected, you will probably have higher premiums than the standard rate.

Life insurance is unique – just like you.

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For More Information, Check Out Our Latest Blogs

Stay informed with the latest updates in the insurance industry for 2025 here.

We aim to provide clear advice, breaking down the jargon, so you understand the importance of protection insurance.
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Speak to our team of experts for FREE
specialist advice today.

Monday to Thursday:

9:00am – 8:00pm

Friday:

9:00am – 3:00pm
Get a Quote
Call us on 0800 083 2829

Speak to our team of experts for FREE
specialist advice today.

Monday to Thursday:

9:00am – 8:00pm

Friday:

9:00am – 3:00pm
Get a Quote
Call us on 0800 083 2829
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Copyright © 2025 The Insurance Surgery Ltd. The Insurance Surgery is authorised and regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority. We are entered on the Financial Services Register No 401425 at https://www.fca.org.uk Registered in England and Wales. No 5137288. Registered and trading from 2nd Floor, Pickford Street Mill, Pickford Street, Macclesfield, SK11 6JD The guidance and/or advice contained within the website is subject to the UK regulatory regime and is therefore primarily targeted at customers in the UK.

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