Can you be denied life insurance based on your prescription history?

Illnesses and injuries are a part of everyday life, which means that prescription medications are, too. Chances are you’ve taken prescriptions in the past for common ailments like ear infections, strep throat, or even a fall in the backyard that turned into an emergency department visit for stitches. In some cases, you may also take prescriptions to manage ongoing health conditions, like asthma or blood pressure.

Since life insurance companies look at your health history when you apply, you might be wondering: Can these prescriptions affect your price for coverage?

For insurers, your health is an important factor in determining whether you’re eligible for a life insurance policy and the price you’ll pay. That includes taking a look at your prescription history to uncover any clues about your health and overall life expectancy. Life insurance companies usually aren’t concerned with the occasional round of antibiotics for common illnesses or injuries. However, they do look at your current and past medications, especially those you take on a consistent basis.

While your prescription history matters, it’s not the whole story. Insurers use your medication history as just one part of a much bigger picture to determine what plans you may be eligible for and the rate you’ll pay. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Do life insurance companies check pharmacy records?

Yes, life insurance companies check your pharmacy records and prescription history during the application process if you’re applying for a medically underwritten insurance policy.

Life insurance companies typically check prescription records by:

• Asking about any prescriptions during the initial application, including which medications, which conditions they’re treating, how long you took them, and whether you’re still using them
• Asking follow-up questions during the medical exam, if one is required
• Searching prescription record databases to verify the information you provided

Some people wonder, “Why do life insurance companies want to know your medical history?” That’s because checking your pharmacy records and your medical history helps provide insurers with a clearer picture of your overall health, so the insurance company can provide more accurate rates for you. If your insurance company can confirm you’re healthy, you can typically get more competitive prices.

Can your prescription history affect life insurance approval?

Yes, your prescription history does play a role in whether you’re approved for life insurance. There are certain medications that could lead to an automatic decline, and it always depends on the reason that the medication was prescribed or the impairment that the medication is treating. Life insurance companies look at each person’s history individually to give them a fair and accurate coverage decision.

Medications are just one component of a complete picture. You might be taking a particular medication for a very different reason than another life insurance applicant, for example. That’s why life insurance companies will often ask follow-up questions to better understand the reasons these medications were prescribed to you.

What medications affect insurance rates?

So, what medications affect life insurance rates? The course of antibiotics you took five years ago for strep throat isn’t important to your insurance company, but prescriptions for ongoing or serious illnesses are. These medications can help the insurance company understand any high-risk health situations that could potentially shorten your lifespan. These may include medications for:

• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Asthma or lung disease
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Mental health disorders

If you use medical marijuana, be sure to list that on your application for life insurance, too. Insurers have become more lenient in recent years about offering life insurance to people who use marijuana, but your insurance company will likely have some follow-up questions.

Can insurers deny coverage based on your prescription history?

What happens when life insurers find out about your prescriptions? If you’ve been honest on your application, chances are good they already know what to expect from your prescription history. Talk to your insurer about your history to help them understand why you’ve been treated for certain conditions.

For example, you may have been prescribed heart medication after a virus leads to some inflammation. Perhaps you’re no longer on that medication because your condition improved. If you tell your insurer about those health improvements, that information could help you get more competitive rates.

What if I don’t tell my insurance company about a prescription?

Honesty is always the best policy when it comes to life insurance applications. Insurers look at third-party resources to verify prescription information. They can look at up to 10 years of prescription records. If something comes out later that wasn’t disclosed, it could lead to having your application turned down or – worse – having your family’s claim denied when they’re counting on that financial support.

Be honest with your agent, and they’ll be able to help you find the right type of policy for your situation.

Still have questions about your prescription history and life insurance?

We’re here to help you understand what to expect. Give our team a call at (866) 912-7775 or start your online quote now.

At Fidelity Life, our goal is to make life insurance simple, affordable, and understandable for everyday families. This content is intended for educational purposes only. Each post is carefully fact-checked, reviewed, and updated regularly to ensure the information is as relevant as possible.