Agent Owner, Gilmore Insurance Services, Marysville, Washington State
Yes, usually testing during the life insurance underwriting process will include testing for "pot".
While it may not mean a decline of the offer of insurance, it will change the price offered in many cases. Many "pot" smokers do not smoke cigarettes, some insurance carriers consider "pot" smokers to still be smokers and adjust the premium upward.
As we move into a time where many states are legalizing "pot" expect some changes in how "pot" is considered, but it may take a long time before this happens.
Usually, most policies require a quick medical exam, which includes a urine sample. And they will test for pot. The good news is that most companies will not decline you coverage. They will just consider you a "Smoker" and give you smoker rates.
But, currently, I know of 3 companies that offer "Non-Smoker" rates to pot smokers.
Aviva is the most relaxed about it. And will allow up to a "Preferred" non-smoker rating for using 2 times per week or less.
Lincoln National is next and will give Standard Non-Smoker ratings to people who smoke 2 times per week or less.
MetLife allows for 1 time per week and will offer a Standard nonsmoker rating.
Prudential allows for 2 times per month, and offers a Standard nonsmoker rating.
Long story short if you smoke Pot, Aviva or Lincoln National will be your best bets. And this list is as of 3/2013, it could easily change.
Life insurance companies do test for THC, the chemical in the blood that is deposited after smoking or ingesting pot. If they find THC in the blood, they will ask you to fill out a drug questionnaire, and from there decide how to rate you. With some companies, infrequent marijuana use does not affect your rates much at all.
If you are taking a policy that does not require an exam (called nonmed or no exam policies) they will not test for pot. They do usually ask about drug use on the application.
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While it may not mean a decline of the offer of insurance, it will change the price offered in many cases. Many "pot" smokers do not smoke cigarettes, some insurance carriers consider "pot" smokers to still be smokers and adjust the premium upward.
As we move into a time where many states are legalizing "pot" expect some changes in how "pot" is considered, but it may take a long time before this happens.
But, currently, I know of 3 companies that offer "Non-Smoker" rates to pot smokers.
Aviva is the most relaxed about it. And will allow up to a "Preferred" non-smoker rating for using 2 times per week or less.
Lincoln National is next and will give Standard Non-Smoker ratings to people who smoke 2 times per week or less.
MetLife allows for 1 time per week and will offer a Standard nonsmoker rating.
Prudential allows for 2 times per month, and offers a Standard nonsmoker rating.
Long story short if you smoke Pot, Aviva or Lincoln National will be your best bets. And this list is as of 3/2013, it could easily change.
If you are taking a policy that does not require an exam (called nonmed or no exam policies) they will not test for pot. They do usually ask about drug use on the application.