When determining whether your health insurance quote covers substance abuse treatments, it is important to note the common legal definitions used in the health insurance industry. Drug abuse is usually defined as an abuse or dependency on a drug - legal or illegal - that causes psychological, physical, mental, or social harm.

Commonly abused drugs include anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medicines, opiates, stimulants, and hallucinogens. Drug abuse is a common concern in today's society, and drug misuse and abuse can be cause for a health insurance company to deny a patient's application for insurance.

There are several reasons why it can be difficult to get health insurance quotes that offer coverage for substance abuse treatments. To begin with, many insurers see substance abusers as a liability. They can be a financial hardship, and the medical complications that can be associated with drug abuse are numerous. Some of the conditions that result from substance abuse include heart attack, hemorrhaging, tetanus, hepatitis, and even AIDS. Drug abusers are also more likely to suffer from mental health problems, psychosis, and an increased risk of suicide.

Even though plans that cover drug abuse treatment options are difficult to find, they do exist. A few major health insurance carriers will allow benefits for addiction recovery through specialty coverage at an additional premium. If you are not sure whether your policy pays benefits for addiction recovery treatments, you should speak directly with your licensed insurance agent or representative.

When you look for substance abuse coverage, you should check for the following items to be addressed in the policy's contract: Will detoxification and recovery be covered on an inpatient or outpatient basis?

Many times doctors prescribe a recovery regimen of prescriptions to aid as the patient goes through recovery. Find out which drugs are covered by the policy and how much in benefits will be paid for prescription drugs. Also check to see whether there are limits on the amount or duration that the drug will be covered by the policy. Common drugs used to treat addiction patients include Campral, Antabuse, Topamax, Methadone, Buprenorphine, and others. Some of the drugs are very costly and will not be accessible to a patient without the aid of insurance benefits.

In addition to medicines, other therapies are often included in the recovery process. Find out whether or not treatments such as relaxation therapy, hypnosis, psychotherapy, and nutritional supplements will be covered at any level on your health insurance plan.

Remember that drug rehabilitation is needed even after the symptoms of withdrawal subside. Rehabilitation programs and group support options may be needed for many years following the initial treatment. Check with your agent any time you have a question about your policy's coverage.