Does insurance cover alcohol poisoning?

Some health insurance plans don’t cover alcohol related illnesses. Read on for more information about covering the costs of alcohol poisoning here.

3
minute read

Alcohol poisoning occurs when the levels of alcohol in a person’s blood are so high that they become toxic. In some cases, alcohol poisoning can result in coma or death, so timely treatment is crucial.  But are cases of alcohol poisoning covered by insurance?  We review here and invite your questions about insurance coverage at the end.

Insurance coverage for alcohol poisoning

The extent of insurance coverage for alcohol poisoning varies, depending on the policies of the different insurance companies. Many insurance companies will cover alcohol abuse treatment, rehab or alcohol-related accidents and illnesses, such as alcohol poisoning. On the other hand, some may not cover alcohol poisoning at all, since it is considered to be a self-afflicted condition.

More information about a particular company’s insurance coverage for alcohol poisoning can usually be found in the benefits guide that is usually sent when a person buys an insurance policy. Contacting the insurance company directly, can also help you determine whether your health insurance covers alcohol poisoning.

Does insurance cover alcohol poisoning?

Even if your health insurance covers alcohol poisoning, there’s still a good chance that you will have out-of-pocket costs if you need treatment. For example, your policy may require you to pay a co-pay or deductible before they’ll begin their coverage. According to Kaiser Family Foundation and Health Research & Educational Trust, the average co-pay for an emergency room visit was $263 in 2012.

Individuals who have no health insurance or whose policies don’t cover alcohol poisoning are still able to get treatment. By law, hospital emergency rooms and critical care units cannot turn away patients who don’t have insurance if they are seriously ill or injured. However, they may need to see if they qualify for medical assistance or work out payments with the hospital.

Alcohol poisoning no insurance

If you or anyone you know is suffering from alcohol poisoning, don’t hesitate to get treatment if you have no insurance, since it can be fatal. If you are unable to pay for treatment, you still have a few options.

First, you may qualify for government funded medical assistance, such as Medicaid. This assistance program is based on your income, expenses, and household size. The hospital’s billing department will also usually be happy to work with you on creating payment arrangements. They may also be able to help you apply for grants through charitable organizations that will help you pay for your treatment.

Medical insurance for alcohol poisoning questions

Alcohol poisoning is nothing to play around with. If you suspect that you or a loved one is suffering from alcohol poisoning and have no insurance, seek emergency medical treatment immediately. If you have any additional questions about medical insurance for alcohol poisoning, feel free to leave them in the comments section below.

References Sources: Medline Plus: Alcohol

College Drinking-Changing the Culture: Facts About Alcohol Poisonong

NBC NEWS: ER visits after drinking may not be covered

APIS: Health Care Services and Financing: Health Insurance: Losses Due to Intoxication (“UPPL”)

MEPS: Co-pays, Deductibles, and Coinsurance Percentages for Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance in the Private Sector, by Firm Size Classification, 2006

Insure.com: Is your health plan at work any good?

Compdata Surveys: Medical Insurance Co-Pays in 2010

About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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