Taking Restoril indicates you are managing a sleep or anxiety condition under medical supervision. While this is not a disqualifying factor, life insurers view benzodiazepine use differently than they do routine vitamins or preventive supplements. This guide explains what insurers evaluate, realistic approval expectations, rate implications, and strategies for a successful application.
Approval Likelihood
Rate Impact
Underwriting Timeline
Medical Testing
Understanding Restoril and Insurance Underwriting
What Restoril Is
Restoril (temazepam) is a prescription benzodiazepine typically prescribed for short-term insomnia management (usually 1-4 weeks) and sometimes for anxiety. It works by depressing the central nervous system to promote sleep. While it’s FDA-approved and medically appropriate for short-term use, long-term benzodiazepine use raises health concerns for insurers, including potential dependency and increased fall risk—especially in older populations.
Why Insurers View It Differently
Unlike preventive vitamins, benzodiazepines indicate an underlying health condition (insomnia or anxiety). Insurers must assess whether this condition poses health risks, whether the medication use is appropriate and controlled, and whether there’s a pattern of dependency. Short-term, medically supervised use is viewed more favorably than long-term or high-dose regimens.
“Benzodiazepines signal an underlying condition requiring management. Insurers evaluate Restoril use in context: Is it short-term or chronic? Low-dose or high-dose? Recent or long-standing? This information determines approval and pricing.”
– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
What Insurers Evaluate
Duration of Use
How long have you been taking Restoril? Short-term use (less than 3 months) is most favorable. Long-term use (over 1 year) raises red flags about dependency and chronic management needs. Underwriters assess whether the use is an appropriate medical treatment or suggests ongoing health concerns.
Dosage and Frequency
Standard Restoril dosing is 15-30mg at bedtime. Higher doses or more frequent use raise underwriting concerns. Dosage history helps insurers understand the severity of the condition and the risk profile. Consistent, low-dose use is viewed differently from escalating doses or variable use patterns.
Reason for Prescription
Short-term insomnia related to stress, travel, or temporary life changes is more favorable than chronic anxiety disorder or untreated sleep apnea. Your doctor’s clinical notes explaining the medical rationale for Restoril matter significantly. Appropriate medical supervision is a positive indicator.
Overall Health Profile
Age, BMI, blood pressure, liver and kidney function, and other health conditions matter. Restoril adds risk on top of other health issues. A young person with one year of Restoril use gets approved differently than a 70-year-old on the same medication with multiple comorbidities.
Alcohol and Substance Use
Benzodiazepines combined with alcohol significantly increase health risks. Insurers ask about alcohol consumption and other drug use. A history of substance abuse combined with Restoril use raises serious underwriting concerns and may result in denial or very high rates.
Medical Records Review
Insurers request medical records from your prescribing physician to verify dosage, frequency, duration, clinical notes, and the medical reason for the prescription. Consistent medical supervision is positive; frequent doctor visits or emergency room use is concerning.
Full Disclosure: What to Report
Critical: Never Omit Restoril
Failing to disclose Restoril use is material fraud. If discovered later (through medical records requests or claims), it can result in policy cancellation, denial of claims, or legal action. Complete honesty is not just ethical—it’s legally required and protects you. Always disclose.
What to Provide
- Start date of Restoril use (month and year)
- Current dosage (e.g., “15mg nightly”)
- Frequency of use (daily, several times per week, as-needed)
- Duration and frequency patterns (any changes over time)
- Medical reason for prescription (insomnia, anxiety, other)
- Name and contact info of prescribing physician
- Any attempts to discontinue and outcomes
- Any side effects or adverse reactions
Approval Factors and Rate Classes
Best Case Scenario (Approved at Standard or Better Rates)
- Using Restoril for less than 3 months
- At standard dose (15-30mg nightly)
- For documented acute insomnia (travel, temporary stress)
- No history of long-term benzodiazepine use
- Minimal or no other health concerns
- No alcohol or substance abuse history
- Plans to discontinue or has already done so
Moderate Risk Scenario (Likely Higher Rates or Conditional Approval)
- Using Restoril for 3-12 months continuously
- At a therapeutic dose with consistent use
- For chronic insomnia or anxiety disorder
- Age over 55
- Other managed health conditions present
- Occasional alcohol use (not abuse)
High Risk Scenario (Possible Denial or Significant Rate Increase)
- Using Restoril for over 1-2 years continuously
- High doses (over 30mg) or escalating doses over time
- History of benzodiazepine addiction or dependency
- Combined with alcohol or other substance use
- Multiple psychiatric conditions requiring management
- Falls, cognitive impairment, or age 75+
- Poor medical compliance or lost prescriptions
Application Strategy for Success
1. Get Medical Documentation
Request a letter from your prescribing physician explaining the clinical reason for Restoril, dosage, frequency, duration, and any plans for discontinuation. A supportive letter from your doctor significantly helps underwriting. Medical documentation is your strongest asset.
2. Consider Timing
If you’re taking Restoril short-term, applying sooner rather than later shows intent for limited use. If you’ve stopped taking it, wait 3-6 months before applying if possible—recent discontinuation shows a positive health trajectory. New applications may view recent cessation favorably.
3. Work with Specialized Brokers
Insurance brokers experienced with benzodiazepine cases know which carriers are most favorable and can present your case strategically. They negotiate with underwriters and help frame your situation in the best light. This professional guidance significantly improves outcomes.
4. Emphasize Context
If Restoril is for temporary insomnia due to a specific stressor (travel, job transition, life event), emphasize this. Temporary medication for a time-limited problem is viewed very differently from chronic dependency. Clear context helps insurers understand your situation accurately.
5. Disclose Everything Upfront
Proactive, complete disclosure of medication history, health conditions, and lifestyle factors shows integrity. Insurers respect applicants who volunteer information versus those who hide details. Full transparency often results in faster approval and better outcomes.
6. Improve Overall Health Profile
If possible, address other modifiable health factors before applying: lose weight, lower blood pressure, exercise regularly, and limit alcohol. A strong overall health profile balances medication concerns and improves approval likelihood and rates.
Common Questions: Answered
Can I get life insurance while taking Restoril?
Direct answer: Yes. Restoril use does not automatically disqualify you.
Many major carriers offer coverage to Restoril users. Approval and rates depend on duration of use, dosage, reason for prescription, and overall health. Short-term use at standard doses receives most favorable underwriting.
Will Restoril use increase my life insurance rates?
Direct answer: Possibly. Rates depend on multiple factors.
Short-term, low-dose use may not significantly impact rates. Long-term or high-dose use typically results in higher premiums. Age, overall health, and other conditions also affect final pricing. Get a detailed quote to understand your specific situation.
Must I disclose Restoril on a life insurance application?
Direct answer: Yes. Always disclose it.
Failure to disclose is material fraud and can result in policy cancellation, denial of claims, or legal consequences. Be honest about all medications, including Restoril. Full disclosure protects you and ensures your policy is valid.
How long does approval take for Restoril users?
Direct answer: Typically 3-6 weeks, longer than standard applications.
Restoril use requires additional medical review and medical records requests. Underwriters contact your physician, review dosage history, and assess risk. Providing complete information upfront speeds the process.
Will I need medical testing?
Direct answer: Yes. Medical testing is likely required.
Blood work and medical records review are standard for Restoril cases. Testing assesses liver function (benzodiazepines are metabolized by the liver), overall health, and whether medication use is appropriate for your condition.
What if I’ve been on Restoril for years?
Direct answer: Approval is more challenging but still possible.
Long-term benzodiazepine use raises red flags about dependency and chronic health conditions. Expect higher rates, more intensive underwriting, or possible conditional approval. Medical documentation showing medical supervision and necessity helps. Some carriers may decline, requiring shopping with specialized brokers.
What if I’ve stopped taking Restoril?
Direct answer: Your chances improve significantly.
If you’ve discontinued Restoril, mention this in your application. Waiting 3-6 months after stopping before applying shows sustained abstinence. Some carriers view recent discontinuation positively as evidence of improved health trajectory. Provide documentation of when you stopped and your current status.
Can Restoril use result in denial?
Direct answer: In some cases, yes. But many options exist if one carrier declines.
Very long-term use, high doses, or combined substance abuse may result in denial from mainstream carriers. However, specialized carriers work with higher-risk applicants. A broker can present your case to appropriate carriers. Denial from one company doesn’t mean you can’t get coverage elsewhere.
How do I find an insurance broker experienced with benzodiazepine cases?
Direct answer: Look for brokers specializing in impaired or complex cases.
Search for “life insurance brokers for complex medical cases” or “underwriting specialists benzodiazepines.” Ask potential brokers about their experience with Restoril cases and which carriers they work with. Professional brokers have relationships with carriers and understand underwriting guidelines, significantly improving your chances.
Protect Your Family with Honest Information
Life insurance for Restoril users requires transparency and strategic navigation, but approval is achievable. Working with experienced brokers who understand your specific situation yields the best outcomes.
Call Now: 888-211-6171
Licensed agents experienced with complex medication histories. Free consultation to assess your options and find the right carrier.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal, medical, or insurance advice. Life insurance availability, approval, and pricing vary significantly based on individual health status, age, insurance company underwriting guidelines, and state regulations. Restoril (temazepam) use may impact life insurance approval and rates. The information presented reflects general underwriting practices; individual cases vary. Medical testing, underwriting timelines, and approval decisions are at the discretion of individual insurance carriers. If you are currently taking Restoril or considering life insurance, consult with qualified insurance professionals and your healthcare provider. This guide does not guarantee approval or specific rates.
