Do Life insurance companies have access to health records during the application process?

I am a recovering alcoholic. I suppose my medical records will reveal that I was in a hospital 9 years ago. At the time I was not an alcoholic but my family thought I was. No DUI's and perfect health now.

Sort of - you do sign a release on the application, and they may or may not do a quick hit on MIB's records to show dates of services.

When you apply; among the signatures is a release of medical records.
So, guess they'll know and excuse to charge you more!

Yes. They have access to determine previously existing medical conditions for the purposes of determining their risk in underwriting your policy.

Life insurance companies don't have access to anyone's health records until the insured actually gives them written and signed permission. They can, however, refuse to pay a claim if they later find out that you lied on your application. There usually is a clause in the policy that says if you have a pre-existing condition, like cancer for instance, then they will not pay the death benefits but that they will return the full amt. of the premiums paid. If your talking about a normal life insurance policy, and NOT a health insurance policy, then I wouldn't worry about what happened 9 years ago.

Depending on your age, you may be required to get a medical exam. It is usually pretty brief and only verifies some basic answers. Our application only specifies 5 years on alcohol related. You may end up with a standard instead of preferred rating, but I wouldn't worry too much about it.