Do You Smoke? Know How To Get Health Insurance
According to insurance companies, smokers are the ones who consume any form of nicotine and may insist on undergoing medical tests for determining the amount of insurance premium for health coverage. While buying a health insurance plan, companies often ask about smoking habits or usage of nicotine over a certain period. They may ask relevant questions to assess the level of nicotine intake. The habit of smoking increases the risk of serious health conditions like stroke, hypertension, pulmonary illness, and cancer.
Some of the factors that are considered and assessed before providing health coverage to a smoker are:
- Medical test results
- Level of nicotine intake
- Age and amount insured
Once these factors are satisfactory, insurers decide on the premium. It is advisable to always confess about the smoking habit to the insurer to avoid facing rejections later or claim related disputes. The premium amount will be decided by the insurer based on the health severity and also assessing any pre-existing conditions like hypertension or diabetes. Once the assessment is done, the insurance company suggests health insurance plans with respective premiums.
Cost of Health Insurance Coverage For Smokers Vs Non-Smokers
The following are the key aspects of the cost related to insurance schemes for smokers and non-smokers:
- The cost of health coverage is slightly higher for smokers as compared to non-smokers. This is due to the risks associated with smoking habits that affect the lungs, heart, and other organs.
- The premium of health insurance for smokers is not predefined but decided once insurers have assessed the health condition and other factors for smokers.
Note: It is to be noted that insurers often charge premiums for policies based on terms and conditions specific to smokers and non-smokers. Also, most health insurance companies charge a higher premium only in case of health complications. Since insurance premiums for those who smoke differ with insurance providers, it is advisable to always review the performance of an insurance company before buying a plan from them.
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Conclusion
To conclude, it is always recommended to disclose to the insurer about smoking habits to avoid disputes in claims. An insurer can refuse or reject a claim when any such habit is undisclosed or an illness caused by the habit forms the basis for the insurance claim. Although there is a pre-defined waiting period of 2 to 4 years in most of the cases of health insurance both for smokers and non-smokers, the premium for the former is slightly higher as compared to non-smokers. However, even if the waiting period for smokers is longer or the amount of premium is higher, a steady coverage for all expenses is always worth having to eliminate the unnecessary financial burden.
Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.
