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How Does Smoking Affect Your Health Insurance Premium?

Lighting up a cigarette might give a momentary sense of relief, but have you ever thought about the hidden cost it adds to your life beyond just health risks? 😐

Smoking doesn’t just burn a hole in your lungs; it also burns a hole in your wallet, especially when it comes to health insurance premiums. Insurers see smokers as high-risk individuals, which means higher premiums, stricter policies, and even possible coverage denials.

If you think the cost of cigarettes is high, wait until you see how much extra you’re paying just to stay insured! Let’s dive into what health insurance is for smokers and how smoking makes your health insurance more expensive and less accessible.

Team Digit

Can Smoker Still Get Health Insurance?
Why is Health Insurance Necessity for Smokers?
Importance of Disclosing Your Smoking Habits
Benefits of Health Insurance for Smokers
Health Insurance Premium for Smokers & Non-Smokers
Why Does Smoking Increase Your Premium?
How Can Smokers Reduce Their Premiums?
Tips for Smooth Health Claims for Smokers
What Happens If You Hide Your Smoking Habits?
Health Hazards of Smoking
Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Smoker Still Get a Health Insurance Policy?

Yes!!

Many health insurers provide coverage to smokers. The IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) even mandated that smokers have a right to apply for health insurance. However, the terms, conditions, and costs of premiums vary from insurer to insurer.

Insurance companies define a smoker as someone who smokes cigarettes, cigars, hookahs, and pipes or who chews or snuffs tobacco more than four times per week. Additionally, someone is deemed to be a smoker if they have smoked more than four times per week throughout the previous six months.

Suppose your insurer identifies you as a smoker. In that case, they might ask you to take a few medical tests to ascertain your health before deciding on the premium, especially if you are over 40 years of age or want a higher sum insured amount in health insurance.

Why is Health Insurance a Necessity for Smokers, Not a Choice?

The World Health Organisation estimates that smoking, both active and passive, claims the lives of 1.35 million Indians annually (1). In addition, Indians are the world's second-largest tobacco product consumers. This helps us understand the negative impact smoking has on people's health.

As a result, health insurance is required for smokers and is not an alternative. When choosing a policy, it is crucial to understand why this is the case.

Here are some reasons why health insurance is a necessity for smokers and not a choice!

What is the Importance of Disclosing Your Smoking Habits to the Insurer?

It is very important to be honest and disclose your smoking habits to your insurer. Misrepresenting the facts can lead to your claims being rejected and might also be considered insurance fraud and lead to legal troubles.

Also, be honest about how often you smoke, as even declaring that smoking 2 cigarettes a day while you actually smoke 6 cigarettes a day can pose issues. Medical tests at the time of claims can detect nicotine in blood and urine tests and can quickly lead to claim rejection.

Thus, if you are a smoker or even if you have given up smoking long ago, don’t hesitate to disclose it. The higher premium is worth it compared to large hospital bills that can wipe out your savings.

What are the Benefits of Health Insurance for Smokers?

In India, smoking causes the deaths of millions of people every year. It is crucial to remember that the health of those around a smoker is also impacted. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), heart disease, respiratory disorders, oral cancer, and other serious illnesses are brought on by excessive smoking.

Hence, smokers should choose suitable health insurance coverage for themselves because smoking damages the lungs and causes cancer.

Here are some benefits of health insurance for smokers in India:

Health Insurance Premium Cost for Smokers vs. Non-Smokers

According to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), an insurance company will classify you as a smoker if you have smoked tobacco for the previous 12 years.

Active smokers are required to pay a higher premium because they are more likely to suffer from high-risk illnesses. Smokers pay 30% to 40% more for health insurance than non-smokers. (2)

Smokers must pay a hefty premium because smoking causes a number of complex health issues. In addition to paying exorbitant rates, smokers must pay for therapy out of pocket. Therefore, it is advised that smoking should be stopped in order to observe notable variations in premiums.

Let’s understand this from the perspective of two brothers, Sanu (35 years) and Manu (34 years). They are both looking for a health insurance policy with a coverage of ₹10 lakh. However, there’s one key difference: Sanu is a smoker, while Manu is a non-smoker.

When they compare their health insurance premiums:

Sanu (smoker) gets quoted a premium of ₹20,000 per year due to his higher health risks.

Manu (non-smoker), on the other hand, is offered the same policy for just ₹12,000 per year.

Why is Sanu paying more?

Because insurers charge higher premiums to smokers due to their increased risk of heart disease, lung issues, and other serious illnesses.

Moral of the story?

Smoking affects not only your health but also your wallet! Investing in a healthier lifestyle can help save money on insurance while ensuring a better future.

Why Does Smoking Increase Your Health Insurance Premium?

Smoking is one of the major factors that affect your health insurance premium since it can cause a number of health problems like lung infections, cancer and other critical illnesses. This makes smokers a higher risk, as these health issues might lead to a higher chance of them making health insurance claims in the future. Thus, they will be charged a higher premium.

In fact, the health insurance premiums for smokers can be almost double those for non-smokers.

Some reasons behind this are:

Smokers are more likely to develop life-threatening conditions like lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke, increasing the insurer’s risk.
Smoking weakens the immune system, leading to frequent illnesses.
Since smoking is linked to a higher mortality rate, insurers charge higher premiums to compensate for the increased risk.
Treatment for smoking-related diseases like COPD, lung infections, and cardiovascular issues is costly, making insurers charge more.
Smokers are more likely to file health insurance claims, leading to increased premiums to balance the insurer’s payouts.

Health Insurance for Smokers with Pre-Existing Conditions

Insurers may want further medical testing to identify any health issues if a smoker has a pre-existing disease (such as diabetes or hypertension), whether or not it is connected to smoking.

The severity of these medical issues will then be used to determine the premium. Additionally, before these pre-existing conditions covered in health insurance, there will be a waiting period of 1 to 3 years. Although smokers and non-smokers have the same time frame, smokers may be exempt from specific circumstances.

How Can Smokers Reduce Their Health Insurance Premiums?

Since smokers face higher premiums for their health insurance, they must consider doing something to reduce the premium. Here are a few things smokers can do to reduce their health insurance premiums:

Quit Smoking – If you quit smoking for at least 2 years during the policy period, health insurers may consider this and lower your premiums accordingly.
Joining a Smoking Cessation Programme – If you are unable to quit on your own, many health insurance companies offer or have tie-ups with smoking cessation programmes that can help you do so. Again, you must show at least 2 years without smoking before your premium changes.
Look at Different Insurance Companies – Since there is a large population of smokers in India, there are a few health insurance companies that offer policies to them with comparatively lower premium amounts. You can research and look for such companies.

Also Get to Know: How to Calculate Health Insurance Premium Online?

Tips to Ensure Smooth Health Insurance Claims for Smokers

One of the crucial parts of having health insurance is claiming. It's crucial to ensure insurance claims are handled correctly if you haven't stopped smoking after getting a health insurance plan.

Here is a thorough explanation of how you can make sure that your insurance claims are settled easily:

Firstly, you have to tell your insurer the truth about your smoking habits. Giving false information could result in the chosen insurance being cancelled or the claim settlement being denied.
Second, keep a record of your medical history and the treatments you have received for illnesses linked to smoking. For a seamless claim settlement, schedule routine checkups with the doctor.
Thirdly, carefully review your insurance policy document, considering its coverage and claim-filing procedures. Have all the paperwork handy that you'll need for the claim, including medical records and invoices for bills.
Lastly, speak with your insurance company if you have any questions. Send in all necessary paperwork and keep copies of all the documents you send.

What Happens If You Hide Your Smoking Habit While Buying Health Insurance Plan?

Falsifying facts regarding smoking while buying health insurance is fraud and can have many repercussions. You will be liable for paying for all medical expenses if the insurance rejects your claim.

Additionally, the insurance companies may figure out your smoking behaviours through medical screenings and thus have the power to decline your claims or your health insurance plan. Here is what might happen further:

If the insurer denies related claims, you will be responsible for paying for them out of pocket.
If, through medical testing, the insurer discovers that you have been misled about smoking, they have the authority to deny your application, or if the policy has already been approved, they can cancel it.
Lying may be seen as fraud and result in legal issues as well in future.

It is always right to tell the truth about how often you smoke and your smoking habits. Despite the expensive cost, it is worthwhile since medical inflation might deplete your funds. 🙂

What are the Health Hazards of Smoking?

Regular or heavy smoking can lead to an increased risk of several health issues, including:

Respiratory complications and diseases
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Heart diseases
Cancer (especially oral and lung cancer)
Stroke
Emphysema
Osteoporosis
Pregnancy-related complications

Thus, the increased risk of these illnesses makes it more important for smokers to buy health insurance so that they have financial protection.

Thus, it can be seen that smokers must be prepared to pay a higher amount for health insurance, as they have greater health risks. But, while being a smoker will increase the cost of your health insurance premium, it should not stop you from opting for a health policy.

Smokers may face many serious health issues that make it essential for them to have this financial protection in case of a medical emergency.

Disclaimer: Disclosure of smoking habits is advised in the proposal form. The insurance company reserves the right to accept or reject the health insurance policy.

FAQs about Health Insurance for Smokers

All

Can you get a health insurance policy if you smoke?

Yes, it is possible to get a health insurance policy even if you are a smoker. However, keep in mind that you might have to pay a higher premium as compared to a non-smoker.

How will the insurance company know that you are a smoker?

Generally, insurance companies rely on you to honestly report whether or not you are a smoker. They will ask this in the application for your health insurance. However, some companies may further verify this through a routine medical exam with tests for nicotine use.

Remember, misrepresenting your smoking habits could result in rejection of claims, and further legal issues.

What happens if you don’t disclose your smoking habits to your insurer?

Knowing that smoking habits might increase your premiums might tempt people to withhold this information from their insurers. But that is a very bad idea. It can lead to rejection of your claims, as in serious cases, it can end in legal troubles as well.

Why is health insurance more expensive for smokers?

Smokers face a greater risk of getting a number of health problems than non-smokers, such as respiratory problems, heart problems, stroke, cancer and more. Due to this, health insurers will charge them a higher health insurance premium than non-smokers to cover these increased risks.

When might a health insurer reject health insurance for a smoker?

In most cases, smokers who have a few cigarettes a day and are generally fit can easily avail themselves of health insurance. However, heavy smokers who smoke more than 20-40 cigarettes a day, chain smokers, and those with smoking-related health complications may face a rejection of their proposal.

Can people with pre-existing medical conditions who smoke purchase health insurance?

Yes, individuals who smoke and have pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure are able to purchase health insurance. They might, however, have to submit to a pre-acceptance medical examination and pay a higher premium. Additionally, pre-existing conditions will only be covered after a 3-year waiting period.

What happens if you misreport smoking on your health insurance?

The insurance provider has the power to deny your claim in the future if you misrepresent your smoking status while purchasing your coverage. If you give fraudulent information, the insurer can easily reject your claims, and you could face legal repercussions.

How can smokers lower the cost of their health insurance?

The following are some methods that smokers might use to lower their health insurance rates:

Choosing a greater deductible
Getting a family floater plan
By comparing different insurance online
By purchasing a multi-year health insurance plan

Who qualifies as a smoker?

Anyone who has recently used tobacco products, such as cigarettes, pipes, cigars, or any other nicotine product, is regarded as a smoker. Additionally, some insurance companies classify those who have used nicotine products during the previous 12 months as smokers.

What happens if I take out health insurance and then start smoking?

It remains in effect for the duration of the new health insurance coverage if you begin smoking after taking it. However, you must inform the insurance company about the new lifestyle change.

What happens if the premium goes up after declaring myself a smoker?

When applying for health insurance, you must provide your medical history and smoking habits. Given the health concerns associated with smoking, the premium will be high, and this should not be an excuse for withholding any information. Your claims may be rejected, your policy may be cancelled, and you may also be subject to legal problems if the insurer learns about it through medical testing.

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How Does Smoking Affect Your Health Insurance Premium?

Table of Contents

Can a Smoker Still Get a Health Insurance Policy?

Why is Health Insurance a Necessity for Smokers, Not a Choice?

Higher Risk of Health Issues

Costly Medical Treatments

Increased Hospitalisation Chances

What is the Importance of Disclosing Your Smoking Habits to the Insurer?

What are the Benefits of Health Insurance for Smokers?

Financial Assistance for Medical Expenses

Facilities for Cashless Hospitalisation

Free Health Check-ups

Tax Advantages

Health Insurance Premium Cost for Smokers vs. Non-Smokers

Why Does Smoking Increase Your Health Insurance Premium?

Health Insurance for Smokers with Pre-Existing Conditions

How Can Smokers Reduce Their Health Insurance Premiums?

Tips to Ensure Smooth Health Insurance Claims for Smokers

What Happens If You Hide Your Smoking Habit While Buying Health Insurance Plan?

What are the Health Hazards of Smoking?

FAQs about Health Insurance for Smokers

Can you get a health insurance policy if you smoke?

How will the insurance company know that you are a smoker?

What happens if you don’t disclose your smoking habits to your insurer?

Why is health insurance more expensive for smokers?

When might a health insurer reject health insurance for a smoker?

Can people with pre-existing medical conditions who smoke purchase health insurance?

What happens if you misreport smoking on your health insurance?

How can smokers lower the cost of their health insurance?

Who qualifies as a smoker?

What happens if I take out health insurance and then start smoking?

What happens if the premium goes up after declaring myself a smoker?

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