Health Insurance 2024 | It is common knowledge that smoking is harmful to one’s health. You’ve probably seen the warning message on every cigarette box: ‘Smoking is harmful to your health.’ Tobacco use is responsible for 30% of all cancer deaths and increases the risk of heart attack by 16 times. Read through
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India has nearly 120 million smokers. According to the World Health Organization, India accounts for approximately 12% of the world’s smoking population. The number of men who smoke tobacco has risen from 78 million in 1998 to 108 million in 2015. Tobacco use is responsible for the deaths of 6 million people each year. Over 5 million deaths are caused by direct tobacco consumption, and 0.6 million deaths are caused by second-hand smoke exposure. Given the serious public health risks, the government has prohibited smoking in public places as of October 2, 2008.
Not only does it affect your health, but it also causes you to pay higher premiums for health insurance because of increased health risks and a shorter life expectancy. A nonsmoker, on the other hand, receives premium discounts as a reward for leading a healthy lifestyle. As a smoker, it is best not to conceal your smoking habit from your health insurance company, as this will help you cover smoking-related health issues.
People are very interested in how smoking affects health insurance and its cost. Let’s learn about smoking and how it affects health insurance policies.
What Is Involved in Smoking?
Smoking includes inhalation of of the smoke of burning tobacco in the form of cigarettes, cigars and beedi. Whether you are an occasional smoker or frequent smoker, you will be considered as a smoker under the health insurance policy.
Smokers can purchase health insurance, but an insurance company may charge a higher premium or deny your application based on the number of cigarettes you smoke on a regular basis. A smoker may also be required to undergo additional health screenings, which will allow an insurance company to determine the risk factor and charge the appropriate premium amount.
The Effects of Smoking on Your Health and Insurance Premiums
Smoking has serious health consequences, some of which are listed below.
Circulatory System:
- Smoking results in increased risk in the heartache and blood pressure. A buildup of fatty acids may lead to atherosclerosis.
Immune System:
- Smoking causes serious and long-term illnesses. Smokers are more likely to develop ulcers, cancer, pneumonia, hypertension, bronchitis, and other viral/bacterial/fungal infections.
- Smoking can impair lung function and cause shortness of breath. It can harm the lungs’ air sacs and increase the risk of developing chronic bronchitis.
Oral Health:
- Smoking can cause tooth loss, staining, and gum disease, all of which increase the risk of tooth decay.
Cancer:
- Long-term smoking causes cancer in a variety of body organs.
When it comes to a health insurance policy, an insurance company takes into account the magnitude of illnesses and deaths caused by smoking, which is why smokers must pay higher premiums to obtain health insurance coverage. Insurance companies typically charge 15 to 20 percent more for a smoker policyholder. Those who smoke would be subjected to additional medical examinations before the insurer would issue you the policy.
If you are a frequent smoker, you may be experiencing symptoms of a declining health condition and wondering whether you can obtain health insurance. The answer is yes; all that is required is honest and proper disclosure.
The insurance company will then evaluate the risk associated with your profile and decide on the terms and conditions as well as the premium to be charged for providing you with health insurance. The premiums charged will be higher, and there will be a waiting period for coverage of pre-existing diseases. Furthermore, if you need immediate coverage for a deteriorating health condition, you should consider a critical illness policy.
Health Insurance Policy Benefit
Smoking has a negative impact on both your health and your health insurance policy. A higher premium will be charged by an insurance company in proportion to the risk associated with providing health insurance. It is critical that you disclose all relevant information about your health and smoking habits. If you are discovered hiding or providing false information, the insurance company may refuse to settle your claims