In health insurance, an individual is defined as a smoker if he/she consumes nicotine in any form. This means that instead of smoking cigarettes if you smoke a vaporiser or e-cigarette, you will be considered a smoker.
So, how can you avail health insurance as a smoker? This article entails everything you need to know about health insurance for smokers, including the effects of smoking on health plans. Continue reading to know how you can purchase a health plan despite your smoking habits.
Can a Smoker Get Health Insurance?
The first thing you must know regarding this topic is that there are no specific health plans for smokers. What health plan will be provided to the individual depends on the smoking status of the individual and the insurer. However, generally smokers are equally eligible for financial coverage as any other non-smoking individual.
In order to provide medical insurance for smokers, medical tests and screenings will be conducted by the insurer that will determine the individual’s severity of smoking and any associated health issues, and on the basis of these the insurer will decide the policy that will best suit the individual’s medical needs.
Health Implications of Smoking
The primary reason for this enquiry is the health risks of smoking and the use of other forms of tobacco. Apart from cancer, which is prominently displayed on all tobacco packaging, various other health issues can be caused by smoking.
Respiratory illnesses, heart ailments, hypertension and stroke are some common health issues related to smoking habits. Lung and oral cancers are most common among smokers and tobacco users.
Health Insurance and Smoking - How Smoking Affects Coverage, Premium and Policy Terms
Coverage
The reason why health insurance plans are affected if you are a smoker is because the more you are at risk of developing diseases due to smoking, the greater your risk of being hospitalised as compared to a non-smoker.
Due to the risks associated with providing a health plan to a smoker, insurance companies offset such risks by making coverage considerations. These considerations include determining coverage extent (such as critical illness coverage), waiting period duration and whether or not to provide
health insurance with pre-existing conditions to the individual.
Premium Cost
Compared to a regular health plan, premiums for health plans for smokers are usually higher. Again, this is because smokers are susceptible to falling ill and developing major health issues over time. By charging higher premiums for a smoker’s health policy, insurers lower the risk of providing financial coverage for unexpected hospitalisations and medical treatments.
At Reliance General Insurance, we try to provide affordable health insurance for smokers by customising health plans with add-ons that can provide enhanced coverage at lower premium rates.
Policy Terms
Several insurance providers include specific clauses in their policies with respect to smoking habits. It is crucial that you read the policy terms and conditions carefully, as some health plans might require you to provide disclosure for any changes in your health conditions or lifestyle during your policy term.
In case you fail to inform your insurer about your smoking habit, your benefits may be reduced, or your claim may be rejected altogether. In some cases, the insurer may declare the policy to be null and void if you fail to disclose your smoking habit.
Why Smokers Need Health Insurance
When it comes to smoking insurance for individuals, it is important to consider a few points.
Smoking increases the risk of health issues that may require medical attention.
Whether it is heart-related issues or respiratory issues, smokers have the tendency to develop diseases that will require ongoing medical care.
In the absence of a health insurance plan, managing such diseases with proper treatment may be difficult, as the treatments can be highly expensive.
Since, in the case of smokers, medical costs can rise quickly and significantly due to the need for specialised treatments and medications, the best health insurance for smokers can provide access to quality medical care that may not be easily affordable without a health policy.
Moreover, health plans can effectively alleviate stress from the lives of smokers, as they know that coverage will be provided for their medical requirements. This way, smokers can shift their focus to improving their overall health.
Benefits of Choosing Reliance General Insurance Health Insurance for Smokers
Reliance General Insurance offers
Health Insurance Plans that can help smokers afford financial coverage for their medical expenses. Here are some benefits that you can enjoy with our health plans:
Smoking-Related Health Issue Coverage
While coverage for smokers is not directly provided, we do offer coverage for smoking-related health issues, such as
Critical Illness Insurance, which covers 10 critical illnesses.
Moreover, if there is a need for planned treatment abroad for diseases caused by smoking, you can opt for
Health Global plan.
Preventive Care for Smokers
Our health plans come with annual preventive health check-ups that include vaccinations, screenings and tests to monitor your current health status. This health evaluation can help you take all necessary measures to improve your health condition in case any health issue is detected.
Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions
We offer coverage for diseases that you may already have before opting for our health policy. Once you complete the waiting period, which we have maintained to be very competitive for your health benefit, you can access our financial coverage for your medical care.
Real-Time Premium Estimates
You can use our health insurance premium calculator to find out how much premium you have to pay as a policyholder. This free tool can give you a ballpark estimate and help you select the best policy per your budget.
Add-On Riders for Specialised Coverage
Opting for add-ons like OPD cover, hospital daily expenses and emergency ambulance cover can significantly reduce your overall financial expenses incurred during medical treatments.
What Happens If I Don't Disclose My Smoking Habit to My Insurer?
Since a smoking habit increases health insurance premiums, you may be tempted not to disclose it when buying health insurance. However, it’s not advised not to do so.
Hiding important information like a smoking habit can be treated as insurance fraud by the insurance company. If the person undergoes medical treatment for an ailment caused by tobacco use, the claim for the same could get rejected if the insurance company was not informed about their smoking habits.
Even casual and occasional smokers should mention the same, along with frequency, to be truly compliant. After all, a health insurance policy is a legally binding document.
So, it is better to disclose the habit and pay the higher premium, instead of paying a lower premium only to see the claim getting rejected later.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a health plan for yourself or someone who smokes, you must first assess what the health requirements will be. Since premium rates can be affected if you are a smoker, it is recommended that you opt for an extensive coverage plan for your healthcare.
This way, you will be able to save money on exorbitant medical expenses that may be necessary due to health issues related to smoking in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if an individual starts smoking after purchasing a health policy?
The health policy continues to stay active all through the premium period, irrespective of the buyer’s change in smoking habits.
Should smokers opt for health insurance?
It is recommended that smokers should invest in health insurance, as it provides necessary coverage for health conditions related to smoking, thereby reducing the expenses of medical treatments significantly.
