We all have that one uncle who smokes (despite knowing the risks). He’s the life of every family gathering. But behind the jokes and stories, there's a genuine concern about the long-term impact of smoking on his health and the people in his household.
Just like your uncle, many smokers are aware of the health risks but often overlook the implications, especially when it comes to healthcare costs. Smoking not only affects your health but also plays a role in how insurance companies view your risk profile.
When you’re looking to purchase a good health insurance policy, being a smoker can complicate things. From higher premiums to more stringent policy terms, smokers face unique challenges in securing comprehensive health coverage.
In this article, let’s walk you through the ins and outs of getting individual health insurance as a smoker in India. Go through the entire article to find out your eligibility and the best plans available.
Health Insurance Plans for Smokers in India
Even though smoking isn't formally categorised, insurers do take note of your habits. If you smoke, drink, or chew tobacco, you should always disclose this information to your insurer during the application process. If you have not had this habit when purchasing a policy, it is always better to disclose it as and when you pick up the habit.
However, even if you disclose everything, here is the problem — just like in the case of any pre-existing diseases, smokers pose a significant health risk that is a hurdle in the path of health insurance policies. Insurers are usually reluctant to offer individuals susceptible to such a queue of life-endangering ailments. So, the obvious question is, are smokers at all eligible for health insurance plans? Let’s find out!
Heads Up: If you're a smoker looking for health insurance, it's important to compare different plans and choose one that best suits your needs.
For personalised health insurance advice, feel free to consider booking a call with an IRDAI-certified health insurance advisor at Ditto.
Are Smokers Eligible for a Health Insurance Policy?
The short answer – Yes, if you smoke, you are eligible for a health insurance policy.
While smoking is a factor considered during the underwriting process, it doesn't automatically disqualify you from getting a policy. Insurers look at various factors, including overall health, pre-existing diseases, smoking frequency, and, most importantly, age.
The terms and conditions might also differ from those for non-smokers. Insurance companies require full disclosure of smoking habits during the application process. If you fail to disclose this information, the insurer can deny your claim later on.
You should also be aware that some insurers might impose a waiting period for certain smoking-related illnesses. In rare cases, your insurer may apply a loading charge (LC), but this usually happens only when your smoking or drinking habits are significant.
How Does Smoking Impact Your Health Insurance Premium?
Insurers consider smokers to be at a higher risk of developing severe health conditions such as lung cancer, heart disease, and other respiratory issues. As a result, if you smoke, you can face higher premiums compared to non-smokers.
But to what extent?
The impact of smoking on your premium depends on several factors, including how much you smoke, your age, and your overall health profile. Generally, if you smoke heavily (usually more than ten cigarettes a day), and especially if you're older, you might see an increase in your premium. But this increase is likely more due to your age and general health condition rather than your smoking habit alone. For younger individuals, even with a smoking habit, the premium remains relatively low unless other risk factors are present.
For instance, smoking more than ten cigarettes a day might raise a red flag for insurers, potentially leading to higher premiums or even difficulties getting the health insurance policy issued. If you're under 30 and smoke occasionally, your premium might remain largely unaffected. On the other hand, if you're over 45 and smoke regularly, the combination of age and smoking could lead to a higher premium.
Remember, age plays a more significant role in determining your premium than smoking alone.
Things to know when availing of a Health Insurance Plan as a Smoker
When availing of a health insurance plan as a smoker, there are a few key considerations:
- Full Disclosure is Key: Always be honest about your smoking and other lifestyle habits when applying for health insurance. Non-disclosure can lead to claim rejection later on.
- Health Check-ups: Be prepared for health check-ups, as insurers often require them to assess the risk associated with providing coverage to smokers.
- Higher Premium: Understand that your premiums will likely be higher due to the increased risk associated with smoking. In some rare cases, a loading charge might be applied, but this is reserved for heavy smokers or those with additional risk factors like heavy drinking.
- Policy Terms: Pay close attention to the terms and conditions, especially those related to waiting periods and exclusions for smoking-related illnesses.
- Age Matters More: Your premium might increase as you age, but this is more likely due to age than smoking. A 45-year-old smoker might see a higher premium, but this would be because of age rather than the smoking habit alone.
How should you choose a health insurance policy if you’re a smoker?
To choose the right health insurance policy, you should assess their needs by considering their health history and potential health risks to determine the level of coverage you need. Here are some pointers that will help you make an informed choice when selecting the right insurer and the right health insurance policy if you’re a smoker in 2024:
- No co-payment, room rent limits, and disease-wise sub-limits.
- A Low pre-existing disease waiting period (PED WP) and specific illness waiting period (SI WP).
- A good restoration bonus, pre- and post-hospitalisation cover, network hospital list, and no-claim bonus are also added advantages.
- Apart from these features in the policy itself, you should also consider some metrics that assess how well the insurer is performing. These include the Incurred Claim Ratio (ICR) and the Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR).
Best Health Insurance Policies for Smokers in India
While specific policies for smokers don’t exist, several health insurance plans are flexible enough to accommodate you if you’re a smoker. These plans offer comprehensive coverage without imposing severe penalties or high premiums for smoking alone. Let’s take a look at some of them now:
| Top Health Insurance Pan | Waiting Periods | Other features | Insurer Metrics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aditya Birla Activ One Max | |||
| HDFC ERGO Optima Secure | No-claim Bonus: 50% pa, up to 100% |
||
| Care Supreme |
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Conclusion
In India, smokers are very much eligible for a good health insurance policy. While it can complicate the process of obtaining health insurance, it is by no means impossible.
The key is to be honest about your smoking habits and choose a policy that fits your needs. Figuring out how smoking affects your insurance premiums and knowing the best plans available can help you make an informed decision.
If you're a smoker looking for health insurance, it's important to compare different plans and choose one that best suits your needs. For personalised health insurance advice, feel free to consider booking a call with an IRDAI-certified health insurance advisor at Ditto.
