Health Insurance for Diabetics

Roman Danaev

19 December 2024

If you’re a smoker, finding the right health insuranceisn’t the same as for others. Because smoking is considered a higher risk, you might end up with higher premiums and fewer options. However, you should still know how smoking impacts your coverage to make the right choice. Today, we’ll walk you through all the essential information about health insurance for smokers —from what to expect when applying to tips on finding a plan that works for you.

Can You Get Health Insurance If You Smoke?

In the UK, health insurance providers cannot refuse to offer you coverage just because you smoke. It’s illegal for them to discriminate based on lifestyle choices like smoking. However, they are allowed to charge higher premiums for smokers due to the increased health risks.

The only time an insurer could refuse coverage is if you have a pre-existing condition related to smoking that they are unable to cover under the terms of the policy. However, in general, as long as you disclose accurate information, providers must offer health insurance for smokers.

Does Smoking Affect Health Insurance Premiums?

Yes, smoking can greatly impact your health insurance premiums. Smokers are at an increased risk of health complications, so most insurers will charge more for coverage. The cost of your policy will depend on factors like the amount and duration of your smoking habit, with heavy smokers paying much higher premiums.

Other factors, such as your age and overall fitness, also play a role. Younger, healthier smokers find their premiums more affordable than older smokers or those with existing health issues. But overall, smoking increases the cost of health insurance.

How Does Smoking Affect the Body?

Smoking takes a toll on your entire body. The harmful chemicals in cigarettes travel through your blood and affect everything they come into contact with. Over time, tar builds up in your lungs, which makes it harder to breathe and leaves you feeling drained.

The carbon monoxide from smoking messes with your blood cells and stops them from properly carrying oxygen. This puts unnecessary strain on your heart and can lead to serious health issues.

Smoking also shows in your appearance. It can cause fat to collect around your waist and speed up the ageing of your skin. For some, it leaves them looking much older than they are — sometimes by 10 to 20 years.

What Are the Health Risks of Smoking?

Smoking exposes your body to toxic chemicals that can cause a wide range of serious health problems. Here’s a breakdown of the risks:

• Cancer — Smoking is responsible for at least 15 different types of cancer. The more you smoke and the longer you’ve been smoking, the higher your chances of developing it.
• Heart and blood vessel damage — Smoking puts a lot of pressure on your heart and circulatory system, which heightens the risk of blood clots, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and heart attacks.
• Stroke — Smoking doubles your risk of having a stroke by reducing oxygen levels in your blood and raising your blood pressure.
• Diabetes — The damage caused by smoking can make your body less responsive to insulin, which subsequently increases your risk of developing diabetes.
• Lung damage — Smoking can lead to serious lung conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pneumonia and make breathing problems like asthma much worse.
• Fertility issues — Smoking can make it harder to conceive and increase the risk of complications like ectopic pregnancy.
• Premature death — On average, smoking shortens your life by 10 to 15 years.

If you’re a smoker with conditions like asthma, COPD, or heart disease, you could face difficulties getting health insurance.

What Are the Benefits of Stopping Smoking?

Quitting smoking habits brings health benefits almost right away:

• Within weeks, your circulation starts improving, and in 3 to 9 months, your breathing gets easier, and your lung function can improve by up to 10%.
• After just 12 months, your risk of a heart attack is cut in half.
• Ten years after quitting, your chances of developing lung cancer are reduced by 50%.
• Fifteen years after quitting smoking, your risk of having a heart attack is on par with that of someone who has never smoked.

Who’s Classed as a Smoker?

Health insurance providers typically consider you a smoker if you’ve used any form of tobacco, including nicotine patches or electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), in the past 12 months. Even if you’re only using nicotine gum to help quit, most insurers will still categorise you as a smoker because it suggests you haven’t completely kicked the habit yet.

Some insurers may require you to be smoke-free for up to five years before they treat you as a non-smoker and offer you lower premiums. So, if you’re on the journey to quit, it could take some time before you see the full benefits in your insurance rates.

Types of Health Insurance Policies for Smokers

When it comes to health insurance for smokers, there are a few options available, both in the private sector and through the NHS.

For individual health insurance, the policies will cover a wide range of treatments, from hospital stays to specialist care, but smokers may face additional costs or exclusions for smoking-related conditions, such as lung disease or heart problems. If you’re looking for coverage for your family, family insurance policies are another option. Just like individual plans, premiums will likely be higher if you smoke.

The NHS provides healthcare for all UK residents, including smokers, free at the point of use. The main trade-off here is that it can come with longer waiting times and fewer options for private rooms or faster access to specialists. Smoking-related illnesses are covered, but you may face delays for non-urgent treatments. On the other hand, private health insurance provides quicker treatment and more comfort, but at a cost.

Is Health Insurance for Smokers More Expensive?

Yes, smokers usually pay more for health insurance. Smoking increases the risk of health problems, so insurers charge a higher premium to cover the extra risk. As a result, smokers end up paying more for their coverage.

The difference in cost can be between 30% and 50% more than what non-smokers pay. This adds up over time, so quitting smoking will help both your health and your wallet in the long run.

Can I Lie to Insurance Providers About Smoking to Save Money?

When you apply for health insurance, you’ll be asked about your health, including if you smoke.

It might seem tempting to leave some details out to lower your premium, but being dishonest could cause big problems. If your provider finds out, they could cancel your health insurance policy. This could make it harder and more expensive to get insurance in the future because you’d need to disclose the cancellation on your next application.

How Do Health Insurance Companies Know If You Smoke?

Even if you don’t mention your smoking habits, the health details you provide could still give health insurance companies a hint that you use tobacco. They might ask for a urine or saliva test to check for nicotine or contact your GP for more information.

If you make a claim and they find out you weren’t truthful, they could refuse to pay.

What If I Started or Stopped Smoking After Getting Health Insurance?

If your smoking habits change after you’ve got health insurance, make sure to let your provider know. If you start smoking and don’t inform them, your policy could be cancelled, and your premiums might go up because of the added health risks.

On the flip side, some insurers will reduce your premium after you’ve been smoke-free for a year, with no nicotine products. You may need to show proof of this.

How Long Do You Have to Quit Smoking for Health Insurance?

Generally, you’ll need to be smoke-free for at least 12 months, with no nicotine replacements, before your premiums might go down. However, some insurers could still charge higher premiums for up to five years after you’ve quit smoking.

How to Choose the Best Health Insurance for Smokers

Choosing the best health insurance means comparing the top providers because there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

At Moneyrepublic, you can compare a range of health insurance quotes from different UK providers. It’s a convenient way for you to explore different options to find coverage that fits your needs and budget. Whether it’s health insurance for smokers or some other specific coverage, you’ll see which ones have the best value.

Final Words: Health Insurance for Smokers

In short, being a smoker does affect your coverage, but it doesn’t mean you can’t find good health insurance for smokers. You might want to lower your costs or just find the right coverage — there are options out there. Take the time to explore and compare insurers to find the best plan for you.