Smoking stands as one of the leading causes of death annually, with India consistently ranking among the top consumers of tobacco products globally. Despite public health campaigns and government regulations having made some impact, smoking has become deeply ingrained in the social, cultural, and economic landscape of Indian society. Beyond the significant health risks, smoking also imposes a financial burden on individuals in ways that might come as a surprise.
This article will help individuals understand the need for health insurance for smokers, factors to consider when buying insurance, and the financial impact that smoking can have on health insurance premiums.
Why Should Smokers Invest in Medical Insurance Plans?
Smoking increases the likelihood of developing cancer, stroke, heart attack, lung disease, and various other health problems. These conditions can greatly affect your financial stability, as the costs associated with their medical treatment can be substantial. This is where the best health insurance in India comes into play. best health insurance in India act as a financial safety net, providing coverage for the high costs of treatment, hospitalisation, surgeries, and prescription drugs. For smokers, this becomes even more important due to the increased likelihood of developing serious health conditions.
What are the Side Effects of Smoking?
The harmful effects of smoking are not limited to the lungs but affect nearly every organ in the body. The side effects of smoking can be immediate, short-term, and long-term, with severe consequences for health. Let’s explore some of them.
- Smoking is the primary contributor to lung cancer. This type of cancer is frequently identified at an advanced stage, making it one of the most dangerous and deadly cancers with a low survival rate.
- COPD is a progressive condition caused by smoking that damages organs, including the lungs and airways, making it difficult to breathe. Chronic coughing, wheezing, and difficulty in breathing are some of the common symptoms.
- Smoking significantly reduces the effectiveness of asthma medications, making it harder to manage asthma long-term.
- Smoking weakens the immune system, making individuals prone to diseases, necessitating health insurance planning.
The Financial Impact of Smoking on Health Insurance Premiums
As previously mentioned, smoking can make people more susceptible to diseases. It affects not only their health but also the premiums for the best health insurance in India.
Let’s take a closer look at how smoking affects premiums:
- The best health insurance company in India assesses risk based on various factors, and smoking is one of the most significant risk factors considered. Individuals who smoke require frequent medical care due to the high risk of medical conditions like emphysema, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.
- People who smoke are more susceptible to diseases, as it weakens their immune systems. They may require specialised treatment or medications to complete the treatments. Given medical advancements in the healthcare industry, the cost of medical expenses is increasing on a daily basis, prompting insurers to raise premiums.
- In some cases, employers offer group health insurance plans, where employees share the cost of premiums. However, if a significant number of employees smoke, the overall cost of the health insurance plan may increase. This may result in higher premiums for the entire group, not just smokers.
Things to Keep in Mind When Buying Health Insurance for Smokers
There are various insurance plans available in India; each plan varies in terms of coverage and premiums. Therefore, when buying the best health insurance in India, individuals must remember the following factors to get the maximum coverage.
- During the application process, the best health insurance company in India inquires about the individual’s health status. Failure to provide accurate details may lead to a claim rejection.
- As mentioned earlier, smokers usually pay higher premiums than non-smokers because insurance companies view them as higher-risk individuals.
- If a smoker develops a serious health condition, such as lung cancer or heart disease, it may be classified as a pre-existing condition when applying for insurance. Insurers apply a waiting period for pre-existing conditions. Read the policy before purchasing it to avoid surprises.
Wrapping Up
Smoking is not only a health risk but also a financial one, particularly when it comes to health insurance. Smokers frequently pay significantly higher premiums due to their increased risk of serious health issues. Nevertheless, by selecting the appropriate insurance plan and committing to quitting smoking, these costs can be reduced.
Regarding health insurance, Niva Bupa stands out for its excellence and customer-centric approach. They boast a large network of hospitals offering 24×7 access to quality healthcare. Niva Bupa offers various wellness programmes and counselling sessions that help in improving the overall quality of life.