How Do Lifestyle Habits Impact Health Insurance Premiums?

People in India and around the globe have acknowledged the need for a health insurance plan, especially during the pandemic years. Though illness cannot always be predicted, a health insurance plan ensures you have the needed financial back-up in times of need. As known, you need to pay an insurance premium to avail the benefits of the plan. Health insurance premiums are decided on the basis of a lot of factors. It is also affected by the lifestyle habits of the policyholder.

Lifestyle habits and the overall health of the insured can impact the health plan premium to a great extent. This is primarily because certain ailments and habits like smoking or drinking increase the chances of getting sick. And hence, it also increases the medical insurance premiums. In this article, we will discuss the various lifestyle habits that may impact premium insurance and what you can do to make the most of a health plan. Continue reading to know more.

Lifestyle Habits that Impact Health Plan Premiums

Certain health conditions may not be under your control, while certain lifestyle habits are self-developed that may adversely affect the health plan premium. Here is a list of various lifestyle habits that you must be cautious about:

Smoking

Anyone who smokes knows smoking is injurious to health. Smoking is a bad habit that not only impacts your medical insurance premium but also heavily impacts the health of a person. Smoking can lead to heart and lung diseases among many and reduces the lifespan of the person as well. Data reveals that most lung cancer patients have a history of smoking.

I Insured with smoking habits tend to pay higher premiums because of the risk-appetite associated. Depending on the insurance provider, the tenure of leaving the smoking habit may differ. Usually, if you have had a smoking habit in the past 1 year, the premium charged is higher.

Drinking

Alcohol consumption  is yet another prevalent bad habit that affects insurance premium. Alcohol impacts the liver of the person along with heart diseases as well. Cancer is also one of the effects of drinking. Apart from these, people with drinking habits may also experience poor health conditions. Hence, the health insurance premium is also higher for people with regular drinking habits. The  premium hike may differ from one insurer to another.

Obesity

Reports, suggest that more than half of the population in the world will suffer from obesity in the coming decade. This is an alarming situation and requires immediate attention and action. Obesity is the home for various health issues like coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, bone problems, and so on. It further increases the chances of illness and hospitalisation.

BMI (Body Mass Index) is the parameter taken into consideration when a health insurance premium is decided. A BMI of over 35-38 may lead to a substantial increase in the premium. Excessive obesity may also lead to rejection of health plans in some conditions. With regular exercise and medical help, one can succeed in maintaining a healthy body weight.

Pre-existing Diseases

People who already suffer from illnesses prior to purchasing a health plan may have to pay a higher insurance premium. This is one reason why it is recommended to invest in a health insurance plan at an early age, since you have higher chances of getting a plan at low and affordable premium rates. With age, certain common diseases like diabetes, hypertension, etc., occur, and hence, health insurance premium charges are higher. However, the increase in the premium may differ from one insurance provider to another, and some may not charge at all for pre-existing illnesses.

High Risk Professions

People in certain professions are at higher risk of life. These professions include chemical factory workers, construction site workers, mining or coal extraction workers, and so on. These are jobs that include higher levels of life risks, and so, having a health plan becomes even more important. In some conditions, the health plan premium may be charged higher. By ensuring a good lifestyle and good health, you may also avail discounts to balance the premium.

Adventurous Hobbies

Hobbies see no boundary. Adventurous sports like mountain climbing, skydiving, water sports, etc., attract a lot of attention every day. Undoubtedly, these sports are very enthralling and exciting, but they may also affect the health plan premium. So, if you are someone who is into risky hobbies, you may have to pay a higher premium than others.

>> Also Read: 7-Step Guide to Fill Health Insurance Reimbursement Form

How can you Reduce Health Insurance Premiums?

Due to certain aforementioned lifestyle habits, one may end up paying a higher premium. In order to refrain from paying higher health insurance premium, you may follow the tips given below:

Maintain a Healthy weight

Obesity can be tackled in many cases. Maintaining a healthy weight requires you to eat healthy and exercise daily. In serious cases, you may also take the help of a nutritionist and your doctor, who can give professional advice on the matter.

Quit Smoking and Drinking

Smoking and drinking habits not only increase medical insurance premium but also decreases your life expectancy. It may seem difficult to leave this habit in the beginning. However, baby steps can definitely help you achieve a healthy you. You may take the help of professionals and counselling for better results.

Regular Exercise

Regular exercise not only helps maintain a healthy body weight but also keeps away a lot of health issues. People who have diabetes, heart disease, or bone problems are highly recommended to go on a daily walk. You may also do yoga, aerobics, or even dance on a daily basis to stay healthy.

Healthy Diet

Only when you eat healthy you can stay healthy. Good food is the source of a good mind and healthy body. Various health problems can be solved with the right diet.

Regular Check-up

Regular health check-up helps diagnose diseases in the initial stage itself. Hence, the right treatment is also possible. Also, it helps you present the correct medical history to the insurer, which further helps in charging the right health insurance premium.

Final Word

Health insurance premiums are of major concern for any individual. Purchasing a health plan at an early stage usually charges a lower premium due to the better health of the insured. However, those with poor lifestyle habits may have to pay higher medical insurance premiums, and in some cases, the application may also be rejected. In any case, make sure to present only the correct health information and hide nothing. Wrong details may not only lead to rejection of the policy but may also impose legal penalties on the insurer.

If you are still looking for one then health insurance plans offered by Care Health Insurance can be a good option to go for. We offer comprehensive coverage at an affordable insurance premium. So, if you haven't yet invested in one, now is the right time.

We wish you good health!

Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only: Policy Assurance and Claims at the underwriter's discretion.