Making the decision to quit smoking or alcohol consumption is a positive step towards better health. However, the belief that health insurance premiums will automatically decrease after quitting is not entirely accurate. Even after giving up these habits, individuals may still face higher premiums and be considered high-risk by insurers for a significant period.
This continued higher pricing is not due to insurers disregarding lifestyle changes but rather because the detrimental effects of smoking and alcohol consumption can persist in the body long after cessation. It is challenging for doctors to guarantee that a person who has recently quit smoking will not develop smoking-related health issues in the future.
Insurers take into account an individual’s history when assessing risk. Co-founder and COO of Insurance Samadhan, Shilpa Arora, explains that premiums are based on the lifestyle declared at the time of policy application and the current health status. Even if someone has recently quit smoking or drinking, insurers may consider past habits for several years due to the lasting impacts. However, positive changes in lifestyle and health over 2-3 years can lead to a re-evaluation of premiums through re-underwriting or policy switch via portability, potentially resulting in lower premiums.
The effects of smoking can linger for years post-quitting, affecting various organs and increasing the risk of secondary diseases. Dr. Vibhu Kawatra, a Pulmonologist, emphasizes that smoking can lead to chronic health issues, such as COPD, heart complications, and cancer, even after years of abstinence. Obtaining a clean medical report does not guarantee future health, as aging and external factors like pollution can impact health conditions.
In polluted cities like Delhi, lung health can be further compromised, making accurate assessments challenging. Insurers may adopt a strict approach to risk evaluation, taking into consideration geographical factors and underlying health issues. Patients’ integrity in disclosing past illnesses and treatments also plays a crucial role in risk evaluation.
Insurers typically reassess premiums after a sustained period of healthy living and improved medical reports. Re-underwriting or switching policies may lead to lower premiums, but it requires consistency in maintaining good health. Ultimately, insurers focus on long-term health patterns rather than short-term changes in behavior when determining premiums.