Can I get Health Insurance If I Smoke?
Get a quote nowHere’s what you need to know about smoking and health insurance
Health Insurance and Smoking
In today’s world, tobacco and smoking products are not the status symbols they used to be. Gone are the days where global tobacco brands graced every billboard or advert and marketed on every platform. The unfortunate truth is that the use of tobacco products has been linked to serious health conditions like lung cancer and emphysema. Nicotine, found in many tobacco products, has also been found to be highly addictive.
It should come as no surprise then that smoking habits can have an impact on your health insurance policy.
Can I Get Health Insurance if I Smoke?
If you’re a smoker living in Dubai you may be wondering whether you can get health insurance if you smoke. As every individual living in Dubai is legally obligated to have health insurance, whether it’s personal or corporate-sponsored, the short answer is yes. You will be able to obtain health insurance, but the policy you take out might be more limited and conditional than a policy you would take out if you didn’t smoke.
If you do regularly smoke, remember to always declare this to your insurance provider. If you develop any health conditions resulting from tobacco use without ever declaring that you use tobacco with your healthcare provider, they are unlikely to cover you for any medication or hospital visits.
Will My Premiums Be Affected if I Smoke?
If you regularly smoke cigarettes, a tobacco pipe, a shisha, or roll your own cigarettes, your smoking habits will likely affect the premium you pay. Depending on your healthcare provider, your policy may be tailored around how many cigarettes or other tobacco products you use per day. For instance, if you smoke between 1 - 10 cigarettes per day, your provider may see this as relatively low-risk compared to someone who smokes a pack or more of cigarettes per day.
If your insurance provider deems your smoking habits high-risk, they will likely charge you a higher monthly premium or, in certain cases, leave your premium untouched but exclude coverage of certain conditions such as heart disease. Other healthcare providers may immediately charge you more once they hear that you smoke. In short, you can get health insurance if you smoke but it may be more expensive or a more limited coverage.
What if I Am a Smoker with a Preexisting Health Condition?
If you already have a preexisting health condition (whether from smoking or otherwise) and are a habitual smoker you are still required to have health insurance if you live in Dubai. If you are honest and upfront about your situation with your insurance provider they should still be willing to cover you. You may be asked to do a few medical tests for confirmation on record, and your monthly premiums may be higher than a regular smoker who is otherwise in good health.
Can I Get Health Insurance If I Smoke an E-Cigarette?
If you smoke an e-cigarette, otherwise known as a vape, you may wonder if your healthcare options differ from other smokers. Electronic cigarettes are often marketed as being a healthier alternative to regular tobacco products, as they generally don’t contain any tobacco. Despite this, most vapes do contain nicotine which is addictive and can still damage or irritate the lungs.
If you use a vape you will also be required to declare this to your insurance provider. Depending on your provider and the policy you have chosen, your premium and coverage may be unaffected or you may have to pay more. For this reason, it’s a good idea to shop around for a policy that works for you and your circumstances.
Despite any possible concerns you might have about the cost, it’s definitely worthwhile getting yourself covered. Having adequate health insurance will help protect you should any issues arise, and can help to limit any excessive medical costs from landing on your shoulders. CompareInsurance makes it easy to find a policy that suits you from a wide range of excellent insurance providers.
In this article
Health Insurance and Smoking
Can I Get Health Insurance if I Smoke?
Will My Premiums Be Affected if I Smoke?
What if I Am a Smoker with a Preexisting Health Condition?
Can I Get Health Insurance If I Smoke an E-Cigarette?
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Can I get Health Insurance If I Smoke?
Here’s what you need to know about smoking and health insurance