An Overview
While insurance policies are currently introduced at considerably affordable rates, various factors such as age, pre-existing conditions, and family medical history significantly influence product pricing. Among an individual’s personal habits, both smoking and drinking play pivotal roles in determining policy pricing. This blog aims to explore the effects of alcohol consumption on both personal health and its impact on insurance policies.
Impacts of alcohol on an individual’s insurance policy
Mukesh, a well-educated individual, occasionally indulges in alcohol consumption, reserved for celebratory occasions like anniversaries or birthdays. On one such occasion, celebrating his 5th marriage anniversary with his wife at a pub, they enjoyed a pleasant evening with good food and drinks. However, the following day, Mukesh was unexpectedly plagued by severe stomach pain and a high fever. Seeking medical attention, he consulted a nearby doctor and was diagnosed with typhoid, subsequently hospitalized for cure. When Mukesh submitted a claim for his hospitalization expenses, it was declined. The reason cited was his failure to disclose his occasional alcohol consumption during the policy purchase, potentially impacting his premium calculations.
Now faced with a rejected claim, Mukesh is confronted with a predicament. However, there exists a plausible solution. Mukesh can approach his insurer and propose the imposition of an additional premium (loading) on his current policy to cover the ailment, highlighting that the typhoid diagnosis is not directly associated with his occasional alcohol consumption.
An important aspect to note is that if Mukesh were diagnosed with an illness directly linked to alcohol consumption, his insurance policy might not cover the related hospitalization expenses. This situation underscores the criticality of full and transparent disclosure during policy purchase, ensuring that potential exclusions or implications are comprehensively understood.
Mukesh’s case serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the significance of complete honesty and transparency when providing information to insurers. It also highlights the potential consequences of non-disclosure regarding lifestyle habits, especially concerning alcohol consumption, which can significantly impact policy coverage and claims.
Ultimately, Mukesh’s best course of action is to address the non-disclosure issue with the insurer, explore potential options for coverage, and ensure complete transparency in future interactions to avoid similar complications.
Why is there a rise in premium if you consume alcohol?
Regular alcohol consumption, particularly in excessive quantities, escalates the likelihood of numerous health conditions. These include but are not limited to liver failure, hypertension, stroke, breast and oral cancer, pancreatitis, among others. The association between drinking alcohol and these severe health issues significantly heightens the insurance provider’s potential liability, consequently impacting your premium.
Here are a few negative effects of alcoholism on a person’s body.
- Liver disease
- Pancreatitis
- High blood pressure
- Heart Failure
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Stroke
- Cancer
- Risk of accidents
What is the acceptable limit of alcohol consumption?
Health insurance providers often establish varying guidelines concerning acceptable limits for regular alcohol consumption among policyholders. Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol poses health risks. If this habit is a part of your lifestyle, it’s advisable to restrict your intake to the amount recommended by your health insurance company.
The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have established specific limits on alcohol consumption, defining drinking beyond these limits as excessive. In India, there is a set standard that stipulates a person’s blood should not contain more than 30mg of alcohol for every 100 ml, a crucial limit for safe driving. Surpassing this threshold could lead your insurance company to consider you as a higher-risk individual, potentially resulting in an increased price for your health insurance policy.
The approval of your health insurance application might hinge on the frequency of your alcohol consumption. If you suspect you may have issues with excessive drinking, seeking advice from a healthcare professional is advisable. They can provide guidance on how to reduce or regulate your alcohol intake.
When you apply for health insurance coverage, the insurance provider assesses the associated risks and determines the premium based on your present health status. Generally, an individual with no history of medical conditions, including drinking problems, would typically pay a lower premium compared to someone with a documented history of alcohol-related issues.
Conclusion
Insurance policies are accessible at reasonable rates, factors like age, pre-existing conditions, and lifestyle habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption significantly impact policy pricing. Mukesh’s situation serves as a cautionary reminder of the importance of honest disclosure during policy purchase. Ultimately, being transparent about alcohol consumption during policy applications is crucial. Seeking guidance from healthcare professionals for managing alcohol intake and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can positively impact insurance premiums. Insurance providers evaluate risks based on current health status, often resulting in lower premiums for individuals without a history of alcohol-related issues, emphasizing the significance of lifestyle choices in insurance pricing.
By – Shivani Modi
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