Health insurance premiums vary based on certain key factors such as age, pre-existing health conditions, type of plan, optional add-ons, and sum insured. While these are well-known, many people don’t realise that their lifestyle habits can also affect health insurance premium costs.
In reality, your day-to-day habits, like smoking, drinking alcohol, and physical activity, are among the most significant factors insurers consider while determining your premium.
If you want to choose the best health insurance in India, it is important to understand the impact of these lifestyle habits.
Smoking and Drinking Alcohol
Smoking and regular alcohol consumption can lead to serious health issues. These range from chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension to critical illnesses such as cancer.
For this reason, insurers consider individuals with these lifestyle habits to be at a higher risk of developing health conditions that may need expensive treatment and hospitalisation.
This increased risk leads to higher insurance premiums. You can use a health insurance premium calculator to determine your premium.
Sedentary Lifestyle
If you lead a sedentary lifestyle with less physical activity, such as working in a desk job or in professional roles like teaching, you may be considered at a higher risk of developing certain health issues.
This can range from conditions like obesity, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and heart disease. Such health conditions may be considered as pre-existing diseases, which can result in higher health insurance premiums.
Physical Activity
A regular exercise routine improves cardiovascular health, helps maintain a healthy weight, reduces stress and anxiety, and supports overall wellbeing.
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a reliable measure of your weight relative to your height. Individuals within the normal BMI range are generally considered healthy.
Regular exercise can help you maintain a BMI within the normal range. Exceeding this range may increase the risk of obesity-related health issues, while being below it can lead to underweight-related concerns.
Insurers often consider your BMI when determining your health insurance premiums. People within the normal BMI range may benefit from lower premiums, while people outside it may face higher premiums.
Occupation
If you are involved in a high-risk occupation, such as working in a factory operating heavy equipment, a chemical plant, or a similar environment, there is a higher chance of injury or exposure to health hazards. This higher level of risk can result in increased health insurance premiums.
Hazardous or Adventure Sports
If you engage in hazardous or adventure sports, such as mountaineering, scuba diving, or skydiving, you are at a higher risk of injuries or health issues. This added risk can lead to a higher premium.
It is important to note that any treatment required due to professional participation in such activities is generally excluded under standard health insurance coverage.
Urban Lifestyle
Medical treatment expenses are generally higher in cities than rural areas. Therefore, living in an urban setting is also a key factor that can influence your health insurance premium.
While using a health insurance premium calculator, you can observe how premiums differ by location.
Get Comprehensive Health Insurance Protection from TATA AIG
Individuals with lifestyle habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or leading a sedentary lifestyle are at a higher risk of developing serious health issues. This higher risk may lead to increased health insurance premiums.
If this applies to you, it is important to take steps toward a healthier lifestyle. Maintain a balanced diet and include regular physical activity in your routine. In addition to these healthy habits, having a health insurance policy with comprehensive protection is essential.
With the best health insurance in India, you can ensure adequate financial support to pay for your medical treatment expenses, even if you develop a disease despite making lifestyle changes.
TATA AIG offers several health insurance plans with extensive coverage, including hospitalisation, pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses, AYUSH treatments, and more. You can also personalise your policy with various optional add-ons for financial protection specific to your healthcare needs.
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