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Health Insurance for Smokers
Smoking and health insurance: Is it possible?
Finding an affordable health insurance policy that provides you adequate coverage is an uphill task. But getting the right health insurance for smokers is a completely different challenge.
It is a myth that no insurance company will agree to provide you insurance coverage if you are a smoker. But that’s far from the truth as health insurance plans are indeed available for smokers. However, the premium for such plans tends to be higher compared to the same for other plans. Read on to learn everything you should know about insurance plans as a smoker.
Why do smokers need a health insurance policy more than anyone else?
Every smoker needs to buy health insurance. Smoking hurts your body and can be the cause of many illnesses. Smokers are also more prone to contracting respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and lung cancer.
A health insurance policy ensures financial protection against these diseases. It can also help you pay for the medical expenses in case any other illness that may affect you.
Smoking and insurance: Learn the fine print
There are no particular insurance policies for smokers. Whenever you enquire about any health insurance plan, the insurer will ask you about your smoking habits.
The definition of a smoker is critical while looking at health insurance for smokers. According to most insurance companies, anyone who consumes nicotine in any form (including patches, gums, or cigars) is a smoker. Even if you smoke e-cigarettes or use a different form of vaporiser to smoke, you will still fall within the definition. It is not uncommon for insurers to inquire about the number of cigarettes you smoke or whether you have any respiratory or other diseases because of your nicotine usage.
You may also be asked to undergo a series of medical exams to determine the severity of your smoking. Again, this helps insurers to assess the extent of coverage and the premium.
It is also advisable to be absolutely honest about your smoking habits when asked. Don’t hide any information at the time of talking to an insurance agent. Providing false or misleading information about your health can result in the insurer rejecting your claim on the ground of fraud. There have been several cases of smokers not disclosing their smoking status at the time of availing of the policy, and at the time of claim settlement, the insurer refused to pay citing wilful non-disclosure of crucial information related to health. Make sure that you don’t face this situation.
Insurance premiums for smokers?
Smoking and health insurance premiumsM are very closely connected. While the insurance companies don’t have any special policies for smokers, the difference lies in the premium amount, which is linked to the number of cigarettes smoked every day. For example, those who smoke more than 10 cigarettes will need to pay a much higher premium than those who smoke five cigarettes. Insurance companies are also known for rejecting insurance policies of those who smoke more than two packs of cigarettes a day.
The premium for smokers is considerably higher compared to premiums paid by a non-smoker. The reason smokers pay more for health insurance is simple. Due to prolonged smoking, smokers are at a much higher risk of falling ill. They are also at a significantly higher risk of falling severely ill. As a result, the insurer needs to provide extensive coverage.
What happens if I start smoking after getting a health insurance policy?
It is good housekeeping practice to keep the insurer up to date about any changes in your lifestyle that may directly impact your health. If you pick up smoking after getting an insurance policy, inform the insurer as soon as possible, especially if you want a hassle-free claim settlement process. You can write to them or speak to a customer care executive to inform the change in status.
Depending on the frequency of your smoking, the insurance company makes modifications to your premium amount. The insurance company may also ask you to undergo medical tests to determine your current state of health.
If I am a smoker with existing health problems, can I still get health insurance?
Smoking puts you at a higher risk of falling critically ill. Therefore, it is always advisable to apply for a health insurance policy. An insurance policy ensures that you have a safety net to meet medical expenses when you suddenly fall ill and need to be hospitalised.
Keep in mind that every insurance application is examined by the insurer. There’s a chance that your application is rejected by the insurer if smoking has resulted in severe lifestyle diseases such as Type 2 diabetes.
Some insurers also have quit smoking programmes and may offer you to join the same to help you kick the habit. If you successfully stay off smoking for a period of two years at least, the insurers may offer to reduce your premium. However, this varies on a case-to-case basis, and your medical history plays a significant role too.
If I only smoke one cigarette a day, do I still need to disclose my smoking habits to the insurance company?
For an insurance company, anyone who consumes nicotine in any form is a smoker. The number of cigarettes per day is only helpful in deciding the premium amount. Whether you smoke one cigarette a day or five, you need to disclose your smoking habits to the insurance company to help them make a better assessment of your health and fix the premium amount.
How do I ensure hassle-free claim settlement if I am a smoker?
Being completely transparent about your smoking habits is the best way to ensure a hassle-free claim settlement process.
When you apply for a health insurance policy, the insurer will ask you a series of questions about your smoking habits. Some of the commonly asked questions include: Do you smoke? Have you consumed nicotine or tobacco in the last six months? How much nicotine do you consume daily? Since the premium and coverage are linked to the state of your health, you must answer these questions truthfully to avoid getting charged with fraud. Hiding any relevant information can put your claim in danger.
What is the best health insurance for smokers?
The best policy is the one you take.
Even though you are a smoker, you are still eligible to apply for an insurance policy. You can minimise your chances of getting rejected by disclosing your smoking habits. Even though your premium might work out to be on the higher side, the policy still takes care of the expenses of various illnesses without putting a strain on your finances.
If you are a smoker, it is still not too late to apply for a health insurance policy. Having a medical insurance policy with higher premiums is better than not having anything to protect your finances during a medical crisis. When you speak to the insurer, make sure to be absolutely honest about your smoking habits and don’t hide anything simply because you don’t want to pay more premium. Timely and proper disclosures can go a long way in securing your health and the future of your loved ones.
Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.
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Health Insurance
6 Healthy Habits For Families
The key to long-term health is to get the entire family involved. Right from making healthy food choices to leading an active lifestyle – incorporating healthy habits in your daily lifestyle can be simple and practical when everyone in the family is working towards the same health goals.
Over here we discuss 6 healthy habits for families. You can add these habits into your daily routine to ensure your family’s good health.
6 Healthy Habits for Families
Eating a healthy diet, together as a family
The easiest of all family eating habits to cultivate is eating together. In today’s hectic world, eating together may be a challenge, but it’s worth making the efforts. There are several benefits of eating together. Eating together will help everyone in your family stick to scheduled meal times. Combine this habit with a healthy diet. Make a variety of healthy food choices, preferably food made at home so that family members, especially children do not look for junk food.
Make meal prep a fun activity
For family health benefits, it is essential to lead by example.Make healthy food choices so that your children can follow suit. A great way to promote healthy eating habits is to invite your children to be part of the cooking process. Help them choose the recipe and shop the ingredients. This will go a long way in inculcating healthy food choices in children.
Have no-phone zones
Apart from instilling good and healthy family habits and practices with regards to meals, it helps to turn meal hours into exclusive family hours with no interruptions. Having no phone zones at the dinner table and in the bedroom can encourage your family members to get moving and spend less time sitting. Encourage your kids to play outside. Planning fun activities like play board games and treasure hunts with your children can prove to be highly rewarding.
Be more active as a family
Staying active as a family doesn’t have to be boring! You can let every family member choose one activity for every week. From taking strolls to doing yoga together, from biking to swimming, many fun-filled activities can help you and your family burn some calories, relieve stress, while forming healthy family habits and practices.
Practice hand hygiene
As a family, make sure everyone follows hand hygiene. Wash hands after going to the restroom, before preparing food, after touching a pet, changing a diaper, blowing your nose, coughing, or handling garbage. You can also make a 20-second song so that children thoroughly wash their hands.
Do not skip medical tests
The importance of keeping track of your health cannot be emphasised enough. By undergoing regular medical check-ups you can help your family make informed health care decisions. It can help you catch health problems in the early stages and make lifestyle changes accordingly. Do include dental and eye checkup for yourself and your children in the annual medical checkup. To reap family health benefits, it’s important to take the right precautions, at the right time and make the right changes to avoid the most common health illnesses
Why is family insurance a must?
Illnesses don’t come knocking on the door. So, it only makes sense to have a backup plan in case you or your family member falls sick or needs hospitalisation in case of an accident or a health condition. With medical expenses skyrocketing, a health insurance policy is the best protection cover for a family. A comprehensive health insurance plan will give you that peace of mind regarding your family’s health and your financial well-being.
Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.
Health Insurance
10 Worst Diseases That Smoking Can Cause
Smoking causes diseases but it is one of the most preventable causes of death worldwide. Every puff of a cigarette exposes the body to many harmful chemicals which can cause serious health problems. As awareness of these risks increases, so does the importance of having a reliable health insurance plan to help manage the financial burdens associated with these diseases.
Health Insurance
12 Foods With More Vitamin C Than Oranges
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in maintaining overall health. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, vitamin C is crucial for the growth, development, and repair of all body tissues. It aids in the formation of collagen, absorption of iron, and the proper functioning of the immune system.
Health Insurance
20 Foods High in Vitamin A: A Guide to Boosting Health Through Diet
Vitamin A is a vital nutrient that plays a key role in maintaining overall health, supporting vision, immune function, skin health, and more. As a fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin A exists in two main forms: retinoids (found in animal products) and carotenoids (found in plant-based foods). Retinoids are readily usable by the body, while carotenoids must be converted into the active form of vitamin A.
Given its essential functions, maintaining adequate vitamin A levels is crucial for both adults and children. A deficiency in vitamin A can lead to significant health problems, underscoring the importance of including vitamin A-rich foods in one’s diet. This article explores the various sources of vitamin A, recommended intake, health benefits, and how to prevent deficiency.
What is Vitamin A?
Vitamin A is essential for several physiological processes. It is found in animal-based foods such as retinol and in plant-based foods as beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. Recommended daily intake levels differ based on age and gender. Adult men require approximately 900 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin A daily, while adult women need about 700 mcg. Pregnant and breastfeeding women generally require higher amounts to support foetal and infant development.
Role of Vitamin A in Health
Vitamin A is associated with various health benefits, from antioxidant protection to immunity. Below are some of its primary roles:
1. Antioxidant Protection: As an antioxidant, vitamin A helps prevent cellular damage from free radicals, which can lead to chronic diseases and ageing.
2. Immunity: Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining immune function, and enhancing the body’s response to infections.
3. Eye Health: Known for promoting good vision, vitamin A helps prevent night blindness and age-related vision problems.
4. Skin Health: Vitamin A supports skin health by promoting cell growth, reducing wrinkles, and addressing acne concerns.
5. Organ Functioning: It aids in the proper functioning of the heart, lungs, and kidneys.
6. Reproductive Health: Vitamin A plays a role in reproductive health and foetal development, making it essential for pregnant women.
7. Foetal Development: It is critical for foetal tissue and organ development during pregnancy.
8. Teeth and Gums: It contributes to healthy teeth and gums, supporting oral health.
Also Read: 6 Key Pregnancy Care Tips You Should Know
Animal Foods High in Vitamin A
Animal-based foods are an excellent source of preformed vitamin A, which is easily absorbed by the body. Here is a vitamin A foods chart showcasing some common animal-based vitamin A sources.
| Name | Particulars |
| Liver (beef, lamb, chicken) | Extremely rich in vitamin A; 100 grams provide more than 6 times the daily requirement |
| Cod Liver Oil | A tablespoon provides up to 4,500 mcg of vitamin A |
| Dairy Products (Milk, Cheese, Butter) | Source of vitamin A in moderate amounts, especially whole milk products |
| Eggs | Egg yolks contain around 140 mcg per 100 gms |
| Fish | Fatty fish is a good source of vitamin A, particularly retinol. |
| Shellfish | Provides moderate amounts of vitamin A, along with other essential nutrients. |
Vegetables High in Vitamin A
Vegetables, particularly those that are orange, yellow, or dark green, are rich in carotenoids, which the body can convert to vitamin A. Here is a chart listing vegetables that are vitamin A high foods.
| Name | Particulars |
| Sweet Potato | Contains around 1400 mcg per medium potato, providing well over the daily recommended intake |
| Carrot | A single large carrot offers about 1,000 mcg of vitamin A. |
| Spinach | Once cup cooked provides approx. 943 mcg |
| Kale | A cup cooked provides approximately 943 mcg |
| Red Bell Pepper | Provides about 140 mcg per 100 grams |
| Butternut Squash | Offers around 1,000 mcg per cup |
| Collard Greens | Contains 770 mcg per cooked cup |
| Swiss Chard | A good source, with 300 mcg per cup. |
Also Read: Sources of Vitamin D for Vegetarians
Fruits High in Vitamin A
Certain fruits, especially those with orange or yellow pigmentation, are rich in beta-carotene and contribute to daily vitamin A intake.
| Name | Particulars |
| Mango | Contains about 54 mcg of vitamin A per 100 gms. |
| Cantaloupe | A cup of diced cantaloupe provides 270 mcg. |
| Papaya | Offers around 47 mcg per 100 gms. |
| Apricots | Dried apricots are rich in vitamin A, with 96 mcg per fruit. |
| Guava | Contains about 31 mcg per 100 gms. |
| Watermelon | A cup of watermelon offers around 43 mcg. |
Signs of Vitamin A Deficiency and Toxicity
Vitamin A deficiency is relatively common and can lead to symptoms like night blindness, dry skin, poor immune response, and growth delays in children. Severe vitamin A deficiency can cause complete blindness and increase the risk of infections. Here are a few signs and symptoms of vitamin A deficiency:-
1) Irregular white deposits in eyes
2) Delayed Growth (in children)
3) Infertility
4) Infections
5) Night Blindness
6) Lack of quick healing of wounds
If these signs are observed it is recommended to take the required tests and get medications from a doctor.
On the other hand, excess vitamin A, primarily from supplements, can lead to toxicity. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, and even liver damage in severe cases. It’s essential to balance vitamin A intake and avoid excessive supplementation.
Conclusion
Vitamin A is essential for overall health, supporting skin, vision, immune function, and reproductive health. By incorporating a variety of vitamin A sources—such as liver, dairy, carrots, and leafy greens—one can easily meet daily requirements and enjoy a balanced diet. To safeguard long-term health, consider monitoring your diet and explore a health insurance policy that promotes regular health check-ups and preventive care.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How can I increase my vitamin A?
To boost vitamin A intake, incorporate foods rich in both retinoids (from animal products) and carotenoids (from plants) into your diet. Add liver, dairy, carrots, and leafy greens to your meals regularly.
2) How do you increase vitamin A absorption?
Since vitamin A is fat-soluble, pairing it with healthy fats (such as olive oil or avocado) can enhance absorption. This helps the body more effectively utilise the nutrient.
3) What are the symptoms of low vitamin A?
Signs of vitamin A deficiency include night blindness, dry skin, increased risk of infections, and, in severe cases, complete blindness. Other symptoms may include delayed growth in children and poor wound healing.
Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.
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