Implications of Smoking and Drinking on Health Insurance

Drinking and smoking have both been proven to have adverse effects on personal health, which is why they are both banned by most employers, healthcare providers, and even government agencies. However, the consequences of these two activities are felt more intensely by some people than others. While smoking and drinking can be harmful to almost anyone, those with pre-existing conditions and those who are younger or older are more affected. Understanding the possible implications of both smoking and drinking on your health can help you make the right decisions for your well-being.

Health Insurance and Health Check ups

One of the most important things to do with health insurance is to establish a health check-up schedule. This will allow you to be more aware and in control of your health. You should also inform and ask your doctor about any prescription medications you are currently taking, as these could have other effects on you that you may not be aware of.

Now that we have discussed the implications of smoking and drinking, let’s talk about how smoking and drinking might affect your health insurance. Smoking and drinking can cause a range of illnesses which are covered by health insurance policies. However, the cost for those illnesses is not covered by the policy and must be paid out-of-pocket.

Understanding the Health Implications of Smoking and Drinking

Many people have been hesitant to quit smoking or drinking due to the perceived health implications. However, if you understand the possible effects of both habits on your own health, it will make it easier for you to make an informed decision about what you do and don’t want in your life.

Smoking and drinking are both illegal in most workplaces and healthcare providers, making them less accessible to a general population. However, they are still legal and can be purchased by any individual. Both smoking and drinking are known to have various health consequences. Smoking is a known risk factor for lung cancer, respiratory disease, heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Smoking also poses the risk of death from cardiovascular diseases. Drinking can lead to liver cirrhosis and alcohol-related organ damage, such as brain damage and “wet brain”. Additionally, drinking may increase your risk for some kinds of cancers including breast cancer among others.

Alcohol Abuse and Dependence

Alcohol abuse and addiction have become some of the most prevalent health problems in India. Alcohol abuse is a behavior that occurs when a person drinks to get drunk or uses alcohol in situations where it’s not appropriate. On the other hand, alcohol dependence is a condition that can develop when a person consumes alcohol in high amounts or takes it over an extended period of time.

As a result, those who are more likely to drink heavily are also more likely to develop alcoholism. Furthermore, drinking in excess can also lead to liver damage, which can lead to cirrhosis. Drinking too much too quickly can cause people with fatty livers or those with impaired liver function to see their liver enzymes kick into hyperdrive. The potential side effects of excessive drinking are not limited just to excess weight gain--many people experience other negative consequences as well like headaches and hangovers.

Smoking and Health Care Costs

Smoking is known to have detrimental effects on your health. However, smoking can be a financial burden due to the high costs associated with smoking-related illnesses. Studies found that smoking increased a person's likelihood of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is also referred to as chronic bronchitis or emphysema. COPD patients will often require expensive medication and treatments which can result in an increase in healthcare costs. Additionally, tobacco use has been shown to have detrimental effects on a person’s mental health. Those who smoke are more likely than those who do not smoke to develop depression and anxiety disorders like post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). Smoking also increases the risk of developing bipolar disorder and other mood disorders.

How do health check ups impact health premiums?

If you have an individual health insurance plan, it can be difficult to figure out how much the premiums will change if you quit smoking or drinking. Some people may assume that their health insurance premiums would increase, but in reality, many plans have stipulations that make quitting smoking or drinking a good idea. If you are worried about your health plan changing and increasing your premiums, then it might be a good idea to check with your health insurance provider beforehand.