The Difference Between Non-Smokers and Smokers Term Life Insurance Rates
Once the underwriter confirms that you are smoking, you will no longer be given a chance to be put in the classification that has the lowest possible rates. It does not take a genius to understand the logic behind why smokers term life insurance rates are costlier. The primary reason is that because the bad habit brings about detrimental effects to one’s wellbeing, it practically cuts down the applicant’s life expectancy. Statistics from various clinical studies that have been in accord show that smoking decreases up to 17 years at the most in the lifespan of a person who has been taking it chronically. In addition, it leads to many different illnesses.
It is important that you are familiar with the insurance firm’s definition of smoker so it would be clear to you. Anyone who has been consuming tobacco products for quite a long time is counted as one. Such products may include but not limited to cigarettes, cigars and tobacco. More often than not, certain carriers also includes nicotine patched and tobacco gums. If you are into even just one of the mentioned above, you may be tagged as a smoker.
You will be surprised to know that the carriers seem to not know the distinction between the occasional and chain smoker. This is because the rates that they give to both persons are just equal. This may be unfair on the part of the plan buyers but not from the perspective of the insurers. For them, the detrimental effects that the smoking can bring about to one’s health will be quite similar. In addition, the infrequent practice of the not so good habit will most likely become constant as time goes by depending on the adopted lifestyle and mood swings the person will be subjected to.
More often than not, most insurance firms would group their plan holders in four main classifications; preferred plus, preferred, standard and standard plus as arranged in the ascending order based on the premiums the policy owners will pay. Those who decided to keep on smoking are usually in the last two categories especially the individuals who have specific minor and/or major medical condition that may or may not be caused by smoking.
So how can someone be classified as non-smoker or how can a smoker have a shot at more affordably priced rates? Below are some tips that may come in handy.
– Decide to quit. -this can sound harsh but this is the ultimate way for you to be given low rates. Abstain yourself for at least a few weeks before you apply for the plan. This way, you will be in the clear even if you would be subjected to medical tests.
– Get healthy. -this starts in adopting a healthy lifestyle. Shed extra pounds if you must. Eat smart foods. Stay away from alcohol and tobacco. Do not be a couch potato. Get active.
– Do not unleash the daredevil in you. -if you are into extreme sports, you may consider avoiding it while your plan is in effect as it will mar your chances.
Puttting all the factors the underwriters take into account in deciding the premiums you will pay on the equal footing, you will see that at the most, smokers pay rates that are four times costlier compared to the figures that are given to an individual who do not smoke. This truth may not bother you that much; however, you will not take it lightly if you will take a look at it in the larger scale. If your 20-year term plan would cost you $8,000, you can save at least six thousand bucks if you are not smoking at all.
There is another stunt that you can pull if you want to get away from paying a rate designated for smokers. As a rule, you will not be classified as a smoker if you will be cleared from the medical tests that could detect nicotine traces. More often than not, it includes urinalysis and blood test. What you should do is to abstain yourself from smoking for a few weeks before the screening day. This way, you will be totally free from nicotine. If you want, you can also conduct a test yourself so that you can make sure that the results will be fine.
Ideally, you should not make any lies to your insurer. But should you decide to proceed with such stunt, you need to understand fully the terms and conditions stated in the contract of the plan so that you can think of a way not to violate even one of the stated provisions. This way, the carrier cannot have sufficient grounds not to pay your beneficiaries.
As advised by Gregory Winans, in order to make the best decision possible, you need to fully equip yourself with all the information before taking the non recourse action. Click here for more information on your desired policy or visit his site for other specific information today.
Article by Gregory Winans who is a specialist in life insurance. For more information, visit his site at http://www.termlifeinsuranceforsmokers.com.
Author Bio: As advised by Gregory Winans, in order to make the best decision possible, you need to fully equip yourself with all the information before taking the non recourse action. Click here for more information on your desired policy or visit his site for other specific information today.
Category: Finances
Keywords: smokers term life insurance