Drinking Impacts of Health Insurance Premiums

Risks of Alcoholism

Alcoholism brings with it several health issues that will gradually deteriorate the health of the body. Here are some of the health consequences of alcoholism: 

1. High blood pressure 
2. Liver disease 
3. Pancreatitis 
4. Worsens cardiovascular diseases 
5. Heart failure 
6. Certain cancers 
7. Stroke 
8. Brain damage to an unborn child 
9. Serious accidental injuries 
10. Death 

Alcohol Exclusion

Alcoholism not only reduces the possibility of a person availing health insurance coverage but can also eliminate the possibility of claim settlement. This is because one of the common exclusions of all health insurance policies in India is that injuries or illnesses caused by alcoholism or caused under the influence of alcohol cannot be claimed. 

Health Insurance Plan Features for Drinkers

While it may be difficult for a drinker to avail a health insurance policy, it is certainly not impossible. Insurance companies may issue a policy but charge a higher premium. Insurers test if a person is a moderate drinker or a heavy drinker. If a person has been a moderate drinker for a short period of time, he/she may be able to avail at least a basic health insurance policy. Here are some of the features of the basic health insurance policy he/she may be offered: 

1. In-patient hospitalisation: The costs incurred on treatment while being hospitalised will be covered. The insured, however, may have to pay a certain share of the amount due to the co-pay clause. 
2. Co-payment or deductibles: Health insurance companies have the co-payment clause wherein the insured individual will have to bear a percentage of the costs incurred. The percentage, in most cases, can be chosen by the insured. The co-payment percentage chosen is one of the determining factors of the health insurance premium. So, if a person opts for a high deductible, he/she will have to pay a comparatively low premium. 
3. Cashless facility: If a person chooses to get treated in a network hospital, he/she can enjoy cashless transactions. The insurance company will pay for the hospital bill at the time of discharge. 
4. Lifelong renewability: Health insurance policies are generally offered with lifetime renewability. The policyholder is required to renew the policy from time to time to enjoy the benefits offered. 

As established, drinking alcohol has various harmful effects on health insurance policies. It is, therefore, advisable to avoid drinking and lead a healthy lifestyle. However, if one is an alcoholic, it is important to disclose the fact to the insurance company at the time of application. If the fact is not reported and the insurance company finds out that the applicant had not disclosed the fact, it may choose to reject the claim or terminate the policy altogether. 

Are Alcohol Consumers Eligible to Purchase Health Insurance? 

If a person infrequently consumes or drinks alcohol without adverse effects on their health, they can still apply for a health insurance plan. Hence, we can say that people who drink alcohol can purchase health insurance. 

1. The insurance might ask the insured to go for an examination if someone starts drinking after purchasing health insurance. In order to avoid paying a higher premium amount, the insured should consume alcohol cautiously. 
2. Insurance companies might also ask you to submit the medical case file in order to analyse the alcohol consumption issues. In case there is any issue, the policyholder may have to pay for the therapy. In general, many people tend to hide this to avail a policy by paying lower premium but if the insurance company finds out, you will end out paying higher premium amount. 
3. Apart from this, you also have to inform the insurer even if they do not analyse your health. If you consume on a regular basis, the insurance company might reject your health insurance claim in future. 
4. Overconsumption of alcohol can lead to significant health issues due to which you have to higher premiums because it increases the liability of the insurance company. 

Why is Insurance Premium High for Alcohol Consumers? 

1. Excessive alcohol use is linked to a variety of health hazards, including liver disease, heart difficulties, and a higher chance of accidents and injuries. Individuals with a higher risk of health problems may incur higher insurance premiums.
2. Alcohol use can lead to risky behaviours such as impaired judgement and an increased likelihood of engaging in harmful activities. This may increase the likelihood of accidents or injuries, influencing insurance premiums.
3. Alcohol intake is occasionally linked to mental health problems. When assessing risk and determining premiums, insurers may consider mental health problems. 
4. Alcoholism is frequently associated with specific medical disorders. Insurers look at a person's medical history to calculate their overall health risk. If there are alcohol-related health difficulties, the premium may be affected.
5. If a person has a criminal record of driving while intoxicated, it will be extremely difficult for them to get life insurance coverage.

Importance of Purchasing Health Insurance for Alcohol Consumers

Given below are the reasons on why it is important to purchase health insurance for alcohol consumers:

1. Health insurance covers medical bills such as hospitalisation, surgeries, and drugs. This coverage is critical for alcohol consumers in the event of alcohol-related health problems or accidents.
2. Regular health screenings and preventative care are critical for detecting and managing potential health concerns early. Preventive therapies are frequently covered by health insurance, allowing people to address health conditions before they become serious. 
3. Excessive alcohol use has been linked to a higher risk of liver damage. If necessary, health insurance can cover the costs of diagnostic testing, treatments, and eventual liver transplants. 
4. Alcohol intake is occasionally associated with mental health problems. Mental health services, counselling, and treatment for co-occurring illnesses may be covered by health insurance.
5. Health insurance can cover the costs of substance abuse treatment, counselling, and rehabilitation programmes for people who are addicted to alcohol, making these services more accessible and inexpensive. 

In addition to getting insurance, if you currently have an alcohol addiction, you must seek treatment. If you seek treatment for your alcoholism instead of ignoring it, health insurance companies will cut your premium.