Burning at both ends: how smoking hits health, raises term insurance premium
American actress and singer Liza Minnelli once quipped, 'Smoking is one of the leading causes of statistics.' As witty as it sounds, the grim truth is hard to ignore, tobacco use remains one of the top causes of preventable death globally.
According to the World Health Organization, it is responsible for more than eight million deaths worldwide each year, including approximately 1.35 million deaths annually in India.
The health consequences of smoking are well documented. From lung cancer and cardiovascular disease to stroke and chronic respiratory issues, tobacco use leads to severe, often irreversible, damage. But what's less discussed is the financial burden it can bring, particularly when it comes to term life insurance.
Why smokers pay more
When you apply for a term insurance plan, one of the first things insurers assess is your smoking status. And the difference in premium can be staggering. For instance, a 35-year-old male living in Delhi could pay as much as 80–100% more for the same term plan if he is a smoker compared with a non-smoker.
For instance, a 35-year-old non-smoker will pay a monthly premium of ₹1,453 for a ₹1 crore term policy, while a smoker will pay about ₹2,905.
That's because smoking significantly reduces life expectancy, increasing the risk for insurers.
Life-threatening issues
Smokers are more prone to a host of life-threatening conditions, including various cancers, heart disease, and chronic respiratory ailments.
This elevated risk translates into higher premiums, as insurers factor in the likelihood of early claims.
Smoking habits outweigh job risk in premium assessment. While your profession also plays a role in determining your insurance premium, smoking is often a more critical factor. For example, a smoker working a low-risk job like a software engineer may still end up paying a higher premium than a non-smoker in a high-risk occupation, such as a construction worker or merchant navy officer. Insurers typically categorise applicants into two groups, smokers and non-smokers, regardless of other lifestyle or occupational risks.
Must buy term plan
There's a common misconception that smokers are ineligible for term insurance. That's simply not true. Smokers are eligible and, in fact, have even more reason to secure financial protection for their families. Given the elevated health risks, buying term insurance ensures that your loved ones are financially safeguarded in your absence.
Honesty matters
Disclose smoking habits upfront. It's crucial to be transparent about your smoking habits while purchasing a term plan. Non-disclosure or misrepresentation can lead to serious consequences.
If an insurer discovers withheld information, often through mandatory medical exams or tests that detect nicotine, the same may lead to claim rejection, cancellation of the policy, or even allegations of insurance fraud.
Frequent evaluation
Insurers don't just ask whether you smoke, they also evaluate how frequently and in what form you consume tobacco, whether it's cigarettes, cigars, or chewing tobacco.
Definitions of 'smoker' also vary across insurance providers. Some classify anyone who has smoked within the last 12 months as a smoker, while others may extend that window to three years.
Try to quit
Also, consider quitting for better rates and better health. If you're considering buying term insurance, quitting smoking can help reduce your premium costs significantly.
Some insurers even offer revised premiums if you quit smoking after purchasing the policy, subject to evidence and re-evaluation over time.
It's an opportune moment to reflect on how quitting smoking can improve not just your health, but also your financial well-being. A single decision, like giving up tobacco, can ripple into long-term benefits for both you and your family.
(The writer is head, term insurance, Policybazaar.com)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Print
9 hours ago
- The Print
2 drinks a day never hurt? Review of over 100 research papers challenges myth of moderate drinking
The evidence, according to the review paper published on 9 June, remains unclear and inconsistent, especially when it comes to conditions like atrial fibrillation—a type of irregular and often rapid heartbeat that can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications. 'Uncertainty remains about the true cardiovascular risk of drinking lightly such as one to two drinks per day,' said the review paper. While past studies have suggested that low to moderate alcohol intake—no more than one or two drinks a day—could protect against certain heart conditions like coronary artery disease or stroke, newer research using advanced methods is calling that idea into question. New Delhi: Two glasses of alcohol a day might not hurt your heart—but they don't help either, with new research suggesting that the 'benefits' of moderate drinking may have been overstated for years. A sweeping scientific review by the American Heart Association, a voluntary organisation dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, drawing on more than 100 research papers from across the world, has found that the relationship between alcohol and cardiac health is far more complex than popular wisdom would have you believe. What's more certain is that heavy drinking, including binge drinking or consuming three or more drinks a day, is harmful to cardiovascular health. With limited high-quality data and growing doubts about alcohol's benefits, researchers urge doctors to focus instead on well-established ways to protect the heart: regular exercise, not smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight. 'Considering the level of evidence, it remains unknown whether drinking is part of a healthy lifestyle and therefore clinicians should reinforce healthy lifestyle behaviours,' said the review paper. It looked at liquor consumption in the US, where almost 85 percent of adults have had alcohol at some point in their lives. On average, each American consumes around 2.5 gallons (9.4 litres) of pure alcohol each year. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 (jointly issued by the US Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services) highlight the need to avoid making definitive health claims about low-level alcohol use amid the continuing uncertainty in evidence. The World Health Organization (WHO) too states in The Lancet Public Health that there is no amount of alcohol consumption that is completely safe for health. Further, guidelines on alcohol and health in Canada state that 'less is better' while outlining the health risks linked to varying levels of weekly alcohol consumption. Also Read: Smoking, alcohol & high BMI among biggest risk factors linked to cancer death, says Lancet study Alcohol and stroke risk The review paper pointed to growing evidence that heavy drinking clearly raises the risk for all types of stroke. This includes ischemic stroke (caused by blocked blood flow), intracerebral haemorrhage (bleeding inside the brain), and subarachnoid haemorrhage (bleeding around the brain). Some earlier studies suggested that light to moderate drinking (up to two drinks a day) might slightly reduce the risk of ischemic stroke. But more recent and robust research, including large-scale studies and mendelian randomisation (MR) analyses, challenges that idea, the review paper underlined. One combined study involving around 6,00,000 consumers of alcohol found that even increasing intake by just one drink a day raised the risk of ischemic stroke by 13 percent, with similar increases seen for other types of strokes. As the authors noted in the review: 'Evidence is currently insufficient to draw definitive conclusions about the relationship between moderate alcohol consumption and ischemic stroke.' But what's clear is that heavy drinking raises stroke risk across the board, regardless of gender or stroke type. New tools, same challenges The review paper highlighted that most studies on alcohol and heart disease rely on people self-reporting how much they drink—which is often unreliable, especially among heavy drinkers. Measuring alcohol use is tricky, the authors stated, because it varies based on what people drink, how often, how much, whether they have eaten, and personal factors like metabolism. This makes it difficult to draw clear lines between safe and harmful levels of drinking. To improve accuracy, newer studies are using tools like wearable alcohol sensors, urine kits, biomarkers (such as phosphatidylethanol), and smartphone tracking. These methods aim to provide more objective, real-time data on alcohol use. The paper also pointed out that differences in study design—such as how drinking is defined and who is included as a 'non-drinker'—can affect results. For instance, using former drinkers or occasional drinkers as the reference group instead of lifelong abstainers can distort findings. Speaking to ThePrint, Dr Varun Bansal, consultant, cardiothoracic and vascular surgery at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, agreed that designing a robust study is far from simple. He explained that it would mean giving alcohol to participants who might not even want to drink, while those who do agree may not stick to the same amount consistently. 'So, while research has its role,' he said, 'how to conduct it remains a big challenge. Ideally, it should be a double-blind study comparing people who are more susceptible to alcohol-related heart risks with those who aren't—but that's much easier said than done.' He also said that any reliable study must be multifactorial and based on large data to reduce bias. Besides alcohol and diet, factors like exercise and genetic makeup need to be considered. He pointed out that how active someone is matters too. 'It makes a difference whether a person spends the evening sitting and drinking or staying active. To avoid misleading results, the dataset must be big enough to account for these confounding factors.' (Edited by Nida Fatima Siddiqui) Also Read: Cancer warning on liquor bottles 'long overdue'. Even 'light', 'moderate' drinking poses threat
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Time of India
It's not just 'chronic fatigue': ME/CFS much more than being tired
Melbourne: Myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is as complex as its name is difficult to pronounce. It's sometimes referred to as simply "chronic fatigue", but this is just one of its symptoms. In fact, ME/CFS is a complex neurological disease, recognised by the World Health Organization, that affects nearly every system in the body. The name refers to muscle pain (myalgia), inflammation of the brain (encephalomyelitis), and a profound, disabling fatigue that rest can't relieve. However, the illness's complexity - and its disproportionate impact on women - means ME/CFS has often been incorrectly labelled as a psychological disorder. What is ME/CFS? ME/CFS affects people of all ages but is most commonly diagnosed in middle age. It is two to three times more common in women than men. While the exact cause is unknown, ME/CFS is commonly triggered by an infection. The condition has two core symptoms: a disabling, long-lasting fatigue that rest doesn't relieve, and a worsening of symptoms after physical or mental exertion. This is known as post-exertional malaise . It means even slight exertion can make symptoms much worse, and take much longer than expected to recover. This varies between people, but could mean simply having a shower or attending a social event triggers worse symptoms, either immediately or days later. These symptoms include pain, sleep issues, cognitive difficulties (such as thinking, memory and decision-making), flu-like symptoms, dizziness, gastrointestinal problems, heart rate fluctuations and many more. For some people, symptoms can be managed in a way that allows them to work. For others, the disease is so severe it can leave them housebound or bedridden. Symptoms can fluctuate, changing over time and in intensity, making ME/CFS a particularly unpredictable and misunderstood condition. Not just 'in your head' A growing body of scientific evidence, however, clearly shows ME/CFS is a biological, not mental, illness. Neuroimaging studies have revealed differences in the brain activity and structure of people with ME/CFS, including poor blood flow and lower levels of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the nervous system). Other research indicates the condition affects how the body produces energy (the metabolism), fights infection (the immune system), delivers oxygen to muscles and tissues, and regulates blood pressure and heart rate (the vascular system). Issues with criteria To diagnose ME/CFS, a clinician will also exclude other possible causes of fatigue, which can be a lengthy process. A patient needs to meet a set of clinical criteria. But one of the major challenges in researching ME/CFS is that the diagnostic criteria clinicians use vary worldwide. Some criteria focus solely on fatigue and include people with alternate reasons for fatigue, such as a psychiatric disorder. Others are more narrow and may only capture ME/CFS patients with more severe symptoms. As a result, it can be very difficult to compare across different studies, as the reasons they include or exclude participants vary so much. Changes to the guidelines In Australia, doctors often receive little formal education about ME/CFS. Most commonly, they follow the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners' clinical guidelines to diagnose and manage ME/CFS. These are based on the Canadian Consensus Criteria which are considered more stringent than other ME/CFS diagnostic criteria. They include post-exertional malaise and fatigue for more than six months as core symptoms. However, these guidelines are outdated and rely heavily on controversial studies that assumed the primary cause of ME/CFS was "deconditioning" - a loss of physical strength due to a fear or avoidance of exercise. These guidelines recommend ME/CFS should be treated with cognitive behavioural therapy - a common psychotherapy which focuses on changing unhealthy thoughts and behaviours - and graded exercise therapy, which gradually introduces more demanding physical activity. While cognitive behaviour therapy can be effective for some people managing ME/CFS, it's important not to frame this condition primarily as a psychological issue. Graded exercise therapy can encourage people to push beyond their " energy envelope ", which means they do more than their body can manage. This can trigger post-exertional malaise and a worsening of symptoms. In June 2024, the Australian government announced A$1.1 million towards developing new clinical guidelines for diagnosing and managing ME/CFS. Leading organisations have scrapped the recommendation of graded exercise therapy in the United States (in 2015) and the United Kingdom (in 2021). Hopefully Australia will follow suit. What can people with ME/CFS do? While we wait for updated clinical guidelines, "pacing" - or working within your energy envelope - has shown some success in managing symptoms. This means monitoring and limiting how much energy you expend. Some evidence also suggests people who rest in the early stages of their initial illness often experience better long-term outcomes with ME/CFS. This is especially relevant after the COVID pandemic and with the emergence of long COVID. Studies indicate more than half of those affected meet stringent clinical criteria for ME/CFS. In times of acute illness we should resist the temptation to push through. Choosing to rest may be a crucial step in preventing a condition that is much more debilitating than the original infection. (The Conversation)
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
9 hours ago
- Business Standard
Salman Khan reveals brain aneurysm, AVM and the 'suicide disease'
Bollywood actor Salman Khan recently disclosed that he is living with multiple serious neurological conditions, including a brain aneurysm, arteriovenous malformation (AVM), and trigeminal neuralgia, commonly referred to as the 'suicide disease' due to its excruciating pain. The actor revealed these health challenges during his appearance on The Great Indian Kapil Show, aired June 21, where he briefly spoke about working through these conditions despite their severity. These diseases, though rare, are potentially life-threatening if not managed carefully and can significantly impact quality of life. Khan made a candid revelation during conversation with Kapil Sharma, ' Hum ye jo daily ki haddiyan tudwa rahe hain, pasliyan toot gai, trigeminal neuralgia ke sath kaam kar rahe hain, aneurysm hai brain mein uske bawajood kaam kar rahe hain. AV malformation hai, uske bawajood chal rahe hain.' ('I'm out here breaking my bones every day, ribs are fractured, I'm working despite having trigeminal neuralgia, there's an aneurysm in the brain, yet I'm still working. There's also an AV malformation, and still, I'm carrying on.') What is Trigeminal Neuralgia, and why is it called the 'suicide disease'? According to the Cleveland Clinic, an American nonprofit academic medical centre based in Cleveland, Ohio, Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain disorder that causes intense pain attacks in your face. It happens when your trigeminal nerve, responsible for sensation in the face and chewing, is damaged or irritated. According to media reports, Khan was first diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia around 2007 during the filming of Partner. He underwent nerve surgery in the US in 2011. It is characterised by sudden, stabbing facial pain triggered by mild activities such as chewing, brushing, or speaking. It is called 'suicide disease' due to the debilitating nature of the pain, which can severely impact the patient's quality of life. It is a rare disease with an estimated global incidence of about 4 to 13 cases per 100,000 people annually, according to a 2022 study. Women are more likely to develop it than men and most cases develop after age 50. What is a brain aneurysm? According to Dr Praveen Gupta, chairman, Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro & Spine (MAIINS), Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, 'An aneurysm is a weakness in the wall of the artery that causes it to bulge out, forming a balloon-like structure. This site is prone to rupture, leading to brain hemorrhage.' Early warning signs of aneurysm highlighted by Gupta: Sudden, severe headache (commonly described as the worst headache of life) Neck stiffness Tingling or numbness Transient vision problems or double vision Mild speech slurring Imbalance while walking Facial drooping Sudden memory issues or difficulty using appropriate words Dr Gupta explained that the treatment of this rare disease involves minimally invasive procedures to seal the aneurysm, such as endovascular coiling or flow diverter stents. In some cases, open surgery is required to place clips that prevent rupture, he said. While talking about the preventive measures, Dr Gupta said lifestyle changes to control blood pressure and avoid rupture are crucial. He said, 'Monitoring small, unruptured aneurysms with regular imaging is important, along with lifestyle changes.' In order to prevent aneurysm, he urged people to: Adopt a healthy lifestyle Strictly control blood pressure Avoid smoking Get regular screenings done, if there is a family history of aneurysms What is arteriovenous malformation (AVM)? According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, AVM is a rare vascular condition in which arteries and veins are abnormally connected, bypassing the normal capillary system. This can reduce oxygen delivery to brain tissues and may rupture. It is estimated to occur in less than 1 in 10,000 people. Some of the symptoms of AVM include headaches, seizures, or neurological deficits. According to global health agencies, many cases remain undiagnosed until a rupture occurs. Gupta explained that the presence of both an aneurysm and AVM significantly increases the patient's risk for brain haemorrhage. Despite these serious diagnoses, the Bajrangi Bhaijaan actor continues to lead a highly active professional life. Why are these conditions dangerous? Dr Gupta emphasised that these disorders, though individually rare, can lead to life-threatening outcomes if not diagnosed or treated promptly. He said, 'Early warning signs of stroke and aneurysm are often subtle and should not be ignored. Timely intervention can be life-saving.' He further recommended: Early neurological consultations for recurring headaches or facial pain Regular monitoring for individuals with familial risk Lifestyle changes to reduce modifiable risk factors such as high blood pressure and smoking Salman Khan's disclosure has shed light on lesser-known but critical neurological diseases. Despite this complex mix of neurological issues alongside physical strain and chronic sleep disruption, he continues to work actively, relying on a strong support system and fall-back health routines. For more health updates, follow #HealthWithBS
