Private health insurance costs are based on variety of factors, including lifestyle factors – this means the cost of cover varies from person to person. A provider will ask you questions about your lifestyle to best determine which level of cover is suited to you. They also use the answers to these questions to help determine the cost of your cover, as lifestyle factors affect the potential ‘risk’ of a person requiring treatment.
Here at the Health Insurance Specialists, we are experts in helping you find the best cover for the lowest price, but to help; we’ve put together this handy guide which includes tips to help you reduce the potential cost of health insurance cover…
Quitting smoking is recommended for your health - but quitting can also help you substantially reduce your health insurance costs. The rate you pay is increased if you’re a smoker due to the higher risk of illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, lung cancer and emphysema.
Most health insurance providers require that you are nicotine free for at least 12 months before they consider you as a ‘non-smoker’.
Maintaining a healthy weight and BMI can lead to some insurers offering lower premiums. Weight loss often leads to healthier blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels and the decrease in the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes.
Some insurers will reward you for staying in good health. Vitality Health is one provider who does this, allowing policy holders to earn ‘Vitality Points’ by tracking their fitness activity such as runs and gym visits – equating to discounted gym memberships, free Starbuck drinks and cinema tickets.
Although this isn’t money off your premium, you’ll save money on things you would be paying for otherwise (and a great incentive to get fit!).
Aviva’s Healthier Solutions are also involved in a reward scheme (MyHealthCounts), and will offer you up to 15% off at renewal if you maintain a healthy lifestyle and remain in shape.
Excessive drinking can lead to long term health issues such as liver and heart disease, alongside a whole list of other health problems. You may be asked by the insurer about your alcohol intake –anything more than social drinking can affect your rate. Less alcohol or none means you are likely to be offered lower premiums.
Comparing your policy is a great way of ensuring you’re not wasting money. Here at the Health Insurance Specialists we’re experts in finding the best health insurance cover, for the right price. Our team are on hand to help you find the best provider to suit your lifestyle and will do all the searching for you.
We’ll compare you current policy with the rest of the market – for FREE.
Don’t hesitate to contact our team on 0808 10 18 999 or fill in our online form to start saving money today.
