Top 10 Factors That Affect Health Insurance Premium
Health insurance premium refers to a certain amount of money that you are required to pay to the insurance company to continue the medical coverage. Insurance companies generally use the Health Insurance premium calculator for calculating the premiums.
There are some essential factors that may affect your premiums, such as age, gender, marital status, medical history, body mass index (BMI), pre-existing medical conditions, etc. Depending on these factors you may be paying higher than others if you fail to meet certain criteria.
You could also easily calculate the amount of premium with the help of an online health insurance premium calculator anywhere, anytime. And in this blog we are highlighting some of the factors that may affect your insurance premium and how they affect the same:
Age
Young people are less likely to contract diseases and health problems, therefore they pay a lower premium amount. On the other hand, older individuals are more likely to become ill, the risk is higher for the insurance provider. So, they are typically charged a higher amount. Therefore, it is advised to take a health insurance policy at a young age.
Pre-existing health conditions
If you already have any pre-existing health conditions, you will require more comprehensive coverage than others, resulting in more expensive health insurance premiums. Before getting health insurance, you would have to go through a medical check-up that would highlight your pre-existing conditions.
Geographical Location
Your residential location affects your premium rates. Most companies charge higher premiums from those lacking healthy food options, adverse climate and cultural aversion to exercise, etc. However, if the place you are residing in does not have the issues mentioned above, you will have to pay a slightly lower premium.
Family Medical History
Genetics plays a significant role in shaping up your life structure and overall personality. It affects your emotional, mental as well as physical health.
And, if your family members had any illness records like cancer, heart disease, or diabetes, the insurance companies assume that you are at higher risk of catching such diseases. Due to this reason, the companies charge higher premiums from you.
Profession
Your profession also has an impact on the premium rates. If your career is quite risky or the environment you are working in is hazardous, the company could undoubtedly charge higher premiums from you.
Body Mass Index (MBI)
Since the people who have higher BMI are more likely to suffer from diseases like heart-related problems and diabetes, they would need extra and frequent medical care. Thus, if you have a high body mass index, then you will be required to pay high premiums to the company.
Smoker
Regular smokers are always vulnerable to diseases like lung cancer, hypertension, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, stroke, respiratory complications, etc.
Hence, if you are a smoker, then you may have to pay high premium costs due to increased health risks to your life. On the other hand, the premium rate for a non-smoker will be comparatively lower.
Policy Duration
The tenure of your health insurance policy plays a significant role in determining your premium. If you choose a longer tenure, the premium you will be paying will be lesser than the premium you would pay if the policy is shorter.
Marital Status
Married people generally enjoy lower premium rates because two people are covered in one insurance. Generally, such health insurance policies are available through a spouse’s company. However, you can also find such insurances with private and public health insurance providers.
Injurious Substances
The consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs can surely increase the chances of disease in your body; so, you should avoid taking these harmful substances, as you will not only be prone to the conditions but will also have to pay a high premium.
The Bottom Line
Health insurance policies have provided a greater convenience for all of us in treating our medical conditions. These policies usually take care of everything, whether it’s an unpredicted mishap or a genetic medical condition. And you can choose the best suitable policy as per your preference needs and requirements. However, you must be careful while making your choice in the health insurance policy and consider the factors mentioned above that may affect your premium.