Florida health insurance and what smokers need to know...
 

No one has more sympathy about the plight of smokers then I.  It's addictive, expensive and takes a major toll on your health.  And, if there weren't enough reasons to quit smoking, now there is one more: it results in drastically higher Florida health insurance premiums and increases the likelihood that you may not be offered coverage at all.  

Florida health insurance companies are allowed to place Riders on a policy; decline coverage, or rate up (increase) your base premiums based on preexisting conditions inclusive of those caused by your smoking habit. (Unlike guarantee issue States like New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maine and Vermont).

Statistics show that medical costs for smokers, based on medical records, have much higher hospital admission rates than non-smokers, stay quite a bit longer while in the hospital, have outpatient costs that are much higher and require health insurance payments that are near 50% higher for smokers. There is a significant difference in costs for health care and this has implications for the cost of Florida health insurance for tobacco users.

Florida Health Insurance rates for smokers

Sample Florida Health Insurance Rates for a male living in Orlando, FL:

We presently have a Florida health insurance company domiciled in Florida, a non association plan too, which does not penalize or rate up for smoking if you fall within their height and weight, and you are not presently symptomatic for a smoker: taking any medications or special treatment for cardiovascular issues of respiratory conditions.

The Underwriting process in Florida for smokers is quite a bit tougher then for nonsmokers and you can bet that if you smoke the Underwriters will ask to see a copy of your medical records from your Cardiologist or Primary Care physician. Many times if you are a borderline decline for issues such as blood pressure, or cholesterol or height and weight and then it is learned that your smoke, you are a decline. So take a heed and if you looking for ways to cut your premiums and you smoke....get yourself the nicotine patch or quit cold-turkey.

If you've been declined for health insurance because of smoking or health issues related to smoking, click here for affordable Florida health insurance premiums.

The same is true of employers with smokers versus those with nonsmokers; plan on paying higher premiums for Florida group health insurance. Employers can plan on paying a lot more.

So, if you're a smoker and looking to buy a Florida health insurance plan, you will probably have to pay higher premiums unless you are in tip top shape. Health insurance (not to mention Life Insurance ) companies could refuse to cover you because you smoke.  The best and healthiest decision you could make would be to quit smoking. If you need help quitting, you can find many new treatments and programs to help. However, if you feel that you are not ready to quit smoking at this time, be sure to compare several health insurance companies because rates for premiums will probably vary quite a bit.

The easiest way to shop for a Florida health insurance plan if you smoke is to complete our online questionnaire at:  Florida health insurance quotes.