Question

What is COPD? What are the characteristics of the disease? Knowing that a COPD diagnosis could be reduced through smoking cessations, should insurance companies pay for COPD treatment if the cause can be clearly linked back to smoking?

Answer 1

What is COPD? What are the characteristics of the disease? Knowing that a COPD diagnosis could be reduced through smoking cessations, should insurance companies pay for COPD treatment if the cause can be clearly linked back to smoking?

WHAT IS COPD?

Definition of COPD

According to WHO, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a lung disease characterized by chronic obstruction of lung airflow that interferes with normal breathing and is not fully reversible.

The more familiar terms 'chronic bronchitis' and 'emphysema' are no longer used, but are now included within the COPD diagnosis. COPD is not simply a 'smoker's cough' but an under-diagnosed, life-threatening lung disease.

There are 4 types of COPD

1.Mild COPD

2.Moderate COPD

3.Severe COPD

4.Very severe COPD

CHARACTERISTICS OF COPD

1. Cough that doesn't go away

2. Coughing up lots of mucus

3. Shortness of breath, especially when you’re physically active

4. Wheezing or squeaking when you breathe

5. Tightness in the chest

6. Frequent colds or flu

7. Blue fingernails

8. Low energy

9. Losing weight without trying (in later stages)

10. Swollen ankles, feet, or legs

AVAILABILITY HEALTH INSURANCE IN CASE OF SMOKING RELATED COPD

Yes, If you are ready make proper disclosures,you will be asked to under go certain medical test.If you have been dishonest and this includes not updating the lifestyle changes, insurers reject the claims. Health insurers conduct medical tests at the time of claims and can detect lifestyle changes like a declaration of smoking 2 cigarettes a day, while actually smoking 6 cigarettes a day. The nicotine shows up in the blood and urine tests. In all this, the higher premium and waiting period are worth it, as hospital bills can wipe out your bank account.

Whenever you start a health insurance you will be asked for smoking details, being a smoker increases the cost of the premium as compared to non-smokers. However, this should not be the reason for not opting for health policy

When you are applying for a health insurance policy, you will be asked two questions;

1. Do you smoke?
2. Have you smoked in the past six months?

If an individual has smoked more than four cigarettes a week and has continued the smoking for at least six months, then he or she will be termed a smoker.

smokers have a right to apply for health insurance. An insurer is allowed to reject an application only for severe health complications that may arise from heavy smoking.

Smokers have to bear a higher cost of the premium than non-smokers, but it is not too steep. However, if your health is deteriorating due to smoking, and it is causing severe health issues, then your premium rates will be increased steeply by the insurance provider.

However, a higher premium is not the general rule. Every insurance company conducts comprehensive medical tests before issuance of a policy. Your health condition, nature, and duration of your smoking, and its effect on your health are overall taken into consideration before determining your premium. So it is better to apply for the policy and undergo the tests as each case will be treated uniquely and discretely.

The insurance companies have categorized smokers into 3 different types. They are:

1. Typical Smoker (a smoker with supplementary small health matter)
2. Preferred Smoker (an otherwise fit smoker)
3. Table Rated Smoker (a smoker with a noteworthy physical condition)

For example, if you are in “Preferred” and non-tobacco category subsequently you will not need to give out as much premium as compared to a person who falls in “typical” tobacco category. Consequently, the premium is higher in case of a smoker because of high health risks.

According to the terms and conditions of the Health Insurance Policy, if you are not reducing your smoking habit, the insurer has rights to reject your claim with the evidence of the nicotine level in your blood test.