As you may or may not know, your “hobbies” can affect your rates for health insurance policies. For example, if you’re an avid skydiver, you could find it nearly impossible to find good rates for your health insurance policy. Something insurance agencies may consider being a risky “hobby” would be smoking. If you are a smoker, the cost of your health insurance policy could be a lot higher than it would if you were not. There are cities in Europe that are considering implementing a mandate for insurance providers in which health insurance policy holders will be required to take a blood test to prove whether or not they are smokers. This will be a way to reward those that are practicing “healthy” health practices with lower rates and to motivate insurance clients into healthier practices. Although there has been no legislation like this introduced in the U.S., it is definitely not out of the realm of possibility.

It is to your benefit to do a little research into your current health insurance policy to see what kind of “penalties,” if any, you may be receiving for being a smoker. Some health insurance policies may even provide coverage for supplies and support groups to quit smoking, should you decide that’s the direction you want to take your life. In the age of exploitation of the tobacco industry, there is a lot more support for non-smokers these days than there is for smokers.

Those in Ohio should contact Reichley Insurance Agency for a comprehensive health insurance policy that best supports your hobbies. Visit our virtual insurance agency at www.reichleyins.com or call us toll free at 800.759.6003.