Best Health Insurance for Smokers in the UK

How does smoking affect your health insurance premium?

Smoking exposes you to harmful chemicals that can lead to serious health problems. Insurance companies see smoking as a risk. They charge higher premiums because smokers are more likely to develop health issues. Health risks from smoking include:

Damaging Lungs

Smoking hurts your lungs in many ways. The chemicals in cigarettes damage the airways and tiny air sacs in your lungs. This makes it harder to breathe and get enough oxygen. Over time, smoking can cause serious diseases like COPD(chronic bronchitis and emphysema). It also increases the risk of pneumonia and makes asthma worse. Smoking is the main cause of lung cancer, which can be life-threatening.

Heart Attack

Smoking harms your heart and blood vessels by damaging the lining of blood vessels, making them narrower and less flexible. This can lead to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis) and increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and heart attacks. Smoking raises heart rate and blood pressure, putting extra strain on the heart. It also makes blood more likely to clot, which can block arteries and lead to a heart attack. 

Stroke

Smoking lowers the oxygen in your blood and raises your blood pressure. These changes can damage blood vessels and make them more likely to become blocked. A blocked blood vessel in the brain can cause a stroke. The chemicals in cigarettes also make blood more likely to clot, which can further increase the risk of a stroke.

Cancer

Chemicals from smoking damage the DNA in your cells. DNA controls how cells grow and divide. Over time, this damage can make cells grow out of control and can lead to more than 10 types of cancer.

Diabetes

Smoking raises your risk of getting type 2 diabetes. The chemicals in cigarettes harm your cells and make it harder for your body to use insulin. This can cause insulin resistance, which is a major cause of diabetes.

Fertility

Smoking can make it harder for both men and women to have children. In women, it can reduce the number and quality of eggs, making it harder to conceive. It can also damage the fallopian tubes, increasing the risk of an ectopic pregnancy

What does health insurance for smokers cover?

Health insurance for smokers gives you the care you need, taking into account the risks of smoking. It covers medical services and treatments for both everyday health needs and issues caused by smoking. The insurance includes the following benefits:

Outpatient Treatment

Health insurance for smokers covers outpatient care. You can choose from £0, £500, £750, £1,000 and unlimited level of cover. This means you can access medical treatment without being admitted to the hospital, including consultations with specialists, minor procedures and follow-up appointments.

Inpatient Treatment

If you need to stay in the hospital for treatment, inpatient care is covered in full as standard with all insurers. This includes surgeries and other treatments that require you to stay overnight under medical supervision.

Day-patient Treatment

Day-patient treatment is for procedures where you do not need to stay overnight. You come in for treatment and return home the same day. This is useful for things like minor surgeries or scans. Day-patient treatments are covered in full as standard.

Comprehensive Cancer Cover

Your plan includes cancer treatment beyond what the NHS provides. It covers advanced drugs and therapies not usually available through NHS. This ensures you get access to the latest cancer treatments and care.

Quick Diagnostics

Speed matters when it comes to your health. Insurance covers quick diagnostics like blood tests, CT scans, PET scans, MRI scans and X-rays. You will not have to wait long to understand your condition and start treatment.

Virtual GP

Since the COVID pandemic, all insurers now offer unlimited virtual GP appointments. You can consult a doctor online, often on the same day, without leaving your home. This makes it easier to get quick medical advice or a prescription.

Mental Health Support

Counselling and other mental health services are included. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or stress, you’ll have access to professional support to help you cope and recover.

Therapies

Your insurance also covers therapies for physical recovery and pain management. This includes joint and muscle pain treatment, acupuncture, and chiropractic care to help you heal and feel better.

Private Hospital Stay

If you need to stay in a hospital, you’ll have the comfort of a private room. You’ll also enjoy perks like an à la carte menu and unlimited visiting hours for family and friends, making your stay as comfortable as possible.

What isn’t covered by health Insurance?

What is not covered by health insurance can vary depending on the insurer and the type of cover you choose. However, most policies have common exclusions.

• Chronic conditions- long-term health issues with no cure, hypertension or arthritis.
• Pre-existing conditions- Any condition or injury you had before starting your policy.
• Cosmetic treatments- Treatments not related to medical needs.
• Allergies- Costs related to allergy treatments or food intolerance
• Pregnancy, childbirth and fertility
• Alcohol and drug abuse

For full details of what’s covered, you can speak with a health insurance specialist at PremierPMI.

How much is health insurance for smokers?

Smokers pay higher health insurance premiums. Smoking increases the risk of serious health problems, which means more claims. Insurers charge more to cover this risk. The premium difference between smokers and non-smokers can range from 20% to 35%. Other factors that affect the cost include:

• Your age
• Location
• Health conditions
• Hospital options
• The excess amount you choose
• Outpatient

Here is a table comparing the health insurance prices for a healthy 40-year-old smoker and non-smoker in the NW7 postcode with full outpatient cover, consult select hospital list and a £250 excess:

Prices are accurate as of January 2025.

How to choose the right plan?

Finding the perfect health insurance as a smoker does not have to feel like a puzzle.

What do you need?

Think about what is important. Do you want fast access to specialists? Cancer cover that goes beyond NHS? Or maybe mental health support and therapy? Pick the features that matter most to you.

Shop Around

Do not just grab the first quote. Compare! Some insurers charge a fortune for smokers, while others are more reasonable. Look at prices and benefits, are they offering virtual GP, mental health or just the basics cover? Do they have any discounts?

Use a Broker

Why stress when someone can do the hard work for you? A health insurance broker knows the ins and outs of every plan. They will find the right options without the hassle. They have access to discounts which may not be available if you go directly with an insurer.

Got Questions? Ask Away!

Insurance can be confusing, don’t be shy about asking questions. What is covered? What is not? What happens if you quit smoking next year? Premier PMI can answer it all and find the plan that fits the budget.