If you have had health insurance for more then a year and you start smoking, do you need to tell your insurer and, if you tell them, will can they raise your rates?
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If you have had health insurance for more then a year and you start smoking, do you need to tell your insurer and, if you tell them, will can they raise your rates?
I did not smoke when I purchased insurance but I want to start smoking a pipe. I would like to know if that will raise my monthly payments.
Asked on November 19, 2018 under Insurance Law, Kansas
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
You do not need to volunteer this information unless 1) the terms of your policy require you to do so (review it, to see if you must); and/or 2) if and when you have to fill out a new application, whether on renewal or on changing careers, and this is question on it. Otherwise, except when required by contract (the policy, which is a contract) or when applying for coverage (whether on a renewal or new coverage) you don't have to disclose it. It could, if and when disclosed, increase the cost, since it is a factor increasing risk.
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