We've all heard of health insurance, but how many of us actually have
it? And among those who do, who gets the best deals? Did you know that
the healthier and fit you are, the better deals you get? According to a
report in “This is Money,” life and health insurance policy holders who
show that they are in shape and intend to stay that way receive
rewards, such as getting lower premiums from their insurance providers.
Here are a few guidelines to keep you healthy and with a better insurance deal:
1. As your weight increases, so will your health insurance costs
Your health insurance costs are based on your BMI, or Body Mass Index, which is your weight-to-height ratio. As your BMI increases, you become more prone to illnesses like heart disease. Get your BMI calculated, and if you find that you are overweight, consider enrolling in a fitness program. The same applies if you are underweight. Remember that thin does not automatically mean that you are healthy.
2. Smoking not only burns your lungs, it also burns your money
Smoking, as well as drinking, can literally make you burn money. The added cost you have to pay for in health insurance is better spent on getting healthier, instead of using the money for your guilty pleasures. Lung- and liver-related diseases do take a toll on your body, and could possibly kill you!
3. Diabetes and other diseases
Genetically acquired or not, diabetes is very common nowadays. In the US, obesity is practically an epidemic, making it a factor when it comes to health insurance costs. It can be avoided by monitoring and keeping your blood sugar levels at normal levels. Get your blood checked to see if you should begin thinking about cutting down on the high-sugar and high-carbohydrate foods.
Your lifestyle choices can make a big difference, in both your health and your budget. In the long run, not only will you have saved hundreds or thousands of dollars—you probably will have saved your own life and your family’s as well.
