There is a common misconception that smokers would not get coverage under health insurance. Contrary to this misconception, many health insurance companies offer policies for smokers. But smokers may have to pay a higher premium to get policy coverage. Premiums are higher because smokers are more likely to develop lifestyle diseases than non-smokers.

Insurance companies classify a person who uses tobacco in any way as a ‘smoker’. Insurance companies conduct a medical examination to determine the extent of tobacco use and, based on this, determine the premium for coverage. Parts of tobacco can be found in blood, saliva, urine or hair. The duration of exposure to tobacco in the body depends on how long a person smokes, age and general health.

When filling out an application for a health insurance policy, you will need to answer questions such as “Do you smoke?”, “Have you smoked for six months?” If the answer is yes, the number of cigarettes smoked and the details of any health problems caused by smoking should be disclosed. You must also undergo a medical examination as requested by the insurance company.

Premium is determined by factors such as age and coverage amount. Disclosures by future smokers can be avoided by disclosing it and undergoing a medical examination. If the number of cigarettes smoked after taking out the policy increases or the health condition worsens due to smoking, the insurance company should be informed.

The insurance company decides whether to grant the policy based on the health condition. If lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure are present, the premium may go up. The policy may be denied if the smoker has Type 2 diabetes.

If there are currently no other diseases, those who smoke only a few cigarettes a day will have no difficulty in getting the policy. At the same time, it will not be easy to get a policy for someone who smokes more than 20 cigarettes a day.

The same plan goes for smokers and non-smokers; only that there will be a difference in the premium. Those who smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day are likely to have higher premiums. If you quit smoking in the future, you can get a discount on the premium. This consideration is given only after at least two years of stopping to smoke. At the same time, some insurance companies do not charge extra premiums for those who have no health problems and only smoke moderately.

Smokers should not avoid a health insurance because the premium is high. Coverage should definitely be ensured as smokers are at higher risk of developing lifestyle diseases.

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Dubai Municipality has announced that shisha and smoking areas in public places in Dubai will be reopened from July 18 until further notice, subject to their adherence to precautionary measures.
The municipality tweeted that regular inspections will be conducted to ensure compliance.
The shisha clubs had been closed in March by the Dubai Municipality and Dubai Economic Department to stop the spread of COVID-19.
The municipality circular lists 34 regulations and safety protocols for the reopening of shisha cafes. Some of them are:
– Staff should wear masks at all times;
– Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and common areas at least once every hour and shared objects each time they are used (handrails, slides, tubes, lockers, counters, toilets, etc.);
– If anyone of the staff was confirmed COVID-positive by an accredited test facility, they should not return to work unless they are granted a medical certificate endorsed by Dubai Health Authority (DHA);
– Shisha staff must adhere to strict hand washing routine before and after service;
– All staff and guests/ trainers/ visitors must undergo temperature screening before entering the cafe, anyone with temperature more than 37.5 will not be allowed to enter;
– The facility must dedicate an isolation room and set procedures to handle suspect/ confirmed cases as well as the disinfection procedures as per DHA/ DM guidelines
– Only disposable shisha hoses must be used;
– Clean and disinfect reusable shisha parts including tongs before and after each client;
– Wash and disinfect shisha properly and change its water after each client;
– Ensure 4.5 sq.m per person inside the smoking room;
– No social gatherings or parties allowed; and
– Groups of five are not allowed at the smoking area

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