snus and insurance premiums

[geeeeoffff]

does using sus bump up your health insurance premiums? do the insurance companies understand the difference between snus and other tobacco products?

[sagedil]

No, they will only ask if you use tobacco products, they don't care what the form of tobacco is.

So yeah, it will bump your premiums. Maybe try and find a company who's parent is based in Sweden??

[tom502]

How would they even know? I wouldn't tell them.

[sagedil]

They test for it. Can't get insurance beyond a certain amount without peeing in a cup. And even if you could, they find out later you lied on the application, they simply don't have to pay. Lousy way to screw your family if you ask me.

[geeeeoffff]

yeah... lying to your insurance company is a pretty good way to get your claims denied or get prosecuted for insurance fraud.

[lxskllr]

I don't think it's legal to ask about tobacco use in MD. It varies state by state. I'd put no tobacco use on the form, and if they find out by some chance, you say you picked it up after getting the insurance.

[MasterGuns]

Well since I don't have a family to worry about I will always answer "no" when asked until they wise up and start differentiating between different styles of tobacco use. I shouldn't have to pay for their ignorance.

[tom502]

Well, if nicotine did show up, you could just tell them you spent the weekend with your cousin Elmer in the hills of Butcher Cowpatty, and partaked in some of his homemade chewin' baccy. But other than that, no.

[Jason]

They're doctors; they are going to find out sooner or later. :wink: Like sage said, if you get sick and have to have tests done, especially something that could be tobacco-related, you'll probably be stuck with the (rather large) bill.

If you choose your provider wisely, you might not have to pay that much more for being a "tobacco user".

[Tristik]

~~
Tell them 'no'. If they find it in your system, well hey, I was in a bar almost the entire weekend touring with a friends band. Just make sure you know where there are bars are you can still smoke in. All 2nd hand for a whole weekend probably makes it look like you smoke. :P
~~

[Habs]

would Nicorette and Commit fall under tobacco use? (since it is nicotine)

my life insurance plan asked me if I smoked. I said no

[Tristik]

~~
Those shouldn't be a problem. As a matter of fact, some insurance companies will help you pay for quit-smoking items like those you mentioned.
~~

[spirit72]

I think there actually *are* some insurers now that will charge lower rates for pipe smokers and smokeless users. Higher than the non-tobacky rates, but lower than the Marlboro Man rates.

I'm not sure who they are though, it's been a few years ago that I heard about it. Might want to break out the ol' Google-Fu.

[sm0ke42o]

If harm reduction methods such as patches and gum are kosher with your insurance then that's what I would say if you get busted. "Yes doc, I have nicotine in my system but its from the gum (or patch)". I actually know a doctor who is very well respected and uses and recommends nicotine gum to people as an appetite suppressant, so you could even play it off on that.

[shikitohno]

Only if they're the most gullible insurance company ever, though. If they asked to see your script, or the purchase reciepts you'd be done.