How to reduce your premiums

When taking out health insurance, you sometimes have to undergo a series of health tests, as a screening protocol, to determine your monthly premium. The healthier you are, the better rate you will receive. There are definitely things within your control that you can do to insure that you get the most affordable premium possible.

Stop smoking!

With any type of insurance cover assessment, smokers automatically pay higher premiums, as smoking is proven to cause a multitude of life-threatening illnesses.

When it comes to health insurance rates for smokers, many insurance companies also factor in tobacco use in order to increase their premiums. For example, in the US, the Affordable Care Act allows for insurance companies to charge smokers up to 50 percent more than non-smokers through a tobacco surcharge, says Health Markets Online.

Increase your deductible

Insure.com says that whether you are enrolled in a group or individual plan, the more you pay out of pocket, the less you will have to pay in premiums.

The insurance deductible is the amount of money you will pay in an insurance claim before the insurance coverage kicks in and the company starts paying you. In many instances, when you have a deductible, you have to come up with the amount of money for your deductible before a claim will be paid, The Balance continues.

Exercise

Medical aid and medical insurance providers now have integrated fitness perks that reward you with discounted premiums, if you meet your monthly fitness goals. Some use the assistance of smart tech, such as Fitbit or smart watches, to track their progress and exercise in real time. This could really help to lower premiums, while it’s a fun, rewarding incentive to stay fit and healthy!

Affinity Health aims to make affordable healthcare available to all South Africans.

At Affinity Health, we understand the importance of having medical insurance that meets your needs, your budget and your lifestyle. Affordable Health insurance is now within your reach. Get a quote today!

Click here for an estimate of the premiums you are likely to pay, depending on your specific needs.