Glossary

Tobacco status

Also called smoker status.

Whether you use tobacco in any form, and the single largest lifestyle factor in pricing.

Tobacco status covers cigarettes, beedi, cigar, chewing tobacco, gutkha, khaini, pan masala, hookah and e-cigarettes — not only smoking.

It is the largest lifestyle factor in what cover costs, and an undeclared tobacco history is among the most common reasons a claim is contested. Declaring it raises the price; not declaring it risks the claim.

Related terms

  • Loading An increase to the standard premium, reflecting a risk the insurer has assessed as higher.
  • Material non-disclosure Failing to reveal something that would have affected the insurer's decision.
  • Underwriting The insurer's assessment of the risk you present, which decides the terms and the price.

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