Singles More Unhealthy Than Marrieds?

Statistically speaking being single appears to increase your risk of ill health and unhappiness. So, when it comes to taking out health insurance does it mean that singles have to pay more for their cover?

Research conducted at Universities all over the world seems to point to the fact that married people do tend to be healthier and happier. Here is some of the evidence:

-'One of the most consistent observations in health research is that the married enjoy better health than those of other [relational] statuses.' Conclusion drawn by researchers at the University of Massachusets (1985)

-Unmarried people spend twice as much time as patients in hospitals as their
married peers and have lower activity levels. Verbrugge & Balaban (1989)

-Researchers have consistently found the highest rates of mental disorder among the divorced and separated, the lowest rates among the married and intermediate rates among the single and widowed. David Williams (1992)

It would follow that medical insurance for singles would be more expensive than for married couples. We looked at the top level health cover for Freedom Healthnet Ltd, Axa PPP Healthcare and Pru Health. Our case study was for a single men and women aged 41 and a couple of the same age. Both are non-smokers. The premiums show monthly payments. All figures were taken from each site's online quote systems on 23rd January 2009.

Freedom Healthnet Ltd: Comprehensive Cover
Couple: £82.62
Single Person (gender was not asked for online quote): £42.38

AXA PPP Healthcare: Ideal Choice Cover
Couple: £108.21
Single Woman: £56.91
Single Man: £51.30

Pru Health: Comprehensive Plan
Couple: £143.65
Single Woman: £74.37
Single Man: £69.28

Our research found that for 41 year olds what is most significant is whether you are male or female. If you are a single woman you will be paying between a 3.5%-5% higher premium than if you are married compared to a man who would be paying between 3.5%-5% less if they are married.

Freedom Healthnet Ltd does not differentiate between men and women on their online quotation system and provides the most cheap health insurance of the three health insurers for both couple and single status. If you become ill Freedom provides you with a cash lump sum which you then have the choice of spending with any provider in any country.