Health Insurance and Alcohol

As a nation our alcohol consumption is increasing and as a result so are alcohol related health conditions. Unfortunately medical insurance does not cover alcohol abuse and one of the questions you are asked when you take out a policy is how many units you consume in a week.

According to the National Office of Statistics alcohol related deaths have more than doubled since 1992 to a staggering 9,031 deaths a year last year.

Chris Sorek, chief executive of the charity Drinkaware said:

'It's shocking to discover that alcohol-related deaths are again on the increase, and it's vital now, more than ever, that we act to reduce the harms caused by drinking too much.

'With more and more people dying from alcohol misuse it's essential we change people's relationship with drinking, and education has a key role to play.

'Male alcohol-related deaths have more than doubled in the last 17 years, but women also need to vigilant.

'Regularly exceeding the daily unit guidelines can increase everyone's chances of developing liver damage, heart disease and some cancers.'

It makes sense to think that health insurance companies would increase premiums for heavy drinkers. The link between some cancers and heavy drinking is well known. The health limit for men is currently 3-4 units and for women it is 2-3 units a day.

Medical insurance companies do not provide cover for alcohol abuse. However, where is the line drawn between drinking above the safe limit and alcohol abuse?

A report from Alcohol Concern, details the different aspects involved in alcohol consumption and health insurance. According to Alcohol Concern drinking alone is not taken as a factor which will determine whether your premiums are increased or whether you are in fact refused cover. Other lifestyle and health factors need to be taken into consideration.

Alcohol Concern think that GP's underestimate levels of alcohol consumption. Sometimes GP's are asked to fill out forms when someone is applying for health insurance or making a claim. One of the questions they are asked specifically refers to 'conditions related to drug or alcohol misuse.' Alcohol Concern imply that higher premiums for heavy drinking do not necessarily apply as the insurance industry needs to be competitive as well as taking into account higher risks.

Despite the points raised by Alcohol Concern, if you take out a policy and lie on the application form about how much you drink, any details that are then uncovered by your GP that are related to a current health complaint may null and void your policy.

The advice is to disclose all details to your health insurance company. They can then make the decision about your policy. Lying may reduce a premium but won't pay off in the end when you are not covered for that all important procedure or operation after you have spent all those months paying into your policy.

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