Once you have decided upon which life insurance policy to take out, you need to be made aware of the numbers of factors that contribute to the cost of your policy. Life insurance is one of the only types of policy that is tailored specifically to you, and there are many things that can be altered to affect the price of your policy and many lifestyle choices which need to be considered. Here are the most common five:
Smoking
Given the publicity it’s had in recent times, it goes without saying that smoking is going to put the price of your premiums up. Stopping smoking isn’t always as easy as giving up a habit – it’s a complete lifestyle change which can affect all aspects of your life.
Being Overweight
Being above the normal weight for your height can put extra strain on your joints and your heart. It is harder for blood to pump round your body, and you will likely suffer from other respiratory problems and possibly diabetes.
High Blood Pressure
This is one of the major factors sending insurance premiums rocketing. High blood pressure increases your risk of suffering heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure. Dietary and lifestyle changes can improve blood pressure control.
Raised or High Cholesterol
Cholesterol is generally something that is manageable, and your doctor should be able to advise you on the best way forward regarding this. There are generally no symptoms, but it’s widely accepted that having high cholesterol increases the risk of strokes, heart attacks and narrowing of the arteries.
Extreme Sports
If you participate extensively in dangerous or extreme sports such as parachuting, base jumping or even surfing and windsurfing, it’s likely that your insurance premiums will see a rise. The best option is to be honest about your extreme sporting activities and seek out advice from an expert or specialist insurance provider.
It’s also worth bearing in mind there are a number of factors that influence your life insurance policy other than health; such as age, height, occupation, your driving record and your family history. It is wise to seek out as much information as possible – obtaining life insurance for people with medical conditions is still possible and providers such as Your Life Protected are experts at finding the best individual solution for you.
