Can a health insurance company look at my smoking and drinking history when I apply for insurance?
Yes. Insurance companies may look at smoking and drinking history when they decide whether to offer insurance.
The following chart summarizes underwriting information that health insurance companies have filed with the Department of Insurance.
| AB 356: Summary of Underwriting Information filed re conditions for which no insurance coverage will be offered, application will be denied, or higher premium may be charged or benefit may be limited
|
| Condition | Insurance Company Action |
| Health problems for which you have not seen a doctor | Automatic decline for some companies |
| Health problems that a doctor can not explain |
Automatic decline for some companies |
| Health problems for which you have not completed treatment |
Automatic decline for some companies |
| AIDS |
Automatic decline |
| Pregnancy, pregnancy of your spouse or significant other, planned surrogacy or adoption in process |
Automatic decline |
| Cancer, under treatment |
Automatic decline |
| Sleep Apnea |
Automatic decline or higher premium will be charged |
| Severe mental disorders, such as major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or psychopathic personalities |
Automatic decline |
| Heart disease |
Automatic decline |
| Renal failure or Kidney Dialysis |
Automatic decline |
| Diabetes with complications |
Automatic decline |
| Cirrhosis |
Automatic decline |
| Multiple Sclerosis |
Automatic decline |
| Muscular Dystrophy |
Automatic decline |
| Systemic Lupus Erythematous |
Automatic decline |
| History of transplant |
Automatic decline |
| Lymphedema |
Automatic decline or higher premium will be charged |
| Current infertility treatment |
Automatic decline |
| Hepatitis |
Automatic decline |
| Hemochromatosis |
Automatic decline |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis |
Automatic decline |
| Stroke, after 10 years with no reoccurring problems |
Automatic decline or higher premium will be charged |
| Allergies, while testing is in process |
Automatic decline or higher premium will be charged |
| Ear infections, controlled with medication |
Higher premium may be charged |
| Lyme's disease, without symptoms after one year |
Automatic decline or higher premium will be charged |
| Breast Implants (non-silicone) |
Automatic decline or higher premium will be charged |
| Ringworm |
Higher premium may be charged |
| Joint sprain or strain, recovered and no restrictions |
Higher premium may be charged |
| Migraine headache, mild and infrequent with no emergency room visits |
Higher premium may be charged |
| Mild depression |
Automatic decline or higher premium may be charged |
| Obesity |
Automatic decline or higher premium may be charged |
| STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) |
Automatic decline or higher premium may be charged |
