Insurance firms to use obesity, smoking as factors to determine insurance premiums

The results of a study by the Health Insurance Council related to “Preventive Health and Impact of Its Application by Insurance Companies on Insured,” showed health insurance companies should include smoking and obesity in the factors that determine insurance premiums. 
These should be made after carrying out medical tests on the insured before their underwriting the insurance policy. 
The council stated the latest report is related to the study it made last year, and whose objective was to list preventative health in the insurance health policy as one of the initiatives of the council in activating its definition of social responsibility. 
These also relate to listing cases under the definition of preventative health as part of the concerned diseases, and highlighting the ailments of individuals as made by previous studies. 
The companies answered many questions posed by the study and included the effects on lifestyles of those wanting to be insured, and these affect the volume of the premium paid; 19 companies showed health lifestyles enter into the premiums, and 18 companies agreed that obesity and smoking are factors that must be taken into account when calculating the premium. About 25 also said the lifestyle of the insured is part of the question in the insurance proposal. Also, 15 companies said that there would be an insurance test for the insured when taking out a policy.
The results of the study showed the lifestyle of the insured has an effect on the volume of the health premiums in the insurance companies, the so-called “28 companies,” and this is according to the volume of claims, and that the role of the companies is neutral in applying the necessary procedures to activate the preventative health document that reduces diseases resulting from not following healthy lifestyles. 
The results showed 14 companies suggested that there is no role for an insurance company to activate motivations to offer better health styles. However, 10 insurance companies believe that catalysts can be dictated for a healthier lifestyle.
It showed that some companies apply what is known as the “Wellness Program,” which includes taking part in a health club, and anti-smoking workshops. Other companies provide discounts to register in health clubs, coupons and other incentives.
Other studies made by the council measure the satisfaction of beneficiaries on health services. Some studies said beneficiaries are “somewhat satisfied,” and others are “not satisfied to an extent” on the level of the health services presented by health entities. It was noticed that the beneficiaries focused on clinics and X-rays departments. 
However, the level of those satisfied was acceptable of the health services covered, including those of procedures. Saudi beneficiaries were “neutral about the level of satisfaction” on one that relates to the agreement of the insurance company for medical procedures within 60 minutes of applications being made. 
The results showed “non-Saudis were somewhat satisfied.” The level of Saudis on services presented by the council were “neutral” and non-Saudis were “somewhat satisfied.” 
Overall, the study showed that those insured were “somewhat satisfied” on the services given by the services provider, and of the insurance companies and the Health Insurance Council. 
The council stated in its report that it would support the stability of the health insurance sector and provide health care services to those taking out insurance in the way required through the rehabilitation and renewal of 28 health insurance companies and claims management. 
This is after verifying the completeness of all cooperative health insurance requirements, according to the regulations and executive documents to ensure they get the proper health care required.

Source: Arab News