Staying Fit Saves Money on Health Insurance

By Meha Ahmad, Staff Writer InsuranceAgents.com

Health insurance companies offer higher insurance rates for consumers based on height and weight. So the less healthy your lifestyle, the more your health insurance can go up. But doesn’t everyone want to be fit and healthy and save money? You can compare up to five quotes now using our online forms.

But because exercise equipment and gym memberships are expensive, it seems impossible to do both. It’s expensive to try to lose weight, and it’s expensive to stay overweight. Overweight people spend more on health insurance on average, more than smokers and drinkers. Furthermore, obesity is the second highest cause of death in the U.S. and the Surgeon General estimates obesity leads to 300,000 deaths per year.

It seems like you can’t lose weight and save money. But you can.

Losing weight could save you up to several hundred dollars a year in health insurance and medical coverage. The best way to prove to your carrier you deserve a lower rate on your health insurance is to live a healthier lifestyle. And you don’t need to spend a lot on a gym membership, either.

How Can You Save More On Your Insurance?

It may seem obvious, but the simplest approaches to a healthier life are the best ways to reduce your health insurance costs. Here are some great ways to reduce your health insurance without having to lighten your wallet.

• Hit the sack. Getting a full night’s rest—about eight full hours—boosts strength and energy
• Never skip breakfast. Starting your morning without food is like a car without fuel.
• Cut down on the snacks. It may not seem like it, but those extra calories add up fast and enable a very unhealthy lifestyle.
• Exercise regularly (recommended 30 minute sessions 3-4 times a week). This is key. Health insurance agents like people who exercise; working out significantly reduces chances of future health problems.
• Monitor your weight. Keep within 10 pounds of your recommended weight range. Also keep in mind: Many health insurance carriers will boost your health insurance premium by 10 or 20 percent if you’re even a slightly overweight.
• Kick the bad habits. Heaving drinking and/or smoking can shave years off of your life and doesn’t look good to health insurance agents.
• Take vitamins and supplements. Consult a doctor or nutritionist to find the right balance.

Take a step in the right direction. Live a healthier life and beat the statistics. It’ll also save you money on your health insurance. Use Insuranceagents.com to find affordable health insurance quotes in your area by using our online form to compare rates.

Published: Wednesday 11th March 2009