Tobacco users pay much more for their health insurance coverage. Insurance rates can be as much as 30 percent higher for any type of tobacco users, and for some of these policyholders, quitting is not a realistic option. Of course, cessation is the best way to lower insurance rates, and many health insurance companies will pay for stop-smoking treatments. Moreover, premiums will drop drastically about a year after a smoker quits. If you are not interested in quitting, though, there are still a number of ways for tobacco users to find more reasonable rates for health insurance policies.

The first thing that tobacco users should do before looking for better insurance rates is to get in shape. While you may not be able to stop using tobacco, you can make sure that you do not have high blood pressure, blood sugar, obesity or a number of other issues that can lead to inflated health insurance costs. Schedule regular doctor's visits, and get a check-up right before you look for insurance quotes. Consider looking for a health insurance policy with a high copay, or slightly lowered coverage. However, you should not forfeit coverage in any crucial areas, and you should try to keep your insurance rates low by diminishing your risks wherever possible, not by sacrificing your coverage.

Get a number of quotes for your health insurance policy online. Comparing your insurance rates with some other options can give you a perspective on the cost of your plan, and you can often find great deals. Be sure to disclose your tobacco use when using online health insurance forms. If you end up switching to a new insurer, they will find out about your tobacco use from your previous insurer, and you will not be able to fool them into offering you a lower rate by lying. It may be a good idea to talk to a health insurance agent before you choose a policy, and try to negotiate. Ask about health insurance discounts, and discuss options for decreasing your costs, such as paying for your policy with annual or semi-annual premiums rather than using a monthly payment system.

Learn about the different terms in your health insurance policy because this can help you to understand why tobacco users pay more for their policies. You can control your insurance rates by reviewing the terms in your contract and by using the wealth of resources on the Internet to find low-cost quotes. Some insurance providers charge less for tobacco use than others, and if you are in good shape, you can find a reasonable policy without paying exorbitant monthly health insurance premiums.