The National Post just covered a story of how insurance may be frauding clients who change their status from smoker to nicotine-replacement e-cigarette devices. Temal Sukhu a Toronto resident, started smoking at the young age of 15, to no surprise as most life-long smokers all start in their impressionable teenage years. He had tried every method that sparked his interest and even tried to give up cold turkey and always failed. As many smokers, the majority have failed to quit most methods available.
All until a bit less than 2 years ago, Mr. Sukhu discovered electronic cigarettes. He was able to make the switch to e-cigs instead of nicotine gums or patches, because the device mimics smoking and answered his cravings in more ways than one. He even said his friends had the same success; “It’s an easier way. A lot of my friends did it, and that’s the way they pretty much quit.”
Yet, when he applied for his life-insurance, his new tobacco-smoke free profile was declined and he was forced to pay the same rate as a smoker. As we know, smokers pay a multiple of what a non-smoker would pay. The difference is usually more than double the cost and the premiums are drastically smaller. This actually makes or breaks the deal for a non-smoker. Why would someone give up life insurance premium if they have given up cigarette smoking? Well, you shouldn’t! If you are faced with the same dilemma, know that you are not alone and should decline their services.
The practice is not seen as acceptable by all insurance firms. LMS Insurance president Chantal Marr, called the practice unfair, stating all their clients using e-cigarettes are treated as any other nicotine replacement product users whom are now tobacco smoke-free, adding that it does not make sense to do such a thing.
The National Post story also covers the important specification that Health Canada has currently made all e-cigarettes with nicotine illegal, however e-cigarettes themselves which do not contain nicotine in the liquid, or vaping all together is not recognized as being hazardous to public health. The insurance firms are defending themselves, advising nicotine users are more prone to return to smoking. But the critics disagree, and many worldwide are starting to move forward with progressive and effective regulations.
The U.K.s Royal College of Physicians is stated in the article as being one of the first to link cigarette smoking cancer diseases now 52 years ago. They have advised that doctors should encourage smokers to switch to nicotine replacement devices including e-cigarettes and as a direct result, save lives.
Misinformation regarding electronic cigarettes is making headlines every week now. From health advisors to anti-tobacco activists, many are pushing on the wrong side of the fence. Claims that e-cigarettes will increase smoking in teens or in general is ludicrous but these scares are affecting the opinions and practices some of insurance firms.