Life insurance

LQ9SS · 12-08-07, 11:11

I am under my families life insurance policy, and the insurance company is in the process of changing ownership and yesterday the representitive met with us and we had to sign a bunch of papers and of course he asked if any of us smoked. I am in the process of quiting so I said no. I am down to about 4 cigerettes a week. My question is, when do they drug test you to see if you smoke? Is it random, or do they do it in the beginning? Or do you think they will even do it because we have been with this company for many years, they have never done it before. Also, does anyone know how long nicotine stays in your system?

Thanks for you help. This kind of worked out nice, because of this I am DONE smoking.

todd@bsaw · 12-08-07, 11:21

I have never heard of an insurance company drug testing you to accept you for coverage. I have been asked before, but never made to 'prove' it. I think you could get the coverage dropped if they find out you lied (they usually ask if you have smoked in the last 3-6 months), but that's about it.

J.J. · 12-08-07, 12:04

Nicotine sticks around for about 3 days. The first three days after you quit smoking is the hardest due to the withdrawal. It's all mental after that. You should try Chantix. It works great for most smokers who are serious about quiting. Your doctor can prescribe it for you. Stopping is the best thing you can do for your health at this point.

Quit Drugs > Quit smoking > Start Exercise > Change Diet

All this equals less cardiopulmonary problems, lower blood pressure, decreased glucose intolerance (less chance of diabetes mellitus type II) and reduced weight. All that combined equals longer life and cheaper insurance.

Your first heart attack will cost you a fortune. It cost you irreplaceable heart tissue for one, a hospital stay and cardiac procedure for two, and because you leave the hospital on no less than five drugs (Aspirin, Plavix, Statin, ACE inhibitor and Beta-Blocker), it cost you plenty of money too. Not cheap... I promise.

End education rant!!

JJ

ZaneO · 12-08-07, 02:55

I deal in life insurance every day. Tobacco increases your risk level and will affect your premium rates for the insurance. Blood and urine tests are usually done by your scheduling. It's typical for tobacco to be traced for 24-48 hours. I'd probably recommend being off nicotine for 72 hrs., but there are never any guarantees.

LQ9SS · 12-08-07, 03:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZaneO

I deal in life insurance every day. Tobacco increases your risk level and will affect your premium rates for the insurance. Blood and urine tests are usually done by your scheduling. It's typical for tobacco to be traced for 24-48 hours. I'd probably recommend being off nicotine for 72 hrs., but there are never any guarantees.

Do you think they will even test me concidering my dad is the main policy holder, and he is the one paying? I am only covered under him.

I am not worrying about smoking in the future, because I am ready to quit and I am going to quit. I just hope they don't test me in the next few days. I had my last smoke 2 days ago, and I only would smoke about 5 cigerettes a weak before hand.

ZaneO · 12-08-07, 04:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by LQ9SS

Do you think they will even test me concidering my dad is the main policy holder, and he is the one paying? I am only covered under him.

We don't really deal with family policies like that, unless they are group plans. That may or may not be what you have. What company is it with?

LQ9SS · 12-09-07, 12:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZaneO

We don't really deal with family policies like that, unless they are group plans. That may or may not be what you have. What company is it with?

I honeslty couldn't tell ya.