When you think about life insurance premiums, you probably consider factors like age, health history, or lifestyle. But did you know that certain everyday habits could also have an impact on your premiums? Some seemingly harmless behaviors—like poor sleep habits or eating takeout regularly—could be silently raising your life insurance costs. In this blog, we’ll reveal four surprising habits that could increase your life insurance premiums and how you can adjust them to keep costs down.
1. Poor Sleep Habits
You might not think of your sleep schedule as a factor in life insurance rates, but the truth is, poor sleep hygiene can affect your premiums. If you regularly sleep less than six hours a night, have an irregular sleep pattern, or suffer from untreated sleep apnea, these habits can significantly impact your long-term health, and life insurance companies are paying attention.
Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to serious health issues, including heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and depression. Insurers take these risks into account when underwriting policies, which means poor sleep habits could lead to higher premiums or even policy exclusions.
For instance, if you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea and haven’t been treated, some insurers may see you as a higher risk due to its association with heart problems and shorter life expectancy. This could raise your premiums by 25% or more.
The good news is that you can improve your sleep habits. Keeping a consistent sleep schedule, using a CPAP machine if prescribed for sleep apnea, and tracking your sleep patterns can show insurers that you’re proactively managing your health, potentially lowering your premiums.
2. Risky Driving Behavior
We all know that car insurance is impacted by your driving record, but did you know your driving habits could also influence your life insurance premiums? Insurers often review your motor vehicle record (MVR) when assessing your risk, particularly if you’re applying for a no-medical or simplified issue policy. Risky driving behaviors, such as speeding, distracted driving, or having multiple accidents, can make you a higher-risk applicant for life insurance.
Insurance companies see risky drivers as more likely to be involved in fatal accidents. If your driving history includes violations or accidents, your premiums could go up. Additionally, if you live in an area with challenging driving conditions, such as long commutes, icy roads, or frequent snowstorms, insurers may consider you a higher risk.
To mitigate this, practice safe driving habits, avoid distractions while driving, and consider taking a defensive driving course. A clean driving record can help keep your premiums in check. Even if you’ve had violations in the past, some insurers may place more weight on your recent driving behavior, so improving your habits now could reduce your rates.
3. Skipping Regular Medical Checkups
You might feel perfectly healthy, but avoiding regular doctor visits could hurt you when it comes to life insurance. Insurers like to have clear evidence of your health, and if you haven’t had a checkup in years, they may assume that you have undiagnosed conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or even early-stage cancer. This uncertainty can lead to higher premiums.
If you haven’t seen a doctor in a while, life insurers might categorize you as higher risk, especially if they have no recent medical records to review. For example, if your blood tests reveal high cholesterol or blood sugar, even if you haven’t been officially diagnosed with anything, insurers could increase your premiums based on these findings.
Scheduling an annual physical can help keep your medical records up to date and potentially lower your premiums. It also creates a health history that insurers can use to assess your risk accurately. If you haven’t seen a doctor in years, it’s a good idea to book an appointment before applying for life insurance.
4. Frequent Takeout and Processed Food Consumption
If you regularly indulge in takeout or processed foods, it could affect more than just your waistline—it might also impact your life insurance premiums. A diet high in fast food, frozen meals, and sugary snacks can lead to health issues like high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes. Insurers often use lab results, such as cholesterol levels and blood sugar readings, to assess your health risk, and these can be negatively impacted by poor eating habits.
If your diet is high in processed foods, your bloodwork could reflect elevated cholesterol or blood sugar levels, which may result in higher life insurance premiums. Even if you don’t have a formal diagnosis, insurers may assume you’re at a higher risk of developing chronic health conditions in the future.
The good news is you don’t need to give up takeout entirely. Small changes, like reducing processed foods, eating more home-cooked meals, and incorporating more fruits and vegetables, can help improve your health over time. If you’re planning to apply for life insurance, making healthier food choices in the months leading up to your application can improve your lab results and potentially lower your premiums.
Conclusion
Your life insurance premiums aren’t just determined by your age or medical history—they can also be influenced by everyday habits. By improving your sleep hygiene, driving safely, keeping up with regular medical checkups, and adjusting your diet, you can take proactive steps to reduce your life insurance costs. If you’re unsure about how your habits might affect your premiums, consult with a licensed advisor who can help you find the best coverage for your needs. With a few simple changes, you could save money and ensure your life insurance policy reflects your healthiest self.
