Dip and Life Insurance: Essential Things You Need To Consider

While the term “dip” may seem harmless to those who are not familiar with it, it has a lot to do with tobacco. For those who can’t smoke in the form of cigarettes or cigars, a dip is the best resort, which is moist tobacco in either shred or finely ground between the teeth and gums. Basically, a dip is a way for some non-cigarette smokers to satisfy their nicotine cravings.

The use of smokeless tobacco seems to be on the rise. There have been reports that even young middle schoolers have used it. However, just because it is smokeless, it does not mean that it doesn’t have any adverse health effects. That is why the U.S. Food and Drug Administration also requires that packaging must include a cautionary statement, like its rolled and packed counterparts.

What Dip Can Do To Your Health

One may think that it is simply a form of tobacco that stays in the mouth until the person spits it out. However, it is still tobacco, thus it still contains the same harmful properties.

The following are its common effects:

• Cancer: Taking tobacco into your mouth can increase the chances of oral cancers. The mouth, cheek, and gums can suffer, among others.Your esophagus and pancreas are not safe either. This is because smokeless tobacco is processed with cancer-causing chemicals, like nitrosamines.

• Dental Problems: Since tobacco is placed in the teeth, tooth decay, cavities, teeth abrasions, and tooth loss are common.

• Heart Problems: Smokeless tobacco increases the heart rate and blood pressure that may lead to stroke in the long run.

• Fetal Concerns: While dipping tobacco is predominantly for men, women may also use it. When used by women, it still causes stillbirths, heart rate problems, and low birth weight in babies if pregnant women are not holding back.

• Addiction: As nicotine still travel the bloodstream, dip can still cause addiction the same way that smoking cigarette can. People who dip smokeless tobacco get higher levels of nicotine. Because of dependency, cutting on smokeless tobacco is even harmful due to its adverse side effects.

• Leukoplakia: This refers to white lesions in the mouth that can become cancerous.

Life Insurance For Smokeless Tobacco Users

Everyone deserves insurance, and there is something available for tobacco users, too. Insurance companies, however, treat chewers the same as smokers. If you are on a substance that can affect your health, higher premiums are inevitable.

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, the usual amount of dip for 30 minutes in your mouth and snorted through the nose gives you as much nicotine as three cigarettes. So if you still need life insurance, here are some things to consider.

• Smoker Rates VS Non-Smoker Rates: Not all insurance companies are created equal. But, smoking or chewing, you’re still using tobacco. Some insurance providers may give higher rates to smokers instead. If you want to protect your health, it is essential to seek the ones that do.

• Independent VS Company Agents: If you want as much information as you can, carrier agents will answer your most probing questions; talking to the right people matters. However, their assistance will always be for the company’s best interest.If you talk to an independent agent, you will have to get used to vying for their time, but you can get a chance to compare quotes and get the lowest policy available for you.

Reminders Before Getting Life Insurance For Tobacco Chewers

• When talking to your agent, it is best to be honest about how much dip you chew and how frequent. Your age will be a factor as well because if you are young, you will likely live longer, and you will be able to pay for higher premiums.

• Realize that insurance carriers can charge up to 50% in premiums because tobacco products can cause serious health issues that they will have to manage.

• Remember that insurance companies will investigate any suspicious activity or signs of fraud. They have the right to rescind or lower the benefits when you die if they find out that you have been lying.

• In the case of life insurance policies, your unique situation is also a factor. You don’t have to worry about testing negative on nicotine.

• Your carrier will need you to have a medical test so that they will know what you have. It will be the basis of how much premium you will have to pay on a monthly or quarterly basis, depending on your preference.

• Quitting will lower your premiums and allow you to spend more on other things; your health and wallet will thank you for it. Please take note that you are paying a higher cost because they will be paying for your hospital confinement, ambulance services, and more. The lesser risk you pose, the lower you have to pay.

• To lower your premium, see a doctor that is recommended by your insurance company. If you follow recommendations and show results of your willingness to become healthier, they will recalculate the amount you need to pay.

• There are various packages to choose from according to your needs. Some policies also cover other ailments, like diabetes and heart disease. If you are getting life insurance, full disclosure of other conditions is mandatory. You will get what you pay for, and you will be encouraged to live a healthier lifestyle.

The Takeaway

Tobacco in various forms and administrations can tremendously affect your health. While health insurance can help you, it is still up to you to lower your premium.

Quitting the use of dip is still the best way, and if you cannot do it alone, you can research for support groups nearest you. There are also organizations to help you deal with tobacco addiction.

Life insurance can help you get the benefits you want to leave your family but realize that your health is more important than money, and you are needed more by your family.