Insurance: Smoking Risk Certain, Alcohol Risk Uncertain

• Insurance companies significantly increase term insurance premiums for smokers due to the certain and proven medical risks associated with smoking.
• Smoking is directly linked to numerous serious illnesses like cancer, heart attacks, and lung infections, making its risk impact constant and predictable.
• For alcohol consumption, premiums are not strongly affected by occasional drinking as the risk is considered uncertain and dose-dependent.
• Alcohol-related premium increases typically occur only if medical reports reveal impairment, such as liver damage, indicating significant consumption.
• The distinction is scientific and statistical: smoking risk is certain and direct, while alcohol risk is uncertain and varies per individual.

Why It Matters: It clarifies how insurers assess smoking vs. drinking risks, impacting your policy costs.