Or an obese person, or a motorcycle racer?
What you are describing is called "underwriting"> It happens all the time with P&C and life insurance....all those question the insurance agent asks. It works to reward those with healthy lifestyles by giving them lower premiums. (they are less likely to have claims)
The opposite is called "community rating" where underwriting is banned and everyone pays the same. (the RAT concept of fairness)
if someone gets lung cancer due to whatever the cause, or unknown cause, the treatment costs should not be different for different people.
The provider costs would likely be the same, but the non-smoker should have to pay a higher premium before the illness, and the non-smoker should not have their premium changed, nor be dropped.
The policy contract compels the carrier to assume the risk of the insured at a predetermined rate...if illness should occur, the carrier must pay and continue coverage. At least, that's the way it is supposed to work.
Just think in terms of car insurance.
I know my opinion seemed convoluted, but I’m actually FOR higher insurance costs for higher risks and waiting periods/higher insurance costs for pre-existing. It was that way prior to Obamacare and it worked.
I’d also like to see doctor visit co-pays go the way of the do do bird. Too many run to the doctor over every sniffle because it’s “free”.
Sounds very reasonable to me.
Just as for instance a single man should not have to pay for medical insurance that includes pregnancy coverage, etc.