Americans believe that insurance companies should charge higher premiums for smokers than severely obese people, according to a survey of consumer habits by Gallup. The study found that more than 40% of the 1,021 adults surveyed thought insurers should penalise smokers, while 37% said very overweight people ought to be charged more. Gallup analyst McCarthy said the figures may be lower for obesity because Americans have more sympathy for their condition. They may also think that smoking incurs greater healthcare costs than obesity, he said.
Americans believe that insurance companies should charge higher premiums for smokers than severely obese people, according to a survey of consumer habits by Gallup. The study found that more than 40% of the 1,021 adults surveyed thought insurers should penalise smokers, while 37% said very overweight people ought to be charged more. Gallup analyst Justin McCarthy said the figures may be lower for obesity because Americans have more sympathy for their condition. They may also think that smoking incurs greater healthcare costs than obesity, he said.