Critical Illness Cover / Having 'ever smoked'?

msrx9als

I've made a rather foolish schoolboy error and would really appreciate any advice.

When undertaking my telephone medical questionnaire for a new critical illness cover policy, I was asked if I was a smoker, to which I truthfully answered no.

However, I gave an 'off the cuff' answer to the question 'had I ever smoked'. I replied with a jocular 'if you count the one I had at school' type response, to which I was told that I had admitted that I had been a smoker and would be put down as having smoked in the past. I immediately regretted making this jokey remark and the telephone interviewer did reassure me that she would mark my file to make it clear that I had only ever had one cigarette, once, about 17 years ago, but that she could not say that I was not a smoker as I had admitted to consuming a tobacco product in the past, she had to tick the 'yes' box.

Can anyone please tell me if this will/ is likely to affect my premium as I am now kicking myself about this and am worried about facing a lifetime of hefty premiums for admitting to one fag behind the bikesheds!!! Whoever said honesty was the best policy......

Any advice much appreciated.

dunstonh

Can anyone please tell me if this will/ is likely to affect my premium

Not unless you left school last year. Most insurers only rate the premium for smoking if you have done so in the last 12 months (or used smoking related products).

I think you had either a novice telephone clerk or one that was being overly officious. Who was the insurer?

benjaminM

Don't worry about it. You will be still classed as a non smoker and I very much doubt it will have any impact on the premium. It is just a material fact and as such has to be noted but it really is no big deal.

msrx9als

Many thanks for your reassurance.

I'll sleep now tonight and have learnt to think before I open my big mouth!