Vaping and Healthcare... Are we nonsmokers?

[VanessaHuxtable]

I was looking into health insurance and I got into a heated argument with a friend about whether I should identify as a "tobacco" user when filling out the forms.

Friend says yes... I should put down that I am a smoker.
I say hell no. I don't use tobacco or tobacco products. I vape.

My friend smokes cigerattes. I vape flavored nicotine.

So what do you guys think? Should I put down that I am a tobacco user?

I'll have to read the fine print. I don't want to be accused of insurance fraud or anything lol. But seriously, I am not a smoker. I vape.

 

[knoxthis]

im no expert here, but it asks if you are a tobacco user, not a nicotine user. You clearly stated yourself that you dont use tobacco.

 

[Sane Asylum]

Personally, I don't think it's a good idea to have any confusion when applying for health insurance, so I would ask them directly if they consider NRT or vaping is considered tobacco use.

 

[VanessaHuxtable]

I was wondering what everyone else puts down when they sign up for health insurance.

It's funny but as time goes by I refuse to call my pv an "e-cig" It's not a cigarette.

Would a person that smokes Hookah put yes? No.
Would a person that smokes green herb that makes them feel funny put yes? Nope.
Then why would I put yes?

I guess I'm answering my own question here lol

 

[dailywalker]

I am a non smoker now! That is what I tell everyone. It is the truth!
That is what I tell my doctor the insurance company and any one else who asked me.

 

[Chas F.]

I am a non smoker now! That is what I tell everyone. It is the truth!
That is what I tell my doctor the insurance company and any one else who asked me.

This ^^ ....

 

[Topwater Elvis]

Just be sure to read the non smokers questionnaire carefully.
Some say tobacco use some say nicotine use = smoker / tobacco user.

I've been shopping for health/life ins for my companies, so far 5 insurers have presented coverage & bid info.
All of them have a clause/fine print stating nicotine / cotinine testing may be used to verify status.

 

[WillyZee]

you are definitely a non smoker VanessaHuxtable ... your friend is in denial and has Vape Envy

 

[SupplyDaddy]

Depends on the insurance company really. And, of course, we are still waiting on the FDA's say in all of this.
So far, with Tricare, I can put Non-Smoker!

 

[Dave_in_OK]

Are you a non-smoker yes but the real question is whether the government and/or the insurance company will allow you to say that.

 

[Wickeddeuce]

the only reason i support asking them directly is... in a manner of speaking nicotine is derived from tobacco, yes i know it comes from other things, but it is mostly associated from tobacco...

it wouldnt surprise me for vaping to be lumped with a tobacco product... if you use 0 nic then you absolutely are not a tobacco user... if you use nicotine it is subjective whether or not you are a tobacco user... it hurts me to say it... but my job is to be an analyst... not for insurance... but nicotine is most commonly associated with tobacco.

am i a smoker? no...
do i use nicotine? yes...

 

[jnnfrlsw]

When I am asked if I am a smoker I respond with a "no". If the form asks if I use tobacco I respond with a "no". If they ask about nicotine then I would say "yes". But, I have never been asked specifically about using nicotine on a insurance or medical related form. There is no smoke or tobacco involved in vaping so I have no qualms about saying no. Once I let them know I used to be a smoker, they always want to know how long its been. I just give them my vape -anniversary.

I think its only a matter of time though and they will change their little questionnaire to include a check box for vaping/e- cig usage.

 

[Wickeddeuce]

Depends on the insurance company really. And, of course, we are still waiting on the FDA's say in all of this.
So far, with Tricare, I can put Non-Smoker!

tricare eh... supply daddy... 92 series?

 

[VanessaHuxtable]

I should really read the fine print on these insurance plans.

But you guys are right. If by tobacco user they mean nicotine user then I would put yes. Unfortunately.

I'm a propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and nicotine user

 

[Wickeddeuce]

I should really read the fine print on these insurance plans.

But you guys are right. If by tobacco user they mean nicotine user then I would put yes. Unfortunately.

I'm a propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and nicotine user

not trying to burst your bubble... i would just ask... worst thing they can say is yes you are a tobacco user...

but they might just say that you can say no you are not... and they record those phone calls... so if they change their mind later you just say review your tapes... eh eh...

 

[WillyZee]

tell em you get your nic fix by chowing down on Eggplant and Tomato Salad

 

[EvilZoe]

They can/possibly will pee test for nicotine that is left by vaping and smoking that isn't left by patches or smoking cessation methods so make sure what it actually says before answering.

 

[BadTrainDriver]

If your insurance asks if you smoke, the obvious answer would be no.
If your insurance asks if you're a "tobacco user", technically, the answer would be yes.
The nicotine in e liquid comes from the tobacco plant, thus, you're using tobacco.

 

[ncpatches]

They can/possibly will pee test for nicotine that is left by vaping and smoking that isn't left by patches or smoking cessation methods so make sure what it actually says before answering.

All the nic gum, lozenges, etc, doesn't leave nicotine picked up in a urine test? That surprises me, I figured it would.

 

[darkstorm]

Life insurance companies will attempt to invalidate your claim at the time of your demise for ANY reason they can find. If you were hit by a bus or killed in a plane crash, claimed you were a non tobacco user on your policy, and fail a post mortem nicotine test.... They could easily dismiss your heirs claim to any insurance. Health insurance is a different animal and apparently varies from carrier to carrier. I received my doctors papal blessing to list myself as a non smoker two years ago.

Read your policy carefully. Life insurance typically only has tobacco user and non tobacco user. Makes no distinction between ecigs, cigs, chewing tobacco and tobacco derived NRTs. (patches/gums) If you are using nicotine in your ejuice you are generally considered a tobacco user by life insurance.