If You Smoke, You’re 35% More Likely To Need Medical Care*

December 2025 - 5 min read

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There are now over 7.4 million operations on NHS waiting lists⁽¹⁾. 2.8 million more than in 2019⁽¹⁾.

The system is under strain, and for smokers, that risk is even greater.

When illness strikes, it’s not just “Will I get treated..?”

- it’s “How long will I wait..?”

and “Will my condition worsen in the meantime..?”

National Insurance no longer guarantees timely care. Over 35% of NHS doctors say exhaustion affects their ability to treat patients⁽²⁾.

Smokers now take control and choose private health insurance for faster access, better treatment, and real peace of mind.

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Why Health Insurance Matters Even More for Smokers

As a smoker, you already know that the risks are higher - more respiratory issues, higher chance of cardiovascular disease, more frequent hospital visits.

Because of this, relying solely on the NHS waiting lists is especially risky for you.

The Reality: health insurance provides a safeguard.

If you suddenly become seriously ill, you want quicker access. Waiting while your illness progresses is not ideal and as a smoker you may be more vulnerable.

5 Private Health Insurance Benefits (for smokers)

✅ Faster access to care - Skip long NHS waiting lists when being a smoker puts you at higher risk.
✅ Private rooms - Your condition may require more frequent or longer stays, so private facilities offer comfort and flexibility.
✅ Wider treatment options - Some treatments that may benefit smokers (especially in earlier stages of disease) might not be fully covered by NHS budgets.
✅ Limit disease progression - The faster you’re treated, the better your potential outcome; for smokers, catching things earlier is especially important.
✅ Peace of mind - You’ll know you’re covered and can act quickly, rather than waiting and hoping.

Get your free quote

Click above, or here, to instantly check for free if you qualify!

What does private health insurance cover?

Private health–insurance for smokers is designed to help cover the cost of your additional medical-risk. Most plans will include cover for:

Short-term illness
Acute illness
Disease
Injuries
Day-care surgery
In-patient surgery and tests

→ Ready to get your free no-obligation private health insurance quote?

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*This article is an advertorial and is not intended as editorial content.

*https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-matters-stopping-smoking-what-works/health-matters-stopping-smoking-what-works

*https://kenvuepro.com/en-gb/therapeutic-areas/smoking-cessation/resources/smoking-costs-nhs-and-patients-prescriber

*https://ash.org.uk/media-centre/news/press-releases/smoking-costs-society-17bn-5bn-more-than-previously-estimated

(1)https://www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/qualitywatch/nhs-performance-dashboard

(2)https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/mar/03/one-in-three-nhs-doctors-so-tired-their-ability-to-treat-patients-is-affected-survey-finds

£27.94 per month for a 30-yr old non-smoking individual, with Mid level cover, £200 excess, living outside London, ML5 3PX.

£53.08 for a 30yr old non-smoking couple with Mid-level cover, £200 excess, living outside London, ML5 3PX.

£61.20 for a 30yr old non smoking couple with 2 children, Mid-level cover, £200 excess, living outside London, ML5 3PX.

£53.24 for an over 50’s non-smoking individual, £200 excess, living outside London, ML5 3PX.

£101.16 for an over 50’s non smoking couple, £200 excess, living outside London, ML5 3PX