>Welcome to the new world of "competition" meaning risk-shunting.
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>If it makes you feel better, the smoker may get the policy but then they are far more likely to get the recission when the worst occurs. Besides, in the absence of other diagnoses you're still quite a good risk. Develop a few cardiovascular risk factors and see what happens to your "insurance" choices then. ;-)
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>At least you've had the opportunity to review the fine print: a lot of people on employer schemes have no idea of the comparative value of their scheme or what happens if they experience a medical catastrophe. Not one for cutsie labels but there are people out there talking about "unsurance" for obvious reasons. ;-)

That was the reason for my previous post where I stated 'ignorance is bliss.' Most folks who have excellent insurance through their employer and have never had a catastrophic or serious long-term medical issue have no idea that insurance companies limit coverage whenever possible and even drop folks. Unless it happens to you or someone you know, there doesn't seem to be a problem. When that happens, the next thing to happen is the bankruptcy due to medical bills in the hundreds of thousands or even million dollar range.