Did you know that your everyday habits—like how much you move, eat, or even sleep—can influence how much you pay for insurance? Insurers assess lifestyle factors to determine your level of risk. That means your lifestyle insurance premiums in Botswana could be higher or lower depending on your health choices.
This blog explores how your lifestyle impacts your premiums—and how making simple changes could save you money while improving your wellbeing.
How Insurers Assess Risk
When you apply for life or funeral cover, insurers calculate premiums based on your personal “risk profile.” The healthier your lifestyle, the lower the risk of serious illness or early death—so you pay less.
Unhealthy habits such as smoking, poor diet, or high stress increase your risk of medical complications and, in turn, your premium. In short: healthier choices equal lower costs, while risky habits mean higher premiums.
It’s a simple equation, but one that gives every individual the power to influence their own insurance cost factors.
Habits That Raise Your Premiums
Here are some lifestyle factors that often increase your premium:
- Smoking or Tobacco Use – Smoking directly affects your smoking and insurance Botswana rating. Nicotine users are more likely to face higher premiums due to associated health risks.
- Excessive Alcohol Consumption – Frequent or heavy drinking increases the risk of liver and heart problems, impacting life expectancy.
- Obesity or Lack of Exercise – Sedentary lifestyles are linked to chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
- Poor Medical History – Family history of heart disease, stroke, or cancer may influence your insurer’s calculations.
- Stressful or High-Risk Jobs – Occupations involving travel, manual labour, or security can raise your risk category.
Social gatherings and weekend “braai culture” often involve alcohol and rich food, moderation plays a key role in managing risk and maintaining affordable premiums.
Habits That May Lower Your Premiums
On the other hand, healthy lifestyle habits can have the opposite effect—reducing your premiums and improving your quality of life:
- Regular Exercise – Staying active improves cardiovascular health and reduces your long-term risk.
- Healthy Diet & Weight Management – A balanced diet keeps blood pressure and cholesterol in check.
- Non-Smoking – After 12 months of quitting, many insurers will reassess your risk profile.
- Preventative Health Check-Ups – Routine screenings help detect issues early.
- Stress Management – Mindfulness, rest, or simple outdoor activities lower your health risks.
Example: A 35-year-old teacher in Gaborone reduced her premium by 12% after quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight for one year before reapplying.
That’s the benefit of a Batswana lifestyle insurance approach—your actions directly affect your finances.
What You Can Do to Improve Your Risk Profile
- Get a Medical Check-Up – Update your insurer with current health information.
- Ask About Rewards – Some insurers offer cashback or incentives for maintaining healthy habits.
- Be Honest on Applications – Accurate information helps you avoid future claim disputes.
- Add Riders for Healthy Behaviour – Link your plan to products like the Motswako Hybrid Pension or Pula Cashback Life Insurance to reward discipline and consistency.
- Think Long-Term – Building financial discipline and a strong health foundation go hand-in-hand.
Small steps—like taking daily walks or reducing alcohol intake—can reshape your financial profile and even increase your savings over time.
Myth-Busting: It’s Not About Perfection
You don’t have to be a marathon runner or a nutrition expert to benefit. Insurers value consistency, honesty, and small, sustainable improvements. Even moderate lifestyle adjustments can lower risk and make you eligible for future premium reductions.
Healthy living isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress.
Conclusion + Takeout
Your habits today shape your financial future. Whether you’re applying for insurance for the first time or reviewing an existing policy, adopting healthier habits can lower your lifestyle insurance premiums Botswana and improve your quality of life.
Take control of your finances and your health—because the two are more connected than most people realise.
Looking for better value and less admin? Chat with a Bona Life advisor to explore bundling your insurance today.
📞 Call: +267 398 1800
📱 WhatsApp: +267 76 744 686
🌐 Visit: www.bonalife.co.bw