Exploring substance use: Moving away from binary categories to unlock personalized protection offerings

From infrequent social consumption to addiction at clinically significant levels, many adults have used one or more substances. Habitual use of substances exposes the consumers to a wide range of health risks – from minor, temporary health effects to significant, long-term impairments. That's why it's important for insurers to accurately understand and assess where a policyholder falls on the spectrum of risks.

Zooming in on the two most rated substance use behaviors in insurance policies – tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption – insurers now have access to personalized, granular risk assessment methods that enable personalized protection offerings. Outside of addiction, substance use - like the other Big Six lifestyle factors - is often behaviorally driven. People can modify their behaviors and choose to consume less or more alcohol at dinner, for example. Swiss Re's research on lifestyle data, now covering substance use, can empower insurers to offer responsive, customizable solutions by encouraging consumers to achieve their health and wellness goals. Learn how substance use can have a profound positive impact on long-term health and wellbeing by reading "Substance abuse: All or nothing?"