In reply to an earlier post by jazzguitarman about the slipper slope and what insurers take into account.

Actually they do take into account activities other than smoking, drinking and being overweight. When I applied for a life insurance policy a number of years ago, there were several questions on "activities" including whether or not I was a private pilot and certain sports. So yes, insurers already are cognizant of what people do for fun.

I am certain that the activities that trip the "charge more" swtich have gotten more numerous, what with the rising popularity of extreme sports. One thing I fail to understand is why the government, in assessing health risks, would be somehow more generous or indulgent about what activities we engage in than a private insurer?