Smokers could be forced to pay more for private health insurance under a proposal being floated by the federal government.

An online government survey asks consumers their views on private health insurance after Health Minister Sussan Ley last month flagged an overhaul of the system.

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The survey asks voters whether non-smokers should be rewarded with cheaper health insurance.

Ley has said voters should look at the proposal as a way of stopping a spike in families downgrading their cover.

The national online survey will be launched by the federal government today. Such changes would only affect future health fund members.

Also under consideration is a proposal to allow health funds to charge more on the basis of lifestyle. Charging more for obesity, for example, is seen as a possible way to encourage people to exercise and lose weight.