Best life insurance companies for smokers

is life insurance more expensive for smokers

Because the life insurer has no health information from you, these types of policies are among the most expensive you can buy. They also tend to offer only low coverage amounts, such as $5,000 to $25,000. You can still be better off buying a traditional life insurance policy, resigning to taking the medical exam, and paying smokers' rates.

You may be denied life insurance for a smoker, if you have other medical conditions, for example, smoking-related illnesses. It is also possible to be barred from insurance when you falsely claim on your application to have smoking.

Brace yourself for high life insurance quotes if you're a smoker. We found that smoking rates will easily double or triple a non-smoking rate. The increase will vary by age, gender, and coverage amount, but here are examples of average quote increases for a 20-year, $500,000 term life insurance policy.

Shopping around is the key to finding the best life rates—whether you use nicotine or not—. An independent insurance agent can help you shop the market and get quotes from insurers that tend to be nicotine-friendly.

The most common verification method is a medical examination, which usually involves taking urine and blood samples. The samples will show the presence of cotinine as a byproduct of nicotine. It can also be found in hair and saliva samples. However, testing for cotinine isn't completely foolproof. Smokers could pass through if they haven't smoked for a few days.

life insurance tobacco guidelines

The risk for life insurers that you'll start smoking later in life is pretty low. Nearly 90% of cigarette smokers first try cigarettes before age 18, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

A life insurance policy for the whole of your life can last for your whole life. Although the actual premiums for life insurance will typically be more expensive than rates for a term life insurance policy, This is the case especially for smokers. But, your cost remains the same as long as the policy remains in effect.

A life insurance policy that is whole can last you for your all of your life. While the real-life rates will usually be more expensive than rates for a life insurance policy with term This is the case especially for smokers. However, the premium will remain the same as it is in effect.

Best life insurance companies for smokers
life insurance tobacco guidelines
term life insurance for ex and current smokers va

term life insurance for ex and current smokers va

The term insurance comes with an unchanging premium and a guaranteed death benefits. When you purchase a term plan you'll have to renew your coverage if you live beyond the length of the term.

Finding life insurance as a smoker can be challenging, and you may have fewer affordable options than your non-smoking counterparts. The same may hold if you smoke marijuana, vape, or have recently stopped smoking.

If you're seeking motivation to quit smoking earlier instead of later, many insurance companies offer a waiting period before when you have been deemed a non-smoker. The wait time is typically at least one year. After you've completed the waiting time, the rates may fall and then reach those of those who are "never-smoker" within a couple of years after.

term life insurance for ex and current smokers program

To be taken as a non-smoker life insurance, companies typically require that you smoking-free for one year. Even if you stopped smoking for a while and don't believe that the insurance company will find anything in your system, you should not be a liar about your smoking habits or the date you have stopped.

Be prepared for high life insurance rates if you're a smoker. We've found that smoking rates are likely to double or triple the rate of non-smokers. The amount of increase will be different based on gender, age, as well as the amount of coverage, but here are some examples of the typical increase in quotes for a 20-year term, $500,000 life insurance policy.

If you require assistance or have questions, speak with an agent who can assist you in finding the right policy for your needs.

quit smoking for life
quit smoking for life

If you bought life insurance at a premium that was a smoker and you have resigned for at the very least a year, you might be eligible for an affordable cost. It is possible to ask the life insurance company how the time you have to stop smoking to qualify as an non-smoker.

Whole-life insurance policies also accumulate in cash values with time, which allows you to take out loans or take the value that accumulates.

How does smoking affect life insurance rates? People who smoke – even on rare occasions – pay more because smoking and tobacco use significantly increase the risk of dying younger than people who don't smoke.

tobacco insurance

And here's another unpleasant side effect of smoking: significantly more expensive life insurance rates. Smokers can pay nearly four times more for a life insurance policy than someone who doesn't smoke.

If you're a smoker, do not give up on life insurance. No matter if you're trying to stop smoking, have already stopped, or are having trouble with your smoking habit, life insurance could contribute to your financial wellbeing.

You can apply whether the premium is reviewed if you've reached the limit. It means you'll have to undergo a new medical examination and review your health. If you've had to deal with new medical conditions during the time, they're a factor in your new rates. This means that getting a new rate isn't always a straight shot when quitting smoking.

tobacco insurance

Frequently Asked Questions


Your lung function improves within two to three months after the last cigarette. During the first year after quitting, coughing and shortness of breath decrease, and your lungs improve at cleaning themselves to reduce the risk of infection.


'Ex-smoking' refers to someone who has smoked more than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime but has not smoked in the last 28 days. The international convention is to treat someone as an ex-smoker once they have been smoke-free for one month (at least 28 days).


The average cost of life insurance for a smoker is $87.71 per month — that's four times more expensive than a healthy individual's average life insurance premium, which is $24.82 per month. Several factors determine your rate.