In this guide, we’ll break down the best life insurance for smokers, show you what impacts your rates, and share tips to get covered without overpaying.
Key Insights
- Smokers can qualify for a variety of life insurance policies, even with higher health risks.
- Most insurers define “smoker” as any nicotine use within the past 12 months — including vapes, gum, and patches.
- Quitting tobacco for 12–24 months can significantly reduce premiums and reclassify you as a non-smoker.
Can Smokers Buy Life Insurance?
Yes, smokers can purchase life insurance. While premiums are higher for smokers than for non-smokers, many insurers offer comprehensive coverage options. Being transparent about your smoking habits during the application process is crucial—concealing tobacco use could lead to claim denials and void your policy.
Insurance companies evaluate applicants through multiple factors beyond just smoking status. While tobacco use increases an insurer's risk and leads to higher premiums, your actual rates will be determined by factors like:
- Age
- Overall health
- Type of tobacco products used
- Frequency of use
Many smokers find that, despite higher rates, they can still secure quality coverage at affordable prices by comparing policies from different providers.
Types of Life Insurance for Smokers: What Are Your Options?
Even though smokers often face higher premiums, there are several types of life insurance policies available each with different benefits and trade-offs.
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide which type of policy fits your needs and budget.
Comparison of Life Insurance Options for Smokers
| Policy Type | Requires Medical Exam | Premiums for Smokers | Coverage Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term Life | Usually yes | Medium | 10–30 years | Smokers seeking affordable, temporary coverage |
| Whole Life | Yes | High | Lifetime | Long-term planning and cash value accumulation |
| Guaranteed Issue | No | Very High | Lifetime (limited coverage) | Smokers with serious health conditions |
| Simplified Issue | No exam, just questionnaire | Moderate | 10–30 years | Quick approval, moderate health concerns |
Note: Premiums are relative and vary by provider, health status, and age. “High” means higher than average due to smoker classification.
What Do Life Insurers Consider as “Smoking”?
Most insurers classify anyone who has used any nicotine products within the past 12 months as a smoker.
Insurers broadly define smokers as individuals who use tobacco or nicotine products, including:
Cigarettes
Cigars
Pipe tobacco
Chewing tobacco
Nicotine patches or gum
E-cigarettes and vapes
Some insurers may differentiate between the occasional use of nicotine projects and regular usage, but this varies by provider.
When Can a Smoker Be Reclassified as a Non-Smoker?
To qualify as a nonsmoker, many insurers require that you are free from nicotine products for at least 12 months. However, insurers typically require a waiting period of one to two years to get rates that reflect nonsmoking status.
If you're thinking about quitting smoking or using tobacco for your health and to lower insurance costs, there are several resources available to help. For example, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) offers comprehensive support through their smoking cessation program, including tips and quitline services to assist you on your journey.
Once you're well on your way to being the good kind of quitter, here are some tips to help lower life insurance premiums:
- Commit to a smoke-free lifestyle to improve your health and reduce insurance costs.
- Keep records of your quit date and related health improvements to provide evidence to insurers.
- Once you've been smoke-free for the required time, ask your insurer to reevaluate your status for potential rate adjustments.
Does Marijuana Use Affect Life Insurance Rates?
Honesty is the best policy when it comes to marijuana use and insurance. Depending on the type of policy requested, insurers may require a drug test as part of the medical screening.
Marijuana use is handled differently by insurers. Some insurers may increase rates depending on whether the marijuana use is recreational or medicinal. The method of consumption and frequency of use are other considerations that insurers may use to determine what policy offerings and premium rates they can offer.
Recreational users: Occasional use may not automatically classify you as a smoker, but regular use could affect premiums.
Medicinal users: Insurers may consider whether the underlying health condition or the marijuana use is a bigger risk when assessing the applications of those who use marijuana for a medical condition.
How Life Insurance Companies Know If You Smoke
Life insurance companies depend on your honesty when determining if you are a smoker or tobacco user, but they have several methods to verify if you smoke:
- Medical exam: Most policies require applicants to have a medical exam. These exams include blood and urine tests, where samples are tested for nicotine or cotinine (a byproduct of nicotine).
- Health questionnaire: Some policies do not require a medical exam, but nearly all require a health questionnaire. Insurers ask about your smoking habits on the application. Be truthful, as dishonesty can lead to denied claims.
- Medical records: Insurers may review your medical history to verify your smoking status.
Lying about smoking or tobacco use can lead to denied claims, and that's not a fun surprise to leave your loved ones after you pass.
Best Life Insurance Options for Smokers
Smokers have choices when it comes to life insurance. The coverage type and amount are fully customizable to everyone's unique situation. Some of the types of insurance that smokers can get include:
Term Life Insurance
This insurance offers coverage for a set period or term (e.g., 10, 20, or 30 years). When the term expires, the coverage also expires.
It's an affordable option for smokers compared to permanent policies.
It's best for those seeking temporary financial protection, such as covering a mortgage or providing for children until they reach adulthood.
Whole Life Insurance
As the name suggests, whole life insurance offers lifetime coverage. These policies also have a cash value component.
Premiums are higher for smokers but remain fixed throughout the policy from issuance until death.
These policies are ideal for long-term financial planning and leaving a financial legacy.
Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance
Nearly everyone who applies for these policies is approved.
Suitable for smokers with significant health issues who may not qualify for other policies.
These policies have significantly higher premiums than most other policies and fewer coverage and term options.
Simplified Issue Life Insurance
Simplified issue life policies don't require a medical exam, but they do require a health questionnaire.
These policies have a high approval rating but provide moderate coverage at a lower cost than guaranteed issue policies.
Applicants who want quick and straightforward approval are best suited for this type of insurance.
How Much Is Life Insurance for Smokers? (Sample Rates)
Smoking and tobacco use are one factor determining the cost of life insurance, but they are not the only factor. The insurance cost can vary significantly depending on other factors, such as age, health, and type of policy.
Below is a sample comparison of monthly premiums for a 20-year term policy for a female with a $400,000 death benefit using one of Best Money's top insurance providers.
| Age | Non Smoker Premium | Smoker Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | $15 - $25 | $25 - $65 |
| 40 | $25 - $45 | $45 - $140 |
| 50 | $60 - $100 | $100 - $300 |
| 60 | $150 - $250 | $250 - $750 |
Rates are based on a 20-year term policy with $400,000 in coverage. Actual premiums may vary depending on provider, health profile, and underwriting.
How to Find the Best Life Insurance Rate If You Smoke
- Shop around: While smokers face higher premiums than non-smokers, rates can vary significantly between insurance providers. Take time to compare quotes from multiple companies to find the most competitive rates.
- Calculate needs: Use a life insurance calculator to determine exactly how much coverage you need. This helps avoid over-insuring and paying unnecessarily high premiums.
- Consider term life: If permanent life insurance premiums are too expensive, consider term life policies. These provide coverage for a specific period (like 10 or 20 years) and typically offer more affordable rates for smokers.
- Focus on health: Your overall health matters beyond smoking status. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and managing any health conditions can help lower your premiums.
- Plan to reassess: If you quit smoking, mark your calendar for a policy review after the insurer's required smoke-free period (typically 12-24 months). Many companies will adjust rates to reflect your non-smoker status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can smokers still get life insurance
Yes. Smokers can get both term and whole life insurance — though they may pay more. Some no-exam or simplified issue policies are especially smoker-friendly and designed for higher-risk applicants.
What life insurance is best for smokers
Term life insurance is often the best option for smokers due to its affordability. It provides fixed premiums for a set term (e.g., 10, 20, or 30 years) and is ideal for temporary financial protection.
How long after quitting can you qualify for non-smoker rates
Most insurers require 12 to 24 months of being completely tobacco-free before reclassifying you as a non-smoker. A medical review or negative nicotine test may be required.
Is vaping or using nicotine gum considered smoking
Yes. Most insurers define “smokers” as anyone who has used nicotine in the past 12 months — including vaping, nicotine patches, or gum. Frequency and type of use may affect classification.
Can I lie about smoking to get cheaper life insurance
No. If you're caught misrepresenting your smoking status, your policy could be canceled or claims denied. Insurers verify information through medical exams, lab tests, and medical records.
🚬 Ready to compare life insurance quotes for smokers?
You don’t have to overpay for coverage. Compare plans from trusted providers and find a policy that fits your lifestyle — even if you smoke.
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