The Impact of Smoking on Life Insurance Premiums

26 May 2025

Life insurance is all about securing your family’s future, providing them with financial support in case something happens to you. But did you know that your smoking habit could make getting life insurance a lot more expensive? That’s right—lighting up can burn a hole in your wallet when it comes to premiums.

In this article, we’ll break down exactly how smoking impacts life insurance premiums, why insurers charge smokers more, and what you can do to lower your costs. So, if you’re a smoker or considering quitting, this is something you definitely need to know.

Why Do Life Insurance Companies Care If You Smoke?

Insurance companies are all about risk. The higher the risk, the more they charge. Smoking is a well-documented health hazard, linked to severe illnesses like heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and even premature death.

From an insurer’s perspective, a smoker is more likely to claim the policy earlier than a non-smoker. And let’s face it, insurance companies don’t like losing money. To balance this risk, they charge smokers significantly higher premiums—sometimes even double or triple what a non-smoker would pay for the same policy.

So, if you smoke, be prepared to pay a hefty price for life insurance.

How Much More Do Smokers Pay for Life Insurance?

The cost difference between smokers and non-smokers is staggering. Let’s compare:

- A 35-year-old non-smoker might pay $25–$30 per month for a $500,000 term life policy.
- A 35-year-old smoker could pay $80–$100 per month for the exact same coverage.

That’s a massive 200-300% increase just because of smoking! The gap widens as you age since smoking-related health risks become even more severe.

How Life Insurance Companies Define a "Smoker"

You might be wondering, “What if I only smoke occasionally? Will I still be considered a smoker?” The short answer: Yes.

Life insurance companies don’t care if you smoke one cigarette a day or a pack a day—you’re still classified as a smoker. Here’s how it works:

- If you’ve used cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, nicotine patches, or chewing tobacco within the past 12 months, insurers will label you as a smoker.
- Even if you only smoke socially or on weekends, you’re still a smoker in the eyes of an insurance provider.
- Some insurers may offer non-smoker rates to occasional cigar smokers (like those who only smoke a few cigars per year), but this varies.

When you apply for life insurance, you’ll need to answer questions about tobacco use and possibly take a medical exam. And lying about your smoking habit? That’s a terrible idea—it could lead to policy denial or cancellation later.

Does Vaping or Using Nicotine Products Affect Life Insurance?

Absolutely. Many people think vaping is a “healthier” alternative to smoking and wonder if it affects life insurance. Unfortunately, insurers lump vaping, nicotine gum, and patches into the same category as traditional cigarettes.

Since nicotine is still present, and its long-term health effects are still being studied, insurers treat vapers the same as cigarette smokers—meaning you’ll still pay higher premiums.

So, don’t expect to get non-smoker rates just because you’ve switched from cigarettes to vaping. Insurers take a cautious approach and assume vaping carries significant health risks.

How Smoking Affects Different Types of Life Insurance

1. Term Life Insurance

This is the most affordable life insurance option, but if you’re a smoker, your rates will still be much higher than those of non-smokers. A 20-year term policy can be twice or three times as expensive for smokers.

2. Whole Life Insurance

Whole life insurance is already pricey, and smoking makes it even more expensive. Since whole life insurance covers you for a lifetime, insurers assume the long-term effects of smoking will likely lead to claims. This results in sky-high premiums for smokers.

3. No Medical Exam Life Insurance

Some smokers opt for a no medical exam policy to avoid health screenings. While this might seem like a great option, beware: these policies often come with even higher premiums and lower coverage amounts since insurers take on more risk.

Can Quitting Smoking Lower Your Life Insurance Premiums?

The good news? Yes, quitting smoking can help you save money on life insurance! But there’s a catch—you need to stay tobacco-free for at least 12 months before insurers consider you a non-smoker.

Here’s how quitting can benefit you:

- Lower premiums: Once you’ve been smoke-free for a year, you can qualify for non-smoker rates.
- Better health = better rates: The longer you stay tobacco-free, the better your health scores during medical exams.
- More insurer options: Some companies offer special programs or discounts for former smokers.

If you’ve already got a life insurance policy under smoker rates, consider reapplying after a year of quitting to lock in lower premiums.

How to Get the Best Life Insurance Rates as a Smoker

Being a smoker doesn’t mean you’re doomed to outrageously high premiums forever. Here are a few smart strategies to get better rates:

1. Compare Multiple Insurers

Different life insurance companies have different pricing models for smokers. Some may offer slightly lower rates or be more lenient with occasional smokers. Always shop around and compare quotes before choosing a policy.

2. Consider a Term Policy Instead of Whole Life

Since whole life insurance is much pricier, opting for a term life policy could save you money. You can always switch to a non-smoker policy later if you quit.

3. Improve Your Overall Health

Losing weight, lowering your cholesterol, and controlling your blood pressure can all help lower your insurance premiums. Healthier applicants always get better rates—even if they smoke.

4. Quit Smoking (And Prove It!)

If you’re serious about cutting costs, quitting smoking is the best solution. After 12+ months smoke-free, you can ask your insurer to reevaluate your rates. Just be ready to take a medical exam to prove you’ve quit.

5. Be Honest on Your Application

Lying about your smoking habit can backfire badly. If your insurer finds out later (through a medical exam or claim investigation), your policy could be canceled or denied. It’s always better to be upfront and work towards lowering your premiums the right way.

Final Thoughts: Smoking and Life Insurance – Is It Worth It?

Smoking doesn’t just affect your health—it also affects your finances. Life insurance premiums for smokers can be two to three times higher than for non-smokers. But the good news is that quitting can lower your rates significantly.

If you’re a smoker looking for life insurance, make sure to compare policies, consider term life, and work on improving your health. And if you’re thinking about quitting? Well, there’s no better motivation than saving thousands on life insurance while also adding years to your life!

So, next time you reach for a cigarette, just think—how much could you be saving by quitting today?