Here for every stage of your life. (855) 436-6552
Partners for Life — Insurance Agency & Financial Services
← Back to articles

Life Insurance for Smokers

Life insurance premiums depend heavily on health, habits, and lifestyle, so smokers understandably pay much higher rates than nonsmokers. Despite the price, life insurance can still benefit smokers.

If you died unexpectedly, life insurance would financially support family members left without your income.

The best life insurers for smokers offer affordable rates, customizable riders, strong financial stability, and more.

What Is Life Insurance for Smokers?

Simply put, it is life insurance available to people who smoke. Not every insurer covers smokers, and those that do often raise premiums substantially for potential health risks. Most providers classify cigarette smokers, tobacco chewers, nicotine vapers, and marijuana users as smokers.

How Do Life Insurers Know You Smoke?

When applying, you must disclose lifestyle and habit information, including smoking. If a medical exam is required, a physician can determine whether you smoke by testing a blood and/or urine sample for nicotine or marijuana.

How Much More Does Life Insurance Cost for Smokers?

Smokers pay significantly higher premiums than nonsmokers. Although exact prices vary, estimates suggest smokers' life insurance costs 100% to 300% more. Your premium also depends on overall health, age, preexisting conditions, and family history.

Must I Tell a Life Insurer That I Smoke?

Yes. Be as honest as possible on your application, including disclosing smoking habits. Insurers use medical exams to verify application details, so a physician could easily uncover a lie about smoking. If coverage is approved and the insurer later discovers you smoke, it has the right to withhold the death benefit and could cancel the policy entirely.

When Will an Insurer Consider You a Nonsmoker?

Most insurers consider you a nonsmoker after you have stopped smoking for at least a year. To qualify, you cannot smoke at all. One cigarette a month or marijuana every few weeks technically still makes you a smoker and affects your premium.