Life Insurance for Smokers
If you smoke, you'll pay more for life insurance — usually a lot more. Insurers treat tobacco as one of the bigger risk factors there is. But you can absolutely get covered, and quitting can pay off in real dollars down the road.
Why smokers pay more
Tobacco use is strongly linked to health risk, so insurers put smokers in a separate, higher rate class. It's common for a smoker to pay roughly double what a non-smoker of the same age and health would pay for the same coverage.
Insurers usually confirm tobacco use through your application and the blood or urine sample in a medical exam, so it's not something to leave off — an inaccurate answer can affect a future claim.
What counts as a smoker
It's broader than daily cigarettes. Many carriers also classify cigars, chewing tobacco, and often vaping or nicotine products as tobacco use, though policies vary. Occasional cigar use in particular is treated differently by different insurers.
Because definitions and pricing differ, two carriers can rate the same habits quite differently — another reason to compare.
Quitting can move you to better rates
Most insurers will consider you a non-smoker once you've been tobacco-free for a period of time, commonly around 12 months, though some require longer. Hitting that mark can roughly cut your premium.
If you have an existing policy and you've since quit, it's often worth re-shopping after you've been smoke-free long enough to requalify at non-smoker rates.
Key takeaways
- Smokers commonly pay around double a non-smoker's rate for the same coverage.
- Tobacco use is usually verified through the application and exam — answer honestly.
- Cigars, chew, and often vaping can count as tobacco, but carriers vary.
- Staying tobacco-free (often ~12 months) can requalify you for non-smoker rates.
Frequently asked questions
How much more do smokers pay for life insurance?
It varies, but smokers commonly pay roughly double what a comparable non-smoker pays for the same coverage, since tobacco is a significant risk factor. Carriers price it differently, so comparing matters.
Does vaping count as smoking for life insurance?
Often yes — many carriers classify vaping and nicotine products as tobacco use, though policies vary. Some treat it differently than cigarettes, so it's worth comparing how each insurer handles it.
How long after quitting smoking can you get non-smoker rates?
Many insurers consider you a non-smoker after about 12 months tobacco-free, though some require longer. Once you qualify, re-shopping your coverage can significantly lower your premium.
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Get my free quote →This article is for general educational purposes only and is not insurance, financial, legal, or tax advice. Coverage, features, and availability vary by carrier and state. PolicyClover is a marketing brand operated by Adsystems.io LLC and is not an insurer. Speak with a licensed agent about your specific situation.