In this guide
Life insurance for smokers and other tobacco users is available, but premiums are typically much higher than for non-tobacco users because tobacco use is linked to serious health risks. Insurers generally define tobacco use broadly and often test for nicotine, so it is important to answer honestly. If you quit, many insurers will consider reclassifying you as a non-tobacco user after a period of being tobacco-free.
Key takeaways
- Insurers usually put applicants into tobacco or non-tobacco rate classes, and tobacco rates are generally higher.
- Definitions differ. Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and often vapes and nicotine products can count, depending on the insurer.
- Insurers commonly test for nicotine, so misstatements are likely to be found, and misrepresentation on an application can cause problems with a claim.
- If you quit, ask insurers how long you must be tobacco-free to qualify for non-tobacco rates and whether an existing policy can be re-rated.
- Rules, definitions and look-back periods vary by insurer, so compare several.
Why tobacco use raises the price
Insurers price policies on expected claims. Smoking is associated with higher risks of heart disease, cancer and lung disease, according to public health authorities such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Because those conditions raise the chance of early death, insurers charge tobacco users more.
The size of the gap varies with your age, health, policy type and the insurer. Smokers often pay a multiple of the non-tobacco rate, so it can be a large difference. Age compounds this effect; see how age affects life insurance.
Who counts as a tobacco user
There is no single definition. Each insurer sets its own, and these are the usual categories.
| Product | How insurers often treat it |
|---|---|
| Cigarettes | Counted as tobacco use |
| Cigars and pipes | Often counted as tobacco use. Some insurers allow occasional cigar use with a limit on how many per year. |
| Chewing tobacco and snuff | Counted as tobacco use |
| E-cigarettes and vapes | Often counted if they contain nicotine; some insurers treat them separately |
| Nicotine gum, patches and lozenges | Varies. They contain nicotine, so a test may detect it even if the product is a quitting aid. Ask the insurer. |
| Marijuana | Treated differently from tobacco by many insurers, but smoking it may be considered, and rules vary by state and insurer |
Insurers typically ask whether you have used any of these within a recent look-back period, such as the past 12 months, though the window differs by company. Read the application questions carefully.
How insurers check
- Application questions. You are asked directly about tobacco and nicotine use, and how recently.
- Medical exam samples. Urine or blood tests can detect nicotine byproducts. See the life insurance medical exam for what to expect.
- Records. Prescription history, doctor notes and other database checks may also mention tobacco use.
Watch out: Saying you do not use tobacco when you do is a material misrepresentation. If the insurer discovers it, it could deny a claim or cancel the policy, depending on the policy terms and state law. The few dollars saved are not worth the risk to your family.
If you quit: reclassifying
Many insurers allow smokers who have stopped to qualify for non-tobacco rates after a certain period of being tobacco-free. The required period differs by company, and often it is at least one year. Some insurers require longer, or treat different products differently.
New policy vs. re-rating an existing one
- Apply for a new policy. If you have been tobacco-free long enough, you can apply as a non-tobacco user and compare quotes from several insurers. Do not cancel your old policy until the new one is in force.
- Ask your current insurer about re-rating. Some will review your rate after a period of being tobacco-free, usually with a test. Others do not offer it.
Tip: If you are close to the cut-off for being tobacco-free, ask insurers about their rules before applying. Waiting a few months might change the class you qualify for, though you should weigh that against going without coverage in the meantime.
How to shop if you use tobacco
- Be honest from the start. It avoids surprises at the exam and protects your family later.
- Compare quotes from several insurers. Definitions and pricing differ, so some may suit your habits better. For example, how they treat occasional cigars or nicotine replacement.
- Consider term first. Term coverage is usually the least expensive way to get a large death benefit for a set period; see term vs. whole life insurance.
- Look at no-exam options with care. Some simplified issue policies charge tobacco rates based on your answers; see no-exam life insurance.
- Ask about conversion and re-rating. These features can help if you quit later.
- Get help quitting if you want it. The CDC's resources at 1-800-QUIT-NOW connect people to free support, and it can also help your health and future rates.
Other health and lifestyle factors
Tobacco use is one of several factors. Insurers also consider weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, family history, hazardous activities and driving record. A smoker who is otherwise healthy may still qualify for decent rates in a tobacco class, while someone with multiple factors may see higher premiums or limited options. How much coverage you need is a separate question; see how much life insurance do I need.
Other ways to keep costs reasonable
Beyond quitting, there are practical steps that may help, none of them guarantees. Choosing a shorter term, or only the amount your family truly needs, reduces the premium. Paying annually rather than monthly is often cheaper, as the Insurance Information Institute notes. Improving other health markers, such as blood pressure and weight, may help your rating, particularly if you later qualify for a better class. See how to buy life insurance for the full process.
Keep your records tidy if you quit
If you stop using tobacco, note the date and keep any doctor's notes that mention it. Insurers may ask when you last used tobacco, and a consistent record avoids confusion. Remember that nicotine replacement products can show up on a nicotine test, so tell the insurer if you use them.
Frequently asked questions
How much more do smokers pay for life insurance?
It varies by age, health, amount and insurer. Smokers generally pay noticeably more than non-tobacco users, sometimes multiples of the rate. Quotes from several insurers show the difference for your situation.
How long do I have to be smoke-free to get non-smoker rates?
It depends on the insurer. Commonly it is at least a year, but some require more. Check the definition on each application.
Does vaping count as smoking for life insurance?
Many insurers treat nicotine vaping as tobacco use, although practices vary. Ask before you apply.
Will occasional cigar use affect my rates?
It might. Some insurers allow a small number of cigars per year in non-tobacco classes, while others treat any use as tobacco use. Check each insurer's rule.
Can I lower my existing premium after I quit?
Some insurers will re-rate a policy after you have been tobacco-free for a set time, usually with a nicotine test. Ask your insurer or agent, and compare against buying a new policy.
Sources
- CDC – About Tobacco
- NAIC – Life Insurance (Consumer guide)
- Insurance Information Institute – 8 smart steps for buying life insurance
- Progressive – What to expect from a life insurance medical exam
General information only. This guide explains general concepts and is not insurance, legal or financial advice. Rules and prices vary by state and insurer. Check your policy documents and speak to a licensed insurance professional or your state insurance department about your situation.