If you’ve stumbled upon this article, you are probably navigating the intricate world of life insurance for smokers.
Whether you smoke cigarettes, cigars, vape, use chewing tobacco, or consume marijuana, it’s vital to dive deep into various factors that influence your premiums.
Our comprehensive guide simplifies this process by providing targeted strategies uniquely suited for those who smoke or use tobacco products.
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Life Insurance for Smokers
Searching for the best life insurance rates for smokers can be challenging, but plenty of options exist.
However, insurers categorize applicants based on their health and lifestyle, with smokers facing higher premiums due to smoking-related diseases such as lung cancer and COPD.
This disparity exists because insurers anticipate that many smokers will have shorter lifespans than non-smokers. Consequently, they expect smokers to contribute fewer payments over time.
As a general guideline, those who smoke can expect their life insurance costs to be about 25% to 50% higher than those of non-smokers.
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preferred vs. standard smoker rate class
In life insurance underwriting, not all smokers are viewed equally. While smokers generally pay higher premiums due to increased health risks, some insurers offer preferred smoker rates.
This preferred smoker rate class is available for those who are otherwise healthy, maintain an ideal weight, and have an excellent medical history.
This preferred category provides more affordable premiums, with potential savings of over 25% compared to the standard rates for smokers.
Life Insurance for Smokers over 50
When 55-year-old Teddy applies for a $250,000, 20-year smoker’s insurance policy, he could qualify for different rates.
Company A offers him a preferred smoker rate, unlike Company B’s standard one.
This difference leads to an annual saving of nearly $1,000, or $20,000 over 20 years.
| Company A | Company B | |
| Rate Class | Preferred Smoker | Standard Smoker |
| Premium | $2,837 | $3,770 |
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standard smoker rate class
What if you don’t qualify for the best class because you are in average health or have a medical condition?
Not qualifying for a preferred smoker rate doesn’t mean you should overlook the importance of getting insured.
If anything, you could always buy coverage with a smaller death benefit or even choose a shorter term with more budget-friendly premiums.
It’s worth noting that while some insurers are highly recommended for cigarette smokers, they may not necessarily offer the best solutions for users of other tobacco products.
Term Life Insurance for Smokers
Cost of Term Life Insurance for Smokers
| $250k | $500k | $750k | $1mm | |
| Age | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| 30 | $29 | $50 | $73 | $83 |
| 40 | $40 | $74 | $108 | $139 |
| 50 | $99 | $176 | $260 | $344 |
| 60 | $230 | $430 | $641 | $766 |
| 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | |
| 30 | $33 | $58 | $83 | $105 |
| 40 | $58 | $98 | $145 | $185 |
| 50 | $128 | $230 | $344 | $439 |
| 60 | $306 | $546 | $818 | $1,035 |
| 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | |
| 30 | $39 | $68 | $98 | $128 |
| 40 | $69 | $125 | $185 | $233 |
| 50 | $158 | $298 | $445 | $567 |
| 60 | $376 | $725 | $1,085 | $1,358 |
* The sample is for males with preferred smoker rates
Naturally, you will want to shop around and compare quotes from various insurers to secure the best life insurance rates for smokers.
You can use our insurance calculator to evaluate the most cost-effective life insurance options from trusted providers in just a few minutes!
Cheap Life Insurance for Smokers
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No Exam Life Insurance for Smokers
No Exam Life Insurance for Smokers Many smokers dislike needle pricks and often dread undergoing the medical tests required for life insurance.
The good news is that no-exam life insurance policies provide a simpler, quicker alternative to traditional term life insurance applications.
These policies often eliminate the need for a medical exam, streamlining the process with just a phone interview.
For those without significant health issues who regularly see their doctor, opting for a no-exam policy can still secure preferred rates from several insurers.
Companies like Banner, Ameritas Transamerica, and Pacific Life are leading providers for those seeking this more convenient route to life insurance coverage.
Life Insurance for Ex Smokers
Life Insurance for Ex SmokersIt is necessary to point out that misrepresenting your smoking habits on a life insurance application is considered fraud and could lead to a denied claim.
Therefore, it’s imperative to be honest about even occasional smoking when applying for coverage.
The good news is that if you’ve been nicotine-free for 12 months, you’re eligible for the standard non-smoker rates.
Plus, your rates can improve further based on how long you’ve abstained from smoking. For instance, abstaining from smoking for 24, 36, and even 60 months can unlock additional discounts.
If you have quit smoking for over 24 months, Lincoln National, Banner Life, and Protective Life will all grant you a more affordable preferred rate classification.
Non-Smoker Rates for Alternative Tobacco
Non-Smoker Rates for Alternative TobaccoSeveral insurers differentiate between cigarette smoking and other forms of tobacco use, such as pipes, cigars, chewing tobacco, nicotine gum, or e-cigarettes.
This change provides hope for non-cigarette users, who have historically faced higher premiums by being lumped together with smokers.
The best insurance company for alternative tobacco users will ultimately depend on the frequency of use and the type of tobacco you consume.
- Frequency of use (daily, weekly, monthly, celebration only)
- Type of Tobacco (chew, pipe, cigar, nicotine gum, or patch)
It’s important to note that while many insurers may offer better rates to cigar and pipe enthusiasts under certain conditions, this generosity is not always extended to users of smokeless tobacco.
Life Insurance for Smokers Over 60
Mike, a 60-year-old, applied for a $100,000 term life insurance policy with a 20-year duration.
Mike knows which insurers are more flexible regarding alternative tobacco and still qualify for a non-smoker rate class.
Conversely, had he chosen a stricter insurer on alternative tobacco usage, he would have faced higher smoker rates.
| Company A | Company B | |
| Rate Class | Non-smoker | Smoker |
| Premium | $1,093 | $2,460 |
As you can see, working with an agent before initiating the underwriting process can help you secure the most affordable rates.
Affordable Life USA simplifies this task by offering premium comparisons tailored to your smoking habits and health history.
We’ve compiled purchasing advice and identify which life insurance companies are best suited for various types of alternative tobacco usage.
Life Insurance for Chewing Tobacco Users
Prudential stands out by offering non-smoker rates for those who use smokeless tobacco and other alternative tobacco products.
In fact, healthy snuff users might even qualify for Prudential’s standard plus non-smoker rate classification.
Moreover, companies like Cincinnati Life, John Hancock, and Lincoln Financial offer chewing tobacco users a higher costing standard rate.
Life Insurance for e-cigarettes, Vaping, and Gum
Life Insurance for e-cigarettes, Vaping, and Gum For those using nicotine gum, e-cigarettes, or vaping products, most insurers will categorize you as a smoker.
However, Prudential is the sole company accommodating such users with more favorable terms.
If you haven’t smoked traditional cigarettes in the past year and are generally in good health, Prudential offers a standard plus non-smoker rate class.
This classification significantly reduces premiums compared to typical smoker rates, making it a cost-effective option for individuals utilizing these alternative nicotine sources.
Life Insurance for Cigar Smokers
Life Insurance for Cigar SmokersIf you enjoy a cigar only now and then, you’re in luck. Many life insurance providers offer non-smoker rates to occasional smokers.
The key factor is how often you indulge, whether daily, weekly, monthly, or just for special occasions.
Insurers typically categorize usage based on the number of cigars smoked each month. The less frequently you smoke, the better your coverage options.
American General is an excellent choice for those who light up infrequently. If you smoke fewer than five cigars monthly, you could qualify for their preferred plus non-smoker class.
Life Insurance for Pipe Smokers
Life Insurance for Pipe SmokersGreat news for pipe enthusiasts! If you enjoy smoking a pipe, you can still secure a standard non-smoker rate from insurers like Cincinnati Life, Prudential, John Hancock, and Lincoln National.
What’s more? Prudential offers healthy pipe smokers an even more affordable option with their standard plus non-smoker rate class.
So, if you enjoy toking on a pipe from time to time, puff away without worrying about higher life insurance premiums!
Life Insurance for Marijuana Smokers
Life Insurance for Marijuana SmokersGetting life insurance as a marijuana user can be complex, but the landscape is constantly evolving as it gains widespread acceptance.
We connect pot smokers with insurers with progressive views on cannabis, such as MetLife, Mutual of Omaha, and Prudential.
MetLife and Mutual of Omaha offer non-smoker rates for individuals who occasionally partake but categorize more frequent users under smoker rates.
Prudential stands out as the most favorable option for marijuana smokers by offering a preferred best non-tobacco rating for usage up to three times per week.
To qualify for a Prudential policy, be sure to be honest about your marijuana use during the application process. Interestingly enough, testing positive for THC won’t jeopardize your rating with them.
On the flip side, many insurers will classify you as a tobacco user if any THC is detected in your urine sample, regardless of whether or not you smoke cigarettes.
Plus, there are still insurers with zero tolerance toward any form of cannabis consumption. Testing positive for THC could lead to being declined coverage altogether by these companies.
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Eric acquired his love for quantitative analysis while getting his business degree from Ferris State University, which provided a solid foundation for his analytical approach to financial planning.
Eric Van Haaften, LUTCF
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