If you’ve stumbled upon this article, you are probably navigating the complex 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.
QUICK LINK NAVIGATION
Life Insurance for Smokers
We help smokers find affordable life insurance every day. While smoking affects rates, we’ve got solutions that work for your budget.
Let’s be upfront about what you’re facing. Insurance companies view smoking as a significant health factor – and yes, you’ll pay more than non-smokers, typically 25-50% higher premiums.
But here’s what many agents won’t tell you: there’s quite a bit of variation between insurance companies in how they handle smokers, and we know precisely which ones offer the most competitive rates.
⊕
preferred vs. standard smoker rate class
Some life insurers offer preferred rates for smokers who are otherwise healthy, maintain an ideal weight, and have an excellent medical history.
This classification can result in premiums over 25% lower than standard smoker rates.
We help clients qualify for these savings by choosing companies more lenient with their smoking classifications.
Life Insurance for Smokers over 50
Teddy, 55, applies for a $250,000, 20-year smoker’s insurance policy.
He can choose between Company A, which offers a preferred smoker rate, and Company B, which provides a standard rate.
This difference saves Teddy nearly $1,000 annually, totaling $20,000 over 20 years.
| Company A | Company B | |
| Rate Class | Preferred Smoker | Standard Smoker |
| Premium | $2,837 | $3,770 |
⊕
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, we suggest purchasing coverage with a lower death benefit or opting for a shorter term that offers more affordable 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
Let me be straight with you about life insurance and smoking. We have helped hundreds of clients navigate this exact situation, and term life insurance is usually your best bet if you smoke.
Term life insurance is the most reasonable option for breadwinners whose families depend on their income to maintain their standard of living.
| $250k | $500k | $750k | $1mm | |
| Age | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| 30 | $25 | $41 | $54 | $67 |
| 40 | $37 | $63 | $90 | $105 |
| 50 | $77 | $137 | $202 | $248 |
| 60 | $2157 | $369 | $447 | $569 |
| 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | |
| 30 | $28 | $47 | $66 | $75 |
| 40 | $45 | $77 | $111 | $138 |
| 50 | $96 | $177 | $262 | $328 |
| 60 | $212 | $372 | $535 | $737 |
| 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | |
| 30 | $32 | $54 | $79 | $97 |
| 40 | $56 | $99 | $146 | $185 |
| 50 | $115 | $217 | $323 | $398 |
| 60 | $255 | $504 | $753 | $957 |
Cost of Term Insurance for Male 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 |
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
- Select Duration
- Select Amount
- Press Get Quote
No Exam Life Insurance for Smokers
No Exam Life Insurance for Smokers Many of our clients who smoke get anxious about needle pricks and medical tests. That’s why we are excited to tell you about no-exam life insurance – it’s a game-changer for smokers seeking coverage.
These policies often eliminate the need for a medical exam, streamlining the process with just a phone interview about your health history.
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, we always recommend being 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 with most carriers.
Plus, your rates can improve further based on how long you’ve abstained from smoking. For instance, refraining from smoking for 24, 36, and even 60 months can unlock additional discounts.
If you have quit smoking for over 24 months, companies like Lincoln National, Banner Life, and Protective Life will recognize your commitment by offering cheaper preferred rates.
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 identified which life insurance companies are best suited for various types of alternative tobacco usage.
Life Insurance for Chewing Tobacco Users
Prudential is your best friend here. They’re the industry leader when it comes to smokeless tobacco, offering non-smoker rates that could save you thousands over the life of your policy.
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 If you use nicotine gum, e-cigarettes, or vaping products, most insurance companies will classify you as a smoker.
However, Prudential may offer a standard plus non-smoker rate if you haven’t smoked traditional cigarettes in the past year and are in good health.
Keep in mind that they only allow nicotine gum under their more favorable non-smoker policies.
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—daily, weekly, monthly, or only on special occasions. Being clear about your usage frequency is essential!
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 particularly generous. If you smoke fewer than five cigars monthly, you could qualify for their preferred plus non-smoker bracket.
Life Insurance for Pipe Smokers
Great 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.
Want to explore your options? Let’s discuss your specific situation and find the perfect policy for your needs.
Every case is unique, and we are here to help you navigate the process and secure the best possible rates.
Trending Life Insurance Topics
-
Affordable Life USA offers comprehensive life insurance solutions to families and business owners throughout the United States.
Our founder, Eric Van Haaften, developed his passion for quantitative analysis while earning his business degree from Ferris State University, which laid a strong foundation for his analytical approach to financial planning.
