Life Insurance for Smokers and Tobacco Users
Tobacco use is one of the biggest single factors in what you'll pay for life insurance. Smokers commonly pay two to three times the non-smoker rate. The good news: you can absolutely get covered, and quitting can bring your price down dramatically.
What counts as "tobacco use"?
Insurers generally test for nicotine and cotinine, not just cigarettes. Depending on the carrier, all of these may lead to tobacco rates:
| Product | How it's commonly treated |
|---|---|
| Cigarettes | Tobacco rates with every carrier |
| Vaping / e-cigarettes | Tobacco rates with most carriers |
| Chewing tobacco, dip, snuff | Tobacco rates with most; a few carriers are more lenient |
| Occasional cigars | Some carriers allow non-tobacco rates for a few cigars a year with a negative nicotine test |
| Pipe | Varies; sometimes treated like cigars |
| Nicotine gum or patches | Often tobacco rates, since they produce nicotine in tests; some carriers make exceptions while quitting |
| Marijuana | Treated separately; many carriers give non-tobacco rates for occasional use, but rules vary widely |
Price comparison example
Illustrative monthly premiums for a 45-year-old man, 20-year term:
| Coverage | Non-tobacco | Tobacco |
|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | about $30–$40 | about $95–$130 |
| $500,000 | about $50–$65 | about $175–$250 |
On final expense plans, the gap is smaller, often 30 to 60 percent more for tobacco users.
Smart moves for smokers
- Don't hide it. Nicotine shows up in tests and medical records. A misstatement can void coverage if discovered during the contestability period.
- Buy now, then requalify. If you're planning to quit, get covered at tobacco rates today. Many carriers will reconsider you for non-tobacco rates once you've been nicotine-free for 12 months (sometimes longer), which lowers your premium without starting over.
- Shop carriers that are lenient on your product. Cigar smokers and chewing tobacco users especially benefit from comparing.
- Choose the right term length. Locking in a level rate now protects you if health problems show up later.
Recently quit?
- Under 12 months: most carriers still apply tobacco rates
- 12 to 36 months: many carriers offer standard non-tobacco rates
- 3 to 5 years: preferred non-tobacco classes may open up
Be prepared to give your quit date. Some applications ask about tobacco use over the past 12, 24 or 60 months.
Why tobacco costs so much more
Smoking raises the risk of heart disease, stroke, lung disease and many cancers. Insurers price for that risk. It's also why tobacco users often face stricter limits on health questions for simplified issue plans when combined with conditions like COPD.
Smoke, vape or dip? You can still get covered.
We'll find carriers that treat your type of tobacco use most fairly, and help you get re-rated once you've quit.
This guide is general education, not tax, legal or financial advice. Product features, issue ages and prices vary by carrier and state and change over time.