Life Insurance for Smokers: How Tobacco Use Affects Your Rates
- mattmims
- Mar 9
- 3 min read
Can Smokers Get Life Insurance?
Yes! Smokers can absolutely get life insurance, but their rates are typically higher than those for non-smokers. Insurance companies classify smokers as high-risk applicants due to the health risks associated with tobacco and nicotine use. However, there are ways to secure affordable life insurance even as a smoker—and LifeStein can help you find the best rates.
If you use cigarettes, cigars, vapes, chewing tobacco, or nicotine pouches (Zyn, On!), this guide will break down how smoking affects life insurance and how to find the best policy.
Why Do Smokers Pay More for Life Insurance?
Insurance companies base premiums on risk. Because smokers have a higher likelihood of developing serious health conditions, such as:
Lung cancer
Heart disease
Stroke
Respiratory issues
Smokers pay 2-5x more for life insurance compared to non-smokers.
For example:
Age | Non-Smoker Monthly Premium (20-Year Term, $500,000) | Smoker Monthly Premium |
30 | $25-$35 | $80-$120 |
40 | $40-$55 | $130-$190 |
50 | $90-$110 | $250-$400 |
The difference is huge, but some insurers offer better rates for certain types of nicotine use.
Do All Nicotine Users Pay Smoker Rates?
Most life insurance companies classify any nicotine user as a smoker. However, some companies are more lenient depending on the product used.
Nicotine Product | Smoker Rates? |
Cigarettes | ✅ Always |
Vapes/E-Cigarettes | ✅ Usually |
Cigars (Occasional) | ⚠️ Sometimes |
Chewing Tobacco/Dip | ❌ Typically Not |
Nicotine Pouches (Zyn, On!) | ❌ Typically Not |
Some companies will offer non-smoker rates to cigar smokers who only smoke 1-2 per month or to chewing tobacco users who can pass a nicotine test.
💡 Find out how your nicotine use affects rates:
Best Life Insurance Companies for Smokers
LifeStein works with every major life insurance carrier in all 50 states. Some insurers offer better rates for smokers, so it’s crucial to compare policies. Here are some of the best companies:
Top Life Insurance Companies for Smokers:
Legal & General (Banner Life) – Competitive rates for occasional cigar smokers.
Protective Life – One of the most affordable term life insurers for smokers.
Symetra – May offer better pricing for dip and chewing tobacco users.
Corebridge (AIG) – Often lenient with certain nicotine products.
Penn Mutual – Flexible underwriting for various types of nicotine use.
Pacific Life – Good options for smokers looking for whole life coverage.
Principal – Offers competitive term life pricing for smokers.
Transamerica – Provides various policy options for smokers and nicotine users.
Thrivent – May offer reduced smoker rates for those who quit.
Cincinnati Life – Strong underwriting options for high-risk applicants.
Securian (Minnesota Life) – Flexible underwriting on occasional tobacco use.
Nationwide – Strong reputation for customized policies.
Mutual of Omaha – One of the best whole life options for smokers.
AuguStar – Competitive term and universal life options.
Lincoln Financial – Often lenient on chewing tobacco and cigar smokers.
Ethos – Simplified underwriting with quick approval options.
New York Life – High-quality whole and term life policies for smokers.
🔎 Compare rates from top insurers today: Get a Free Quote
How to Get Cheaper Life Insurance as a Smoker
Even though smokers pay more for life insurance, you can reduce your costs using these strategies:
1. Compare Multiple Companies
Each insurer treats nicotine differently, so shopping around helps you find the best deal. LifeStein does this for you.
2. Choose Term Life Over Whole Life
Term life insurance is 5-10x cheaper than whole life. If affordability is your concern, start with term life.
3. Quit Smoking & Reapply
Many insurers allow you to reapply for non-smoker rates after 12-24 months nicotine-free.
4. Look for No Medical Exam Policies
Some insurers offer no-medical exam life insurance, which may not test for nicotine.
📌 Check if you qualify: No-Exam Life Insurance Options
Get the Best Life Insurance as a Smoker – Start Today
Finding affordable life insurance as a smoker doesn’t have to be difficult. At LifeStein, we work with top-rated insurers to ensure you get the best possible rates—even if you smoke.
💰 Compare life insurance quotes now and save thousands over time!
📞 Have questions? Call us at (601)-218-7854 or email info@lifestein.com to speak with the owner of LifeStein.com, Matt Mims.
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