Tips for Smokers to Save Money on Life Insurance
- mattmims
- Mar 17
- 4 min read
How Smokers Can Save Big on Life Insurance Costs
If you're a smoker, you may already know that life insurance rates are significantly higher compared to non-smokers. However, there are ways to reduce your premiums and secure the best possible rates. In this guide, we’ll explore practical tips for smokers to save money on life insurance, highlight a real-life success story, and break down top insurance companies that work with smokers.
Why Do Smokers Pay More for Life Insurance?
Insurance companies categorize smokers as high-risk due to the well-documented health risks associated with tobacco use, such as lung disease, heart conditions, and cancer. As a result, premiums for smokers can be two to five times higher than those for non-smokers. However, there are ways to mitigate these costs.
How Insurers Determine Smoker Status
Most insurance companies classify you as a smoker if you’ve used nicotine products within the past 12 months. Some insurers may have stricter or more lenient guidelines, so it’s essential to compare options. Even if you only smoke occasionally, you may still be classified as a smoker, which affects your premiums. However, insurers often reclassify policyholders if they quit smoking for at least a year.
7 Key Tips to Save Money on Life Insurance as a Smoker
Below is a breakdown of the best strategies to save money on life insurance if you smoke.
Tip | Description |
Compare Multiple Quotes | Every insurer evaluates smokers differently. Get quotes from multiple carriers to find the best rate. |
Consider Term Life Insurance | Term life policies are generally more affordable than whole life insurance. |
Look for Smoker-Friendly Companies | Some insurance providers offer better rates for occasional smokers or those using alternatives like vapes and cigars. |
Quit Smoking for 12+ Months | Many insurers will reclassify you as a non-smoker after one year of being tobacco-free. |
Use a Licensed Independent Broker | Experts, like LifeStein.com, can match you with the most smoker-friendly policies. |
Improve Your Overall Health | Better health can offset the risk factor of smoking, leading to lower premiums. |
Consider Alternative Nicotine Products | Some insurers classify alternative nicotine products differently, leading to better rates. |
Real-Life Success Story: How LifeStein Helped Sage H. Save on Life Insurance
Sage H., a 42-year-old smoker from Texas, was struggling to find an affordable life insurance policy. Traditional quotes placed him in a high-risk category, with premiums exceeding $250 per month for a $500,000 policy.
Sage reached out to LifeStein.com, where our experts compared multiple top-tier insurance companies and found a policy through Symetra that classified his occasional cigar use more favorably. By selecting a term life insurance policy and demonstrating excellent overall health, Sage was able to reduce his premium to $110 per month, cutting his costs by more than 50%.
This case is not unique—many smokers overpay for life insurance simply because they don’t explore alternative carriers or work with an independent agency that specializes in finding smoker-friendly policies.
Best Life Insurance Companies for Smokers
LifeStein partners with a wide range of life insurance providers that offer smoker-friendly policies. These include:
Legal & General
Banner Life
Protective
Symetra
Corebridge
Penn Mutual
Pacific Life
Principal
Transamerica
Thrivent
Cincinnati Life
Securian
Nationwide
Mutual of Omaha
AuguStar
Lincoln Financial
Ethos
New York Life
Each of these companies evaluates smokers differently, so working with an independent agency like LifeStein.com can ensure you receive the best possible rate.
What Type of Smoker Are You? (And Why It Matters)
Many insurers differentiate between different types of smokers. Knowing how you’re classified can help you find lower rates.
Daily Cigarette Smokers – Typically classified as high-risk, leading to the highest premiums.
Occasional Smokers (Cigars, Hookah, Pipes) – Some insurers may not classify occasional use as smoking.
Vape Users – Vaping is often rated similarly to cigarette smoking, but some insurers offer better rates.
Nicotine Pouch and Gum Users (Zyn, Nicorette, etc.) – Some companies offer better rates compared to traditional smokers.
Dip and Chewing Tobacco Users – Some insurers consider dip and chew differently from cigarette use, leading to potential savings.
Weed Smokers – Depending on usage frequency, some insurers may not categorize occasional weed use as tobacco smoking.
The Importance of Medical Exams for Smokers
When applying for life insurance as a smoker, insurers may require a medical exam. The results of this exam can significantly influence your premiums. If you’re otherwise in good health—maintaining a healthy weight, cholesterol, and blood pressure—you may qualify for more competitive smoker rates.
Additional Ways to Lower Your Life Insurance Costs
Bundle Policies – If you have home or auto insurance, bundling with life insurance may provide discounts.
Purchase at a Younger Age – Rates increase with age, so locking in a policy early saves money long-term.
Reapply After Quitting – If you quit smoking, request a re-evaluation to secure non-smoker rates after 12 months.
Work With a Life Insurance Specialist – Agencies like LifeStein.com can find policies that align with your specific smoking habits.
Consider No-Medical-Exam Policies – Some insurers offer no-medical-exam policies, which may be beneficial for smokers with pre-existing health conditions.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle – While insurers classify smokers as high-risk, they also take into account other health factors. A well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and good medical history can help offset some of the risk associated with smoking.
Get the Best Smoker Life Insurance Rates With LifeStein.com
Finding affordable life insurance as a smoker doesn’t have to be difficult. LifeStein.com helps you navigate policies, compare quotes, and secure the best rates from the top insurance carriers in the U.S.
Get Started Today!
Visit LifeStein.com or call (601)-218-7854 to receive a customized quote and start saving on your life insurance policy today!
With the right strategy and expert guidance, smokers can still find affordable and high-quality life insurance coverage. Don’t overpay—let LifeStein help you find the best possible rates.

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