Where to Buy Life Insurance If You Smoke

mattmims
Aug 27, 2025
4 min read

Buying Life Insurance When You Smoke

Cheap Life Insurance for Smokers in 2025 – How to Find the Best Rates Fast

If you’re a smoker, you already know life insurance can cost more. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. In fact, some life insurance companies are much more friendly to smokers than others. The key is knowing where to buy life insurance if you smoke so you don’t overpay.

👉 Quick Solution: Click here to compare life insurance quotes for smokers at LifeStein.com. We shop every major carrier in all 50 states.

If you smoke cigarettes, click here: Quote Form

If you smoke cigars, click here: Quote Form

If you vape, click here: Quote Form

If you smoke weed, click here: Quote Form

Why Life Insurance Costs More for Smokers

When you apply for coverage, insurers use your health history, habits, and lifestyle to assign you a risk

category. Because smoking increases risks of cancer, heart disease, and other health issues, smokers almost always pay higher premiums.

But here’s the good news:

Some carriers treat light smokers better than heavy smokers.
Occasional cigar smokers may still qualify for “Standard” or better rates.
Smokeless tobacco users (dip, Zyn, On!, VELO) are sometimes rated differently.

According to the Life Insurance Fact Book 2024, nicotine use remains one of the top three underwriting factors that increase premiums — but companies don’t all treat smokers the same way.

Smoker vs. Non-Smoker Life Insurance Rates

Here’s a quick look at how smoking impacts life insurance costs:

Age	Non-Smoker Rate (20-year term, $500k)	Smoker Rate	% Increase
30	$25/mo	$70/mo	+180%
40	$35/mo	$110/mo	+215%
50	$75/mo	$225/mo	+200%

This is why shopping around with the right broker matters. Some companies will charge you double or triple, while others take a much more balanced approach.

Cigarette Smoker and Life Insurance — Life Insurance for Cigarette Smokers

Where to Buy Life Insurance If You Smoke

Not all companies treat smokers the same. Here are the best places to look:

1. LifeStein.com

LifeStein is an independent broker that works with every major carrier nationwide. We specialize in finding the lowest rates for smokers, including cigarettes, cigars, vapes, dip, and nicotine pouches. Unlike single-company agents, we shop across 20+ insurers to find the best fit.

And the best part? LifeStein has direct access to companies known for being smoker-friendly, including Legal & General (Banner Life), Protective Life, Symetra, and Corebridge. That means we can unlock options that most other agents won’t know how to access.

👉 Start your smoker life insurance quote today.

2. Legal & General (Banner Life)

Known for competitive smoker rates, especially if you’re otherwise in good health. Available through LifeStein.

3. Protective Life

Often lenient on cigar users and offers flexible term options. Available through LifeStein.

4. Symetra & Corebridge

Frequently provide middle-ground pricing for smokers. Both available through LifeStein.

5. Mutual of Omaha & Transamerica

Strong reputation for covering applicants with unique health or lifestyle risks, including smoking.

Tips to Get the Best Life Insurance Rates as a Smoker

Be Honest: Don’t try to hide smoking. Most insurers test with urine or blood samples. Lying can void your policy.
Consider Term Life: Term life insurance is usually cheaper and lets you lock in a rate now.
Shop Around: Rates vary dramatically between insurers. A broker like LifeStein can do the shopping for you.
Quit if Possible: Many companies will reclassify you as a non-smoker after 12–24 months of quitting.
Look at Alternatives: If you don’t want an exam, you can apply for instant life insurance with no medical exam.

Testimonial

"I smoke cigars on weekends, and the first quote I got from a local agent was triple what I expected. LifeStein found me a smoker-friendly company and cut my premium in half. They knew which carriers to use." – Robert A.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get life insurance if I smoke cigarettes daily?

Yes. Every major life insurer offers coverage, but your premiums will be higher than a non-smoker.

Do occasional cigar smokers pay smoker rates?

It depends. Some companies allow 1–2 cigars per month without classifying you as a smoker.

What if I vape instead of smoking?

Many insurers still count vaping as nicotine use. See our guide on life insurance for vapers.

Do nicotine pouch users get smoker rates?

Not always. Check our Zyn life insurance guide for details.

What if I only smoke when I drink?

Carriers may still classify you as a smoker. Read our full guide here.

Bottom Line

Where to buy life insurance if you smoke comes down to choosing the right company. While some insurers will charge you the maximum, others will treat you more fairly. With LifeStein’s access to Legal & General, Protective, Symetra, Corebridge, and many more, you can be confident you’re getting the best smoker rates available in 2025.

👉 Start your free smoker life insurance quote here.