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Term life insurance for ex and current smokers
Choosing the correct term life insurance for ex- and current smokers can be tricky. Get all the details you need to know with this comprehensive guide!
- updated last on February 28, 2023
What is Term Life Insurance For Ex And Current Smokers?
Many men and women who smoke think there is no affordable term life insurance for smokers like them. Actually, most people that smoke have to spend more towards life insurance, but finding the best term life insurance for ex and current smokers is possible. You can find a affordable policy that can best suit your lifestyle with a little research.
Term Life Insurance for Smokers
According to Life Insurance companies, smokers are people who are currently smoking or those who have quit in a period less than one year ago.
| COMPANY | NOTES | MEDICAL EXAM? | APPROVAL? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best rates for smokers | Medical Exam Required | 2-6 weeks | |
| Very good rates for smokers | Medical Exam Required | 2-6 weeks |
 | Very good rates for smokers | Medical Exam Required | 4 – 12 weeks |
| NO MEDICAL EXAM | |||
| Best rates for smokers (no exam) | No Exam for coverage under $500,000 | 7 – 30 days |
| Very good rates for smokers (no exam) | No Exam for coverage under $500,000 | Same-day approval |
| Very good rates for smokers (no exam) | No Exam for coverage under $500,000 | 2 – 14 days |
Best Life Insurance for Smokers
To get non-smoking rates how long do I need to have stopped smoking?
For most companies you can classify as a non-smoker after just 12 months of quitting.
| COMPANY | NOTEs | MEDICAL EXAM? | APPROVAL? |
|---|---|---|---|
|
| Medical Exam Required | 2-6 weeks |
|
| Medical Exam Required | 2-6 weeks |
| NO MEDICAL EXAM | |||
|
| No Exam for coverage under $500,000 | 2 – 14 days |
|
| No Exam for coverage under $500,000 | 7 – 30 days |
Numbers of the Tobacco Industry
Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that about 17.8% of U.S adults were current cigarette smokers in 2013. Majority of these people smoked daily while the rest were not smoking regularly. This means that many cigarettes are smoked daily and the tobacco industry is a multi-billion sector.
More Than Cigarettes
The insurer considers several other forms of tobacco use when you apply for a life insurance policy. You will pay higher premiums if you use the following tobacco products.
Cigars: this comprises all cigars from big cigars to cigarillos. The variations in premiums will depend on the specific insurance company.
- Marijuana: some insurance companies will provide life insurance policies for marijuana users, especially for medicinal purposes. But others can even deny you coverage. You should always check with the licensed agent if the company accepts the use of marijuana before submitting your application. This variation occurs because some states have legalized the use of marijuana while others haven’t.
- Gum and Nicotine patches: Using nicotine gum or a nicotine patch is enough evidence that you are trying to quit the habit. This can be considered by the company as a plus point when determining if you should be considered a smoker. At the same time, it can work against you if it may concern the insurance company. Cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, nicotine patches, gums, and other tobacco products deliver nicotine in the body. Nicotine increases the risk of developing heart disease and doesn’t sit well with insurance companies.
Does smoking void a life insurance policy
Tobacco users usually pay higher premiums compared to non-users. This is because people who use tobacco are more likely to die at an earlier age as opposed to those who don’t. Over one-fifth of the total number of deaths in the U.S is as a result of tobacco use. This figure is higher than the combined total deaths due to car accidents, murder, and AIDs.
But the fact that you are labeled as a tobacco user doesn’t mean that you will be entitled to higher premiums forever. If you quit using tobacco for a year and take a medical exam, your insurance company could re-assess your situation and reduce the premiums.
Lying about smoking on life insurance
You will have to provide full information about whether you are a current tobacco user, whether you quit using tobacco in the last year, or the exact year in which you quit using tobacco. Some companies will charge higher premiums if you admit to having been a tobacco user. Some require you not to have used any tobacco product for not less than 5 years before they consider you for a non-tobacco rate.
You will have to do thorough research in order to shop for the very best policy.
What will happen when I provide false information?
You should provide honest information about your tobacco use when applying for life insurance. Providing misleading data is considered to be a fraud and the results of the medical exam will always reveal the truth. Tobacco and nicotine usually reside in the body for a longer period depending on the amount and usage period. Some companies can deny you coverage in case you provide false information; others will just raise your premiums. If you would want to apply for a no-exam policy — which more than likely is a good idea if you smoke or use tobacco-related products — you can by-pass the testing, but will more than likely be more expensive. Why? Because the insurance company doesn’t know much about your health, so giving a no exam policy puts them at a much greater risk. Those risks are covered by charging higher premiums.
Life insurance for smokers over 60
You have unlimited options when selecting a term life insurance policy that is affordable and best for you as a tobacco user. But it will require you to spend a lot of time and considerable effort.
Smokers will always pay more for life insurance than non-smokers for comparable policies, but Banner Life offers the most competitive rates to smokers among Coach B. Insurance partners. You’ll also be able to apply for lower premiums after a year if you quit smoking, whereas some other insurers do not offer non-smoker rates for two years or more.
A licensed Coach B. Life Insuranceagent can help you. Just call 1-800-342-1537 and ask how you can purchase the best life insurance policy for you. There is affordable life insurance for smokers and tobacco users.
Compare the market, right here.
Coach B. saves you up to 60% by comparing the top-rated companies on our quote and apply platform.
Best life insurance for smokeless tobacco users
Many life insurance companies may offer lower premiums for those who smoke tobacco products like cigars or pipes. However, if you use smokeless tobacco, such as chewing or snuff, you may find that some insurers offer better deals than others. If your term life policy covers smokeless tobacco users, inquire about the specifics of the coverage and any exclusions that may apply.
One thing to remember when shopping for life insurance for smokers or smokeless tobacco users is that you’ll likely face higher premiums than what non-smokers pay. Getting quotes from several companies is essential, comparing the specific coverage details and prices. Reading up on the different types of policies available and understanding the terminology used can help make putting your policy into action much more accessible. Ensure you have all the necessary information before submitting an application so your insurer can provide you with an accurate quote.
Whole life insurance for smokers
Whole life insurance is a more expensive policy but comes with more guarantees than term life products. Whole life policies cover your entire lifetime, while premiums are usually fixed within specific age brackets and never change. Plus, they come with the added advantage of accumulating cash value over time that can be used to pay dividends or accumulate tax-deferred earnings. Whole life insurance for smokers may also be available at a discounted rate depending on the insurer.
What if you start smoking after getting life insurance
It’s important to remember that the insurer will not typically issue a policy to someone who has already started smoking. Therefore, an individual could start smoking after receiving a term life policy and be ineligible for coverage if they start smoking. Any health changes, such as developing a severe medical condition or disability, may null and void the policy. Therefore, understanding your life insurance policies’ terms and conditions is crucial before signing up.
Cheapest life insurance for smokers
Ex and current smokers may find that the best option for life insurance is to purchase a term life insurance policy with a lower death benefit. Premiums on a policy like this are usually cheaper than traditional whole or universal life policies and can provide much of the same protection at an affordable rate. It’s essential to compare different term life policies and how they could affect your premiums when you are a smoker before signing up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Smokers Get Life Insurance?
Yes, smokers can get life insurance. However, their rates will be higher than those of non-smokers because tobacco use is classified as high-risk behavior by insurance companies. The amount someone pays for an individual policy largely depends on the type and amount of coverage they are seeking.
Do smokers pay more than non-smokers for life insurance?
Yes, smokers do pay more than non-smokers for life insurance. This is because smoking increases a person's risk of death and the cost of life insurance premiums. Smokers typically pay two to three times more than non-smokers for life insurance.
Does Life Insurance For Smokers Include Vaping?
Yes, life insurance policies for smokers typically include vaping and other tobacco use. Most insurers consider vaping as a form of smoking, so they will categorize you as a smoker if your answer is 'yes' when asked if you smoke or vape. However, premiums may be more expensive for those who indicate that they are regular vapers.
About Coach B.
After starting his financial career with Phoenix Home Life Insurance Company back in 1992, Scott decided he wanted to provide people with an easier and more enjoyable way to buy life insurance. That was the start of Coach B. Life Insurance, whose mission is to be transparent, honest, and helpful to customers — without ever bugging or pushing them.
In the years since then, he has worked tirelessly to improve the process of shopping for insurance. His goal is to make sure that everyone who comes to Coach B. — whether they end up buying a policy or not — has the best possible experience.
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