Mortgage Advisor & Director
Former Senior Protection Advisor
If you’re looking at taking out life cover, you might be wondering whether it’s possible for smokers to get life insurance. Here we’ll explain what you need to know, along with how insurers view occasional and ex-smokers. We’ll also cover the cost impacts of smoking, and reveal how to get the cheapest quotes.
What is considered a smoker for life insurance?
Most insurers class anyone who has consumed nicotine or tobacco in the last 12 months as a smoker. For most life insurance providers, this includes cigarettes, cigars and pipes (including shisha/hookah).
Many insurers also consider you a smoker if you use any type of nicotine products like patches, gum, chewing tobacco, lozenges or nicotine pouches. The majority will also consider you a smoker if you vape or use electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes).
How much is life insurance for a smoker?
Smokers tend to face higher life insurance prices vs non-smokers. On average, the cost of life insurance for a smoker is roughly 40% higher than the cost for a non-smoker. However, you’ll likely find that your age plays a significant role.
Whether you smoke or not isn’t the only thing that affects the cost of life insurance. There are numerous other factors, such as the type of policy you want to get (for example, term insurance or whole-of-life insurance), how much cover you need, and even your occupation.
Example costs
At younger ages, you may see a smaller increase in premiums compared to older smokers. At 30 years old, the price difference might not be too significant. However, premiums for a 50 or 60-year-old male or female smoker will likely be significantly more expensive than for a non-smoker.
For example, at 30 years old, a £150,000 term life insurance policy for smokers (and vapers) with Legal & General would cost around £13 a month, compared to £8 for non-smokers. But, at 50 years old, it costs about £88 for smokers vs £36 for non-smokers. So, the percentage difference between premiums expands with age.
How to get the cheapest life insurance quote
Many variables go into a life insurance quote, and being a smoker can put you at a slight disadvantage with some insurers. So, it’s crucial to find a policy that suits your circumstances and budget. The best way to get a quote with cheap rates is through an expert insurance broker.
A broker will take all your relevant details and find the most affordable life insurance rates for your circumstances. It’s always worth having a quick discussion with an expert advisor because they can ensure that, as a smoker, the cost impact on your policy is minimal.
If you want to have a free, no obligation initial chat with one of our experienced advisors who specialises in life insurance for smokers, you can get started here:
Get bespoke life insurance quotes for smokers here
Life insurance costs for occasional smokers
Even as a casual smoker, insurers typically still classify you as a smoker if you’ve used any sort of nicotine or tobacco product in the last 12 months, regardless of day-to-day frequency. So, the price of life insurance for occasional smokers will still likely be more than it is for a non-smoker.
However, the amount you smoke can affect the cost of your premiums. Some insurers offer cheaper life insurance rates to casual smokers, but not always. This is why it’s best to deal with the right life insurance provider for your particular lifestyle habits if you want the best deal.
Life insurance for ex-smokers
If you look at life insurance policies for smokers vs non-smokers, the biggest difference is usually the cost. But, if you’ve given up smoking, you might be wondering how long you have to wait to be classed as a non-smoker for life insurance.
Different insurers have varying definitions of what qualifies as a non-smoker. But, 12 months without smoking or using nicotine products tends to be the industry benchmark. However, some will still class you as a ‘previous smoker’ and may need as much as a 5-year gap to be deemed a ‘non-smoker’.
Why choose Teito for your life insurance needs?
Finding the right life insurance policy isn’t as simple as other forms of insurance, especially for smokers. You might end up keeping this policy for life, and want to be sure you can afford it and rely on it when your family needs it most.
Although smoking can significantly impact the cost, our expert advisors can minimise the effect by finding you the cheapest life insurance for your situation and needs. They have in-depth knowledge about which insurers will treat you more favourably.
Here are some more of the reasons current and ex-smokers choose us to find them the best life insurance policy:
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We can get tailored life insurance quotes for smokers
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Our advisors have 5-star ratings on leading review sites
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Your first chat is free, with no obligation to proceed
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Access to exclusive life insurance rates
Ready to take advantage of a free, no-obligation chat with an advisor who specialises in life insurance for smokers? Get started here.
FAQs
Yes, you must inform your insurer if you start smoking. If you don’t update them about a significant lifestyle habit change like this, it could lead to complications or a claim denial if the worst were to happen.
If you’re a non-smoker with life insurance who’s started smoking, check your policy notes to establish whether this has to be disclosed, otherwise you could be in breach of your policy terms. Various insurers require differing levels of disclosure, so it’s best to ask your advisor to inform you about everything you do and don’t need to tell your life insurance provider.
Choosing an Adviser
Selecting a qualified and experienced mortgage adviser is of great importance. To choose a suitable adviser, evaluate their qualifications, experience, and reputation, and ensure they are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Read reviews from previous clients and make sure they provide a clear explanation of the products and services they offer, as well as the fees and charges associated with them.