term life insurance for ex and current smokers guide

cheapest life insurance for a smoker

For example, you might be diagnosed with a new health issue when stopping smoking, which could result in higher health costs. And even more importantly, you might die without having a plan in place, putting your family members in a difficult position.

If you're seeking motivation to quit smoking earlier rather than later, many insurance companies have a waiting period before you can be considered a non-smoker. The waiting time is typically at least one year. After you've completed the threshold the rates may decrease and even reach the rates of the "never-smoker" within a couple of years.

No. If you're honest about your smoking when you fill out your life insurance application smoking cigarettes will not invalidate the Life insurance contract. It is essential to be honest regarding your smoking habits when filling out your application and during your medical examination. Certain insurance companies will conduct a nicotine test when you apply to determine if you're a smoker.

term life insurance for ex and current smokers guide

If you're not yet ready to quit smoking, you'll need to find the most suitable life insurance options for smokers. If you're a smoker but are otherwise in good health, there are several alternatives for life insurance. If you're suffering from serious illnesses related to smoking, You may have choices, but you'll likely need to pay more for insurance or receive a lower death benefit.

Smoking cigarettes among adults is at a record low of just 14% in the latest report of the surgeon general. But , 16 million Americans suffer from smoking-related diseases. It's not necessary to suffer from the health effects of having to pay more expensive life insurance rates. Smoking cigarettes will generally lead to higher premiums when purchasing life insurance.

A majority of applicants for life insurance didn't declare their smoking habits as per ExamOne which conducts medical examinations on behalf of life insurance firms. It's based on the amount of applicants who had the test results containing cotinine but claimed they didn't smoke. The younger applicants are more likely to conceal their use of tobacco.

cheapest life insurance rates for smokers

The good news is that , if you stop smoking cigarettes to enhance your fitness, you could also enhance the life insurance options available. Policy options and premiums may rise over time.

If you are planning to quit or have recently quit smoking, the term life insurance plan could be a great option to look into. When the policy expires, it could be a long time between your last smoking. If you've been smoke-free over the prescribed amount of time (usually between 2-5 years) then you are eligible to apply for a low-risk life insurance policy and receive a lower price for the term you choose than if you had been a smoker.

Smoking cigarettes among adults is at a record low of just 14% in the latest report of Surgeon General. But , 16 million Americans suffer from smoking-related diseases. You don't need to suffer from health issues or pay more expensive life insurance rates. Smoking cigarettes will typically lead to higher premiums when you purchase life insurance.

cheapest life insurance rates for smokers
term life insurance for ex and current smokers 2018

term life insurance for ex and current smokers 2018

If you're classified as smokers, you decrease your chance of obtaining the lowest premium rate or a larger death benefit. However, some life insurance options are that are available to smokers. Be aware that the price of life insurance coverage for smokers will be greater than that for non-smokers for similar protection.

When you buy an insurance policy, a life insurance company cannot increase the rates if you decide to begin smoking or go diving after; you'll still be able to enjoy the rates on life insurance that you already have locked in. This is also true for any health issues you acquire after buying insurance.

There's a second unpleasant result of smoking, which is the cost of life insurance premiums. Smokers pay four times the amount for an insurance policy for life than people who don't smoke.

term life insurance for ex and current smokers companies

Finding life insurance coverage as smoking isn't easy as you could have less affordable options than the non-smokers. It's the same when you use vape, marijuana or recently quit smoking.

Be prepared for high life insurance rates if you're smoking. The rates for smoking are likely to double or triple for non-smokers. The rate of increase will differ based on gender, age, and the amount of coverage, but here are some examples of the average rate increases for a 20 year term life insurance policy of $500,000 policy.

If you plan to stop smoking now or recently quit smoking, a term life policy may be a good option to consider. By the time your policy matures, it could be years since your last cigarette. If you've been smoke-free for a prescribed number of years (usually at least 2-5 years), you can apply for a level term life insurance policy and likely get a much better premium for your term choice than you would if you were still a smoker.

term life insurance for ex and current smokers diagnosis
term life insurance for ex and current smokers diagnosis

To be considered a non-smoker for life insurance purposes, providers usually want you to be smoke-free for a year. Even if you quit smoking months ago and don't think the insurance company will be able to detect anything in your system, you should never lie about your smoking habits or when you quit.

If you bought life insurance at a premium that was a smoker and you have resigned for at the very least a year, you might be eligible for an affordable cost. It is possible to ask the life insurance company how the time you have to stop smoking to qualify as an non-smoker.

An insurance term comes with an affordable premium with guaranteed death benefits. If you have a term insurance policy it is necessary to renew your coverage in the event that you live beyond the length of the term.

life insurance tobacco test

When you fill out a life insurance application, you must be truthful with all your answers. Life insurance companies have many ways to verify everything you've stated on the application.

While you might require a little research, you will be able to locate the right policy. To aid smokers seeking life insurance, we looked over the costs of insurance policies, limits, coverage options, and other features before making our final selections. Read on to discover the companies that made our list of smokers' top life insurance options.

Finding life insurance coverage as smoking isn't easy as you could have less affordable options than the non-smokers. This is especially true for those who smoke vape, marijuana or recently quit smoking.

life insurance tobacco test

Frequently Asked Questions


The average cost of life insurance for a smoker is $87.71 per month — that's four times more expensive than a healthy individual's average life insurance premium, which is $24.82 per month. Several factors determine your rate.


'Ex-smoking' refers to someone who has smoked more than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime but has not smoked in the last 28 days. The international convention is to treat someone as an ex-smoker once they have been smoke-free for one month (at least 28 days).