I smoke, do I qualify for life insurance?

A smoker also has the right to be insured.

Of course! Being a smoker may affect your rates, but it won't prevent you from getting insured.

This does not mean that insurance is not a good idea if you are a smoker - on the contrary. At the same time, smoking may increase your rates. It may also indicate the need for life insurance. We always advise smokers to be truthful about smoking when completing a life insurance application, as companies do not reject applicants simply for smoking; however, if you conceal that you smoke on your application, it could result in denial of the application or cancellation of the policy.

What will void a life insurance policy?

One of the things that could void a life insurance policy is intentional misinformation when applications are generated (hiding if you are a smoker or any incorrect information that is intentionally placed).

How does smoking affect life insurance?

Insurers use a separate rate classification system for smokers and non-smokers. The higher the health risks for individuals, the higher the rates offered by insurers.

How long after quitting smoking can you get life insurance at non-tobacco rates?

Insurers vary in the way they classify a smoker versus a non-smoker. However, a common rule is to be clean for twelve months before you are considered a non-smoker. Depending on the insurer, the waiting period may be different, and some are less strict about what counts as smoking within their rating system. For example, many insurers include cigarettes, cigars, vaping devices, and more. In contrast, others only specify one or two ways can consume nicotine.

Do you consider yourself a non-smoker?

Life insurance for smokers

While finding an insurer specializing in affordable high-risk life insurance may be an option, it may be a long shot. High-risk life insurance generally comes with higher premiums to compensate for that risk. Instead, some smokers focus on buying term policies when they are young or getting a permanent life insurance policy with fixed rates.

In this case, the benefit of fixed rates is that you can keep your premiums from increasing as you get older. If you then quit long enough, you can request that the insurer recalculate your rates. Again, this will depend on the insurer and the policy.

Get a free quote from us today! And find out how much insurance you qualify for...