Affordable Life Insurance Protection for Your Family

Can Smokers Get Life Insurance?

Last Updated: November 24, 2025 | Written by President of Term Life Online – AU, AAI, ARM


Can Smokers Get Life Insurance?

If you’re a smoker, you may be wondering whether life insurance companies will approve you, how much it will cost, and whether you can still get affordable coverage.

The good news? Yes, smokers can absolutely get life insurance.

In fact, thousands of smokers secure policies every single week — including cigarette smokers, cigar users, vapers, marijuana users, and people who recently quit.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know: how insurers classify smokers, what to expect on rates, how to qualify for better pricing, and the best options depending on your situation.


Why Life Insurance Is Absolutely Available to Smokers


Life insurance companies insure smokers every day because smoking is a well-defined, predictable risk. Instead of denying you, they simply adjust the price based on:

  • Tobacco type (cigarettes, cigars, vaping, chewing tobacco, or marijuana)
  • Frequency of use
  • Your age and overall health
  • How long it’s been since you quit (if applicable)
  • Whether you’re applying for term or whole life

As long as you’re honest on the application, you can qualify — even with daily cigarette use.


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How Insurers Define a "Smoker"


Every company is slightly different, but here’s how most carriers classify tobacco use:


1. Cigarette Smokers

Considered the highest-risk tobacco category. Even one cigarette within the last 12 months often triggers smoker rates.

2. Cigar Smokers

Some companies allow occasional cigar use (e.g., 1–2 per month) at non-smoker rates if your nicotine test is negative.

3. Vapers / E-Cigarettes

Most insurers treat vaping the same as cigarettes, even if there is no tobacco — nicotine is the deciding factor.

4. Chewing Tobacco / Dip

Some carriers will not classify chewing tobacco users as smokers. This can dramatically lower your rates if you choose the right insurer.

5. Marijuana Users

  • Frequency matters.
  • Occasional marijuana use can often still qualify for non-smoker pricing with certain carriers.


How Much Does Life Insurance Cost for Smokers?

Smokers typically pay 2–4x more than non-smokers depending on:

  • Age
  • Tobacco type
  • Frequency
  • Health factors like weight, blood pressure, or cholesterol


Example of Smoker vs. Non-Smoker Monthly Rates


$500,000 / 20-year term | Male | Age 40


  • Non-Smoker: ~$38/month
  • Smoker: ~$145/month


NOTE: Actual quotes vary by carrier, health profile, and risk class.



Best Types of Life Insurance for Smokers


  ✔ Term Life Insurance (Most Affordable)

  • Best for covering income, mortgage, and family protection at the lowest cost.


  ✔ No Medical Exam Life Insurance

  • Great for smokers who want fast approval or have health conditions.
  • Policies can be approved in 10–30 minutes.


  ✔ Whole Life or Final Expense

  • Lifetime coverage with smaller benefit sizes (often $5,000–$40,000).
  • Ideal for older smokers or those wanting guaranteed approval.


How Smokers Can Lower Their Life Insurance Rates


Even as a smoker, you have leverage. Here’s how to pay significantly less:


1. Compare multiple companies

  • Every insurer underwrites smoking differently.
  • The right company for a cigarette smoker may not be the best for a cigar or marijuana user.
  • Start Your FREE Quote

2. Improve health factors that are not smoking-related

Even with smoker status, better blood pressure, A1C, cholesterol, and height/weight ratios can put you in a better health class.

3. Ask about "occasional use" exceptions

Especially for cigars, pipe tobacco, chew, and marijuana.

4. Re-apply if you quit smoking

Most companies let you qualify for non-smoker rates after 12 months nicotine-free, and preferred rates after 2–5 years.

5. Lock in a term policy now

Rates increase every year you age. Even if you plan to quit later, securing coverage now protects your family immediately — and you can request reclassification once you’re tobacco-free.


Real-Life Examples


1. Daily Cigarette Smoker Gets Affordable Coverage

  • Mark, age 45, smoked a pack a day and assumed he’d be denied.
  • He was approved for a $250,000, 20-year term policy after completing a brief medical exam.
  • His premium was higher than a non-smoker’s, but it guaranteed his family’s financial security for less than he expected.

2. Occasional Cigar Smoker Gets Non-Smoker Pricing

  • Luis, age 38, enjoyed 1–2 cigars a month.
  • He worked with a company that allowed occasional cigar use with a negative nicotine test, and qualified at standard non-smoker rates, saving him over $700 per year.


Frequently Asked Questions


1. Can smokers get life insurance without a medical exam?

Yes. Many companies approve smokers instantly through accelerated underwriting models.

2. Do you have to tell the insurer you smoke?

Absolutely. Lying can void the policy during a claim.

3. Will they test for nicotine?

Most traditional policies require a simple urine or blood test. Some instant-approval policies do not.

4. Does vaping count as smoking?

To most insurers, yes — if nicotine is present.

5. Can you switch to non-smoker rates after quitting?

Yes. Most carriers let you reapply after 12 months nicotine-free.

6. Can occasional marijuana users still get insured?

Yes. Many insurers offer non-smoker pricing depending on frequency.                      


Final Thoughts

Smokers can absolutely get life insurance — and often at better rates than they expect.

Approval is achievable whether you smoke cigarettes, cigars, vape, or use marijuana. The key is choosing the right company, being upfront, and using smart strategies to lower your cost.


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Reviewed By: President of Term Life Online – AU, AAI, ARM

  • 30+ years of experience in insurance planning

How We Keep This Guide Accurate: We regularly updates our content to reflect the latest rates and industry trends. We are committed to providing transparent, unbiased information to help you make the best decision for your family.

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