How Much More Is Life Insurance for Smokers? (2025 Guide to Real Costs & How to Pay Less)

Last Updated: December 1, 2025 | Written by President of Term Life Online – AU, AAI, ARM

Why Smokers Pay More for Life Insurance

Insurers evaluate your risk of early death. Smoking increases your odds of:

• Heart disease
• Cancer
• Stroke
• Respiratory illnesses
• Shortened lifespan

So they charge smoker rates to compensate for the higher expected risk. To an insurance company, even occasional nicotine use is treated as a major health factor.

🔥What Counts as “Smoking” for Life Insurance?

Not all nicotine use is the same—and some forms may NOT raise your premium as much as cigarettes.

Considered Smokers (almost always):

• Cigarettes
• E-cigs / vaping
• Nicotine pouches
• Cigars more than 1–2 per month
• Pipe tobacco
• Hookah
• Nicotine gum or patches (some companies treat this as tobacco use for testing)

MAY Still Qualify for Non-Smoker Rates with Certain Companies:

• Occasional cigars
• Cigar use limited to celebrations
• Nicotine-free vaping (rare exceptions)
• Marijuana smokers (tobacco-free)

If you smoke cigars or use medical marijuana only, there are insurers that will still give you non-smoker rates.

Real 2025 Cost Comparison: Smokers vs Non-Smokers

$500,000 Coverage – 20-Year Term

Below is what most people actually pay in 2025 for a 20-year term policy.

                                       Age         Non-Smoker     Smoker

                                         25              $18-$24              $45-$70

                                         35              $25-$35              $70-$100

                                         45              $45-$70              $120-$180

                                         55              $110-$160          $260-$380

NOTE: Average difference: 200%–300% more expensive.

How Insurers Actually Classify Smokers

Insurance companies don’t simply say "smoker" or "non-smoker." They break applicants into categories:

• Preferred Plus Non-Smoker – Best possible rates
• Preferred Non-Smoker
• Standard Non-Smoker
• Standard Smoker
• Preferred Smoker – Rare and only offered by a few companies

Most smokers fall into Standard Smoker, but a handful of companies offer Preferred Smoker, which can reduce the cost by up to 20–30%.

Does Quitting Smoking Lower Life Insurance Costs?

Yes—but not immediately.

Here’s how insurers typically treat ex-smokers:

0–12 months tobacco-free:

You are still a smoker.

12 months tobacco-free:

Many companies classify you as non-smoker, even if nicotine still shows in your history.

12–24 months tobacco-free:

Rates improve again.

24–36 months tobacco-free:

You may qualify for Preferred Non-Smoker.

36–60 months tobacco-free:

You may qualify for Preferred Plus, the best possible pricing.

Saving potential:

Quitting smoking can cut your premiums by more than half.

How Smokers Can Get Cheaper Life Insurance (Top Strategies)

Even if you smoke, you do NOT have to accept the highest rates. Here’s how to pay less—even a lot less.

1. Apply with Companies That Are Smoker-Friendly

Some insurers are far more lenient with:

• Occasional smokers
• Cigar smokers
• Marijuana smokers
• Vapers
• Users of nicotine replacement therapy

These companies can save you 30–50% vs traditional carriers.

2. Apply NOW—Then Reapply After You Quit

This is a proven savings method:

• Get coverage today at smoker rates.
• Quit smoking.
• Reapply or request a rate reconsideration after 12–24 months.

Result? Your premium may drop 50% or more while keeping the same coverage.

3. Choose a Clean, Simple Coverage Amount

Insurers give the best pricing for:

• $250,000
• $500,000
• $1,000,000

Avoid odd amounts like $300,000 or $420,000—they’re more expensive per dollar.

4. Skip Expensive Riders

Popular upsells that raise your premium:

• Accidental death benefit
• Waiver of premium
• Return-of-premium
• Child riders

Buy only what you truly need.

5. Use an Independent Agent That Shops Multiple Companies

Each insurer prices smokers differently. Comparing 8–10 companies can reduce your premium by:

• 20–70% instantly
• Sometimes hundreds of dollars per year
• Thousands over the life of the policy

Never buy from a company that only sells its own product (like State Farm, Allstate, or Farmers)—they can’t compare rates across the market.

Which Companies Offer the Cheapest Life Insurance for Smokers?

Based on pricing trends and underwriting leniency, these are the top 5 best companies for smokers in 2025:

1. Banner Life

• Very competitive smoker pricing
• Great for cigarette and cigar users
• Flexible underwriting

2. AIG (Corebridge Financial)

• Excellent for smokers with past medical issues
• Often lowest rates for people 30–55

3. Protective Life

• Some of the best rates for smokers who plan to quit
• Generous reconsideration rules

4. Pacific Life

• Great for "preferred smoker" rates
• Strong for those in otherwise good health

5. Mutual of Omaha

• Solid for older smokers
• Good for people with health conditions + nicotine use

Frequently Asked Questions (Smokers Edition)

1. How long do I need to quit to get non-smoker rates?

Most insurers require 12 months completely nicotine-free.

2. Will insurers know if I smoke?

Yes—through medical exams, medical records, and cotinine testing.

3. Can I still get life insurance if I smoke daily?

Absolutely. It will cost more, but many companies specialize in cigarette smokers.

4. Is vaping considered smoking?

Usually yes. A few companies are more flexible, but most treat vaping as smoking.

5. Are cigar smokers charged smoker rates?

Some companies allow non-smoker rates if cigar use is occasional.

6. Can marijuana smokers get non-smoker rates?

Often yes—if no tobacco is involved and use is occasional.

7. Can smokers get affordable life insurance?

Yes—especially through companies that specialize in nicotine users or offer "preferred smoker" rates.

Final Takeaway: How Much More Do Smokers Pay for Life Insurance?

Smokers pay 2–4x more for life insurance—but you can dramatically reduce the cost by:

• Choosing smoker-friendly insurers
• Applying now, then requesting a new rate after quitting
• Avoiding unnecessary policy add-ons
• Comparing multiple carriers

The key is simple:

Smokers don’t need cheap life insurance—smokers need the right insurance company.

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Resources:

• FAQs for Smoker’s Term Life Insurance
• Who is Considered a Smoker for Life Insurance?
• How Do Life Insurance Companies Know If You Smoke?
• Do Life Insurance Companies Test for Nicotine?
• Life Insurance for Marijuana Smokers
• Cheapest No Medical Exam Life Insurance for Smokers
• A.M. Best Company: Compare financial strength ratings of life insurance companies
• Life Happens.org: Learn about life insurance and review facts.
• Investopedia: Learn more about financial planning with term life insurance.

About Our Methodology

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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