Affordable Life Insurance Protection for Your Family

Simplified Issue Life Insurance for Smokers

Last Updated: January 11, 2026 | Written by President of Term Life Online – AU, AAI, ARM


Simplified Issue Life Insurance for Smokers

Affordable Coverage—No Medical Exam Required

If you smoke cigarettes, cigars, vape, or use nicotine products, getting life insurance can feel frustrating—or even impossible.

The good news? Simplified issue life insurance for smokers offers a fast, realistic way to get covered without a medical exam, lengthy underwriting, or invasive testing.

Whether you’re a current smoker, recently quit, or use nicotine socially, this guide explains how simplified issue life insurance works, who qualifies, how much it costs, and how to get approved quickly—even with higher-risk tobacco use.

👉 Ready to see your options?

Request a free, no-obligation life insurance quote now and find out what you qualify for in minutes.


What Is Simplified Issue Life Insurance for Smokers?

Simplified issue life insurance is a type of policy that does not require a medical exam. Instead of bloodwork or urine tests, approval is based on:

  • A short health questionnaire
  • Prescription history checks
  • Identity and motor vehicle reports

For smokers, this is a major advantage. Traditional fully underwritten policies often penalize smokers heavily—or deny coverage altogether. Simplified issue policies are designed for real people with real habits, including nicotine use.


Key Features at a Glance

  ✅ No medical exam

  ✅ Faster approval (often same day)

  ✅ Higher approval odds for smokers

  ✅ Term or permanent coverage options

  ✅ Fixed premiums that won’t increase


Why Simplified Issue Policies Are Ideal for Smokers


Smoking increases insurance risk—but it shouldn’t eliminate your options. Simplified issue life insurance is popular among smokers because it:

  • Avoids lab tests that detect nicotine levels
  • Uses broader underwriting guidelines
  • Approves many smokers declined elsewhere
  • Offers meaningful coverage amounts (often $25,000–$2,000,000)

If you’ve been denied before, this may be your second chance.

👉 Don’t assume you won’t qualify. Get a free quote and see real options available to smokers today.


Who Qualifies for Simplified Issue Life Insurance as a Smoker?

Most smokers qualify as long as they can answer "no" to certain high-risk medical questions.

You may qualify if you:

  • Smoke cigarettes, cigars, or a pipe
  • Vape or use e-cigarettes
  • Use chewing tobacco or nicotine pouches
  • Quit smoking within the past 12–24 months

Even smokers with controlled health conditions (like high blood pressure or cholesterol) often qualify.

🚫 You may not qualify if you’ve had:

  • Recent cancer
  • Severe heart disease
  • A major stroke in the past few years

If simplified issue isn’t an option, guaranteed issue policies may still be available.


How Much Does Simplified Issue Life Insurance for Smokers Cost?

Smokers typically pay more than non-smokers—but simplified issue rates are often lower than expected, especially compared to guaranteed issue policies.


Factors That Affect Your Rate

  • Age
  • Gender
  • Type of tobacco or nicotine use
  • Amount of coverage
  • Policy length (term vs whole life)

💡 Good news: Premiums are locked in for the life of the policy—no surprise increases.

👉 Rates vary by carrier. Compare options now with a free personalized quote.


Simplified Issue vs. Other Life Insurance Options for Smokers


Simplified Issue Life Insurance

  ✔ No medical exam
  ✔ Fast approval
  ✔ Moderate coverage amounts
  ✔ Competitive smoker pricing


Fully Underwritten Life Insurance

  ✘ Medical exam required
  ✘ Higher decline risk for smokers
  ✔ Lowest rates (if approved)


Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance

  ✔ Guaranteed approval
  ✘ Higher premiums
  ✘ Lower coverage limits
  ✘ Waiting period before full benefits


For most smokers, simplified issue is the sweet spot between affordability, speed, and approval odds.


How Fast Can Smokers Get Approved?

Many simplified issue policies offer:

  ⚡ Same-day approval

  ⚡ Coverage in as little as 24–72 hours

  ⚡ Digital applications—no paperwork

No labs. No needles. No waiting weeks for results.

👉 Start your free quote now and see how fast coverage can begin.


How to Get the Best Simplified Issue Policy as a Smoker


Follow these expert tips:

  1. Be honest about tobacco use (misrepresentation can void coverage)
  2. Compare multiple carriers—smoker guidelines vary
  3. Work with specialists who know smoker-friendly insurers
  4. Apply sooner rather than later—rates rise with age

We do the comparison work for you.


Frequently Asked Questions


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

Yes. Simplified issue life insurance is specifically designed for applicants—including smokers—who want coverage without medical testing.

2. Is vaping considered smoking for life insurance?

Most insurers treat vaping and e-cigarettes as tobacco use. However, some carriers are more flexible.

3. What if I quit smoking recently?

You may still qualify as a smoker, but some insurers consider non-smoker rates after 12–36 months tobacco-free.


Get a Free Simplified Issue Life Insurance Quote for Smokers


You don’t need to quit smoking or undergo a medical exam to protect your family. Simplified issue life insurance for smokers offers real coverage, fast approval, and peace of mind—without judgment.

👉 Click now to request your free life insurance quote.

✔ No obligation

✔ No medical exam

✔ Fast, smoker-friendly options

Your coverage options are waiting—find out what you qualify for today.


Compare Life Insurance Quotes


Top Pick – JRC Insurance Group

JRC Insurance Group helps you shop, compare and save on life insurance. Regardless of your age or health background, we'll shop our 63 top life insurance companies and find you affordable life insurance you need to protect your family and fit your budget. 

JRC Insurance offers up to $2,000,000 of life insurance with no medical exam required.

You can get approval for your insurance policy in as little as 10 minutes to 2 days. JRC offers no exam life insurance for diabetics, too.

JRC offers some of the best rates on life insurance policies without any health exams required.

You can choose from $25,000 to $2,000,000 of no exam life insurance coverage from several leading life insurance carriers through JRC Insurance Group. Start Your FREE Quote.


Highly Recommended – United of Omaha

United of Omaha offers guaranteed acceptance whole life insurance for people age 45 to 85. Choose $3,000 up to $25,000 of coverage. Rates start as low as $8.80 per month. There’s no medical exam and no health questions. You cannot be turned down. You can get a quote and apply online now. START HERE to get a FREE Quote.


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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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