How Smoking Affects Your Life Insurance Rates

Smokers pay more for life insurance. Learn how tobacco use impacts rates and what you can do to save money. When applying for life insurance, your health and lifestyle play a major role in determining your premium. One of the biggest factors? Smoking. Whether it’s cigarettes, cigars, or other tobacco products, smoking significantly increases your life insurance rates.

Why Smoking Increases Rates

• Health Risks: Smoking is linked to heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, and shorter life expectancy.

• Higher Risk to Insurers: Since smokers statistically live shorter lives, insurers charge higher premiums.
  

Average Cost Difference: Smokers vs Non-Smokers

Age	Coverage Type	Non-Smoker (Male)	Smoker (Male)	Non-Smoker (Female)	Smoker (Female)
30	Term ($500k, 20 yrs)	$26/month	$60/month	$21/month	$50/month
40	Term ($500k, 20 yrs)	$42/month	$110/month	$36/month	$95/month
50	Term ($500k, 20 yrs)	$100/month	$250/month	$85/month	$210/month

Smokers often pay 2–3 times more than non-smokers. Do Occasional or Former Smokers Pay the Same?

• Occasional Smokers: Even one cigarette in the past 12 months can classify you as a smoker.

• Former Smokers: Most insurers require 1–3 years tobacco-free before offering non-smoker rates.
  

Tips for Smokers to Save on Life Insurance

1. Quit Smoking: After 12–36 months tobacco-free, you may qualify for lower rates.

2. Shop Around: Some insurers are more lenient than others.

3. Consider Term Coverage First: Lock in protection, then reapply at non-smoker rates later.
   

Bottom Line

Smoking has a major impact on your life insurance rates—but quitting can save you thousands over time.

At Connect to Coverage, we help smokers and former smokers find affordable policies. Request your free quote today.