Life insurance companies have different criteria when it comes to insuring people who smoke, and each company evaluates them differently. Here’s what you need to know about life insurance for smokers.
Who is considered a smoker?
While cigarettes are likely the first thing to come to mind when discussing smoking, life insurance companies may also consider you a smoker if you use tobacco or nicotine in other forms, including:
- Vaping devices and electronic cigarettes.
- Nicotine gum and patches.
- Cigars.
- Pipes.
- Chewing tobacco.
Marijuana use is viewed differently. Some life insurance companies are more lenient on people who occasionally smoke marijuana, and may not classify them as smokers.
Life insurance is a critical financial tool for securing the future of your loved ones. However, for smokers in the USA, obtaining life insurance can be more challenging than for non-smokers. Smoking is associated with numerous health risks, which often translate into higher premiums and stricter underwriting criteria. Understanding the nuances of life insurance for smokers is essential to make informed decisions about coverage options and costs.
How much does life insurance for smokers cost?
Smokers will pay more for life insurance than nonsmokers due to the increased health risks of smoking. A recent NerdWallet analysis found that a 40-year-old male smoker could pay 500% more than a nonsmoker for a $500,000 20-year term life insurance policy.
Insurance companies categorize customers into groups based on their health and habits, which affect the rates they pay. Most companies use the following groups:
- Super preferred nonsmoker is for healthy people who haven’t used a tobacco or nicotine product within the last three to five years.
- Preferred nonsmoker is for healthy people who haven’t used tobacco or nicotine within the last two years.
- Standard nonsmoker is for people in average health who don’t smoke cigarettes. Some life insurers may permit people in this group to use non-cigarette products, like cigars or chewing tobacco.
- Preferred smoker is for occasional cigarette smokers or people who have used tobacco or nicotine products recently, typically within the last 12 months.
- Standard smoker is for frequent cigarette smokers in average health.
The Impact of Smoking on Life Insurance
Smoking significantly impacts life expectancy and increases the likelihood of developing serious health conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and respiratory disorders. Insurance companies assess these risks when determining premiums for smokers. As a result, smokers typically face higher premiums compared to non-smokers for similar coverage amounts.
Types of Life Insurance Available to Smokers
- Term Life Insurance: Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific period, such as 10, 20, or 30 years. It offers a death benefit to beneficiaries if the insured passes away during the term of the policy. Term life insurance tends to be more affordable than permanent life insurance, making it a popular choice for smokers looking for coverage.
- Whole Life Insurance: Whole life insurance provides coverage for the insured’s entire life, as long as premiums are paid. It includes a death benefit and a cash value component that grows over time. While whole life insurance offers lifelong protection, premiums are significantly higher than term life insurance, especially for smokers.
- Universal Life Insurance: Universal life insurance is a flexible policy that allows policyholders to adjust their premiums and death benefits over time. It combines a death benefit with a cash value component that earns interest based on prevailing market rates. Similar to whole life insurance, universal life insurance premiums are typically higher for smokers.
Factors Affecting Premiums for Smokers
Several factors influence the cost of life insurance premiums for smokers:
- Age: Younger smokers generally pay lower premiums compared to older smokers.
- Smoking Frequency: Some insurers differentiate between occasional and regular smokers, with regular smokers facing higher premiums.
- Health Status: Smokers with fewer health complications may qualify for lower premiums than those with pre-existing conditions related to smoking.
- Coverage Amount: Higher coverage amounts result in higher premiums, regardless of smoking status.
Tips for Smokers Seeking Life Insurance
- Quit Smoking: While premiums for former smokers are still higher than for non-smokers, quitting smoking can significantly reduce life insurance costs over time. Many insurers offer incentives and lower rates to individuals who remain smoke-free for a specified period.
- Compare Quotes: Obtain quotes from multiple insurers specializing in underwriting policies for smokers. Each insurer may have different underwriting criteria and premium rates based on individual risk assessments.
- Work with an Independent Agent: Independent insurance agents can help smokers navigate the complexities of life insurance and find policies tailored to their needs. They can provide unbiased advice and access to a wide range of insurance products from various carriers.
- Consider Group Coverage: Some employers offer group life insurance plans that may be more affordable for smokers compared to individual policies. However, group coverage may have limitations, such as coverage amounts and portability.
Here are average annual life insurance rates for smokers and nonsmokers for a 20-year term life policy for $500,000.
| Age | Super preferred nonsmoker | Preferred smoker | Standard smoker |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25, female | $187 | $630 | $708 |
| 25, male | $225 | $770 | $1,018 |
| 30, female | $193 | $650 | $809 |
| 30, male | $229 | $805 | $1,055 |
| 35, female | $209 | $830 | $1,050 |
| 35, male | $248 | $990 | $1,390 |
| 40, female | $290 | $1,182 | $1,435 |
| 40, male | $341 | $1,525 | $2,080 |
| 45, female | $438 | $1,770 | $2,451 |
| 45, male | $549 | $2,415 | $3,260 |
| 50, female | $654 | $2,647 | $3,460 |
| 50, male | $841 | $3,535 | $4,590 |
| 55, female | $993 | $3,955 | $5,068 |
| 55, male | $1,350 | $5,550 | $7,170 |
| 60, female | $1,684 | $6,200 | $8,021 |
| 60, male | $2,366 | $8,896 | $11,274 |
Life insurance is a crucial component of financial planning, especially for smokers who face higher health risks. While obtaining life insurance as a smoker may be more challenging and costly, it is not impossible. By understanding the various types of life insurance available, factors affecting premiums, and proactive measures to mitigate costs, smokers can secure the protection their families need in the event of an untimely death. Quitting smoking and maintaining good health habits can not only improve longevity but also lead to more affordable life insurance options in the long run.
