If you smoke, you can absolutely get life insurance. You'll just pay more for it, usually three to four times what a non-smoker pays for the same coverage. Here's why, how insurers define "smoker," and how to bring your price down.
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How much more do smokers pay?
For a 20-year, $500,000 term policy, average monthly rates for preferred-class applicants look like this:
| Age | Male non-smoker | Male smoker |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | about $18 | about $66 |
| 40 | about $27 | about $121 |
| 50 | about $68 | about $291 |
Source: NerdWallet average rate data, as of October 1, 2026.
That gap adds up to thousands of dollars over the life of a policy. For the full picture, see our guide to life insurance costs by age.
What counts as "smoking" or tobacco use?
Insurers usually ask about any tobacco or nicotine use, typically in the past 12 months. That generally includes:
- Cigarettes: always rated as tobacco use.
- Vaping and e-cigarettes: most insurers treat nicotine vaping the same as cigarettes.
- Nicotine patches, gum and pouches: often rated as tobacco use, though some insurers are more lenient.
- Chewing tobacco and snuff: usually tobacco rates, with some exceptions.
- Cigars: many insurers give non-smoker rates for occasional cigar use (for example, up to about one per month) if your urine test is clean.
- Marijuana: treatment varies widely. Some insurers give non-smoker rates for occasional use; others charge tobacco rates for any smoking.
Because rules differ so much between companies, where you apply matters a lot if you use anything other than cigarettes.
How do insurers know you smoke?
You'll answer tobacco questions on the application, and if you take a medical exam, a urine or blood test can detect cotinine, a nicotine byproduct. No-exam policies rely on your answers and records. Lying about tobacco use is a serious mistake: insurers can contest or deny a claim within the first two years if they find a misstatement.
How to get non-smoker rates
- Quit for 12 months. Most insurers offer non-smoker rates after a year nicotine-free; some require two to five years for their best classes.
- Buy now, then ask for a re-rate. If you need coverage today, buy at smoker rates and request a reclassification once you've quit for the required period. Many insurers will lower your premium.
- Look for cigar- or marijuana-friendly insurers if that's your only use.
Ways to save if you smoke
- Choose term over whole life to keep premiums manageable.
- Buy only what you need. Use our coverage worksheet.
- Compare insurers. Tobacco pricing and rules vary widely.
- Lock in coverage before health issues arise. Smoking-related conditions can make coverage much harder to get later.
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Frequently asked questions
Can smokers get life insurance?
Yes. Smokers qualify for term, whole life and no-exam policies, but at higher rates than non-smokers.
How long do I need to quit smoking to get non-smoker rates?
Usually 12 months, though some insurers require longer for their best rate classes.
Is vaping considered smoking for life insurance?
Usually yes. Most insurers rate nicotine vaping the same as cigarette smoking.
Can I get non-smoker rates if I smoke cigars?
Often, if your use is occasional and you disclose it. Many insurers allow a limited number of cigars per year at non-smoker rates.
What happens if I lie about smoking on a life insurance application?
The insurer can contest the policy, especially within the first two years, and may deny a claim or adjust the payout. Always disclose tobacco use honestly.
This article is general information, not insurance advice. Underwriting rules and pricing vary by insurer and state.