Smokers often pay about two and a half to almost four times as much. In NerdWallet's sample rates for a $500,000, 20 year term policy, a 40 year old male smoker paid $1,482 a year versus $411 for a nonsmoker.
Insurers charge smokers more because tobacco is linked to a shorter life. Experian cites Policygenius data that smokers pay 217% more on average.
NerdWallet's sample rates are for people in good health buying a $500,000, 20 year term policy. Your price will depend on your health, age, and company.
Insurers can find out you smoke. They ask on the application, check medical and prescription records, and test urine for nicotine.
Quitting helps. Many companies give nonsmoker rates after one or two years without tobacco. The best rates may take three to five years.
Do not lie about smoking. If you die in the first two years, the company can check, and a lie can lead to a denied claim.
- Age 30 woman: $215 nonsmoker, $645 smoker
- Age 30 man: $275 nonsmoker, $796 smoker
- Age 40 woman: $341 nonsmoker, $1,176 smoker
- Age 40 man: $411 nonsmoker, $1,482 smoker
- Age 50 man: $975 nonsmoker, $3,495 smoker
More questions
Do vapes and nicotine gum count?
They can. A urine test may find nicotine. Some insurers will rate you as a smoker.
What about an occasional cigar?
Some insurers give nonsmoker rates for an occasional cigar if the nicotine test is negative. Others do not, so compare companies.
