Yes, smokers can get life insurance. You'll get tobacco rates, but quitting for about a year can open up nonsmoker rates at many companies.
Life insurers count more than cigarettes. Some companies also count vapes, nicotine gum or patches, cigars, pipes, hookah and chew. The rules are different at each company, so NerdWallet says to compare. CDC says there are no safe tobacco products, including vapes.
Quitting helps your health and your rate. Many insurers want a full year with no cigarettes, and maybe no other nicotine, before giving nonsmoker rates. The best classes are stricter, often three to five years nicotine free. CDC says heart attack risk drops sharply 1 to 2 years after you quit.
Be honest about nicotine. Your lab test can pick it up. Cotinine from patches or gum can show up in a urine test, and some insurers will then rate you as a smoker. Policies usually have a contestability period, often the first two years. If the insurer finds you lied, NerdWallet says it could refuse to pay.
What insurers look at
- Any cigarettes in the last 12 months. Insurers usually call you a smoker if you smoked in the past year.
- Cigars. Many insurers let an occasional cigar (often 24 or fewer a year) get nonsmoker rates if your nicotine test is clean.
- Chew and dip. Chew users are usually rated as smokers. Some insurers treat occasional chewers as nonsmokers.
- Vaping. Insurers usually rate vapers the same as smokers. CDC says most vapes contain nicotine.
- Nicotine gum and patches. Most insurers count these as smoking, though some go easier if you tell them up front.
- Your lab test. Insurers test blood and urine for nicotine. Cotinine, which your body makes from nicotine, can stay in your blood longer than a week.
Coverage that may fit
The usual pick. With an exam, you get tobacco rates until you have quit long enough. Tobacco users who are otherwise healthy may get a Preferred Tobacco class.
No exam, but you still answer health questions. The NAIC says to tell the truth on your application. Lying about smoking could get a claim denied.
Usually not needed for smoking alone. If you qualify for term or another final expense plan, those usually cost less for the coverage you get.
Common questions
How long do I need to quit to get nonsmoker rates?
At most companies, about a year. Most insurers want you nicotine free for at least one year. The best preferred rates may take three to five years.
Do cigars count?
It depends on the company. Many insurers allow about 24 or fewer cigars a year at nonsmoker rates if your nicotine test is clean. Others rate any cigar use as smoking.
Does vaping count as smoking?
Usually yes. Insurers generally rate vapers the same as smokers.
What about nicotine gum or a patch while I quit?
Most insurers count it as smoking. Some may still give nonsmoker rates. Tell the insurer up front.
Sources
General information, not medical advice. Insurer rules change. An agent can tell you which companies treat your condition best.
