Getting a life insurance policy if you are a smoker is usually a complicated process. As smokers usually pay a higher amount for their life insurance policies. The reason behind this is that they have to pay more money in premiums compared to non-smokers.
A smoker’s definition is different in various industries. For example, according to WHO’s Smoking and Tobacco Policy, a smoker is an individual who smokes any tobacco product either on a daily or occasional basis. A daily smoker is termed as a person who smokes any tobacco product at least once a day.
As per the life insurance companies, a smoker is defined as one who has smoked at least 100 cigarettes during his lifetime. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If you have stopped smoking for 5 years then your life insurance company will consider you a non-smoker.
The most common type of insurance policy available is term life policies. These types of policies offer lower premium rates than whole life policies. They also provide coverage for a limited period of time. So, if you want to buy a life insurance policy but don’t want to commit yourself to a long-term contract, then this might be the right option for you.
If you are looking for a cheap life insurance policy, then you should go with a permanent life insurance plan. This kind of policy offers a fixed rate of return throughout the entire tenureThe type of ownership or occupation of a property, such as f... of the policy. It also provides protection against death due to accident, illness, etc.
What Counts as “Smoking”?
Smoking is defined as any kind of nicotine delivery system. You’re a smoker if you smoke anything. Regular cigar smokers will usually be called smokers. Life insurance companies often give you a non-tobacco rate if you rarely smoke cigars. Some companies even allow you to smoke up to two cigars per month without being labelled a smoker. Whether you’re considered a smoker depends on your specific insurer. Legal & General America consider you a smoker if you’ve ever smoked or used any of the products listed above.
Smoking vs. Non-Smoking Life Insurance Rates
Smoking rates will easily be double the non-smoker rates. The increased rates will vary by age, gender and the coverages amount. Here are some examples of average quote increases. For male smokers, the rate doubles for ages 30 and 40. For female smokers, the rate doubles at ages 30 and 40. Males ages 30 and 40 earn more than females ages 30 and 40. Also, males ages 50 and 60 earn more than females of the same age.
What affects the price of my life insurance premiums?
You should be aware of how much your insurance premiums will increase if you smoke or vape. Health insurers base their quotes on your smoking history, and some companies might require you to quit before they issue you a policy. Vaping may be cheaper than smoking, but it’s still expensive.
How do I get a better life insurance quote?
There are many ways that you can improve your chances of getting a better life insurance quote. First, make sure that you’re not lying about your health. Second, make sure that you tell them all of your medical conditions. Third, ask for a quote from multiple carriers so that you can compare apples to apples. Fourth, find out what discounts you qualify for. Finally, be honest when answering questions regarding your lifestyle habits.
Will I have to take a medical exam for insurance?
Most life insurance companies require that you pass a physical examination before they’ll issue you a policy. If you fail the exam, you won’t be eligible for coverage. However, there are certain exceptions. Many life insurance companies will accept applicants who have had cancer in the past. Others will accept applicants who have been diagnosed with heart disease. Still others will accept applicants who have diabetes. In addition, many life insurance companies will accept people who have asthma or emphysema. As long as you pass the physical exam, you shouldn’t have a problem qualifying for insurance.
FAQs-
Why Do Smokers Have Different Life Insurance Rates?
Life Expectancy is one of the parameters used by insurance companies to provide life insurance policies to people. It’s calculated by taking into account your age, sex, height, weight, occupation, marital status, etc. The calculation also takes into consideration whether you smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products. This means that if you smoke, then you’ll pay more for your life insurance policy because you’re likely to live shorter than someone who doesn’t smoke.
Do I qualify for life insurance as a smoker?
If you smoke, then you’re considered a smoker. There are different types of smokers. Cigarette smokers are probably most familiar with this term. They typically smoke 20 or fewer cigarettes per day. Other types of smokers include cigar smokers, pipe smokers, hookah (waterpipe) smokers, chewing tobacco users, snuff users, e-cigarette users, etc. Usually, life insurance companies do not differentiate between heavy and light smokers. They may ask if you have used any nicotine products in the last 12 months and based on your answer, they will determine if you are a smoker or not.
What happens if I lie about smoking to the insurer?
Lying to an insurance provider is not a good idea, it cab affect drastically your life insurance policies. For example, if you refused to smoke and you died from a smoking-related illness, your life insurance policy may not be paid out to your family. You could even lose your right to claim benefits under the policy. It’s always important to fill your life insurance application with complete truthful information. Requesting your medical records is one of the routine parts of a life insurance application.
