Smoking is linked to numerous serious health conditions including:

• Cancer - Lung, throat, mouth, oesophagus, and many other cancers
• Heart disease - Increased risk of heart attacks and coronary artery disease
• Stroke - Higher risk of blood clots and cardiovascular events
• Respiratory diseases - COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitis
• Circulatory problems - Peripheral vascular disease and complications

Because of these increased health risks, insurers classify smokers as higher risk and charge accordingly. However, being honest about your smoking status is crucial - failing to disclose smoking can invalidate your policy and result in claims being rejected.

LifePro works with insurers that underwrite policies for smokers, allowing you to compare the available premiums and policy terms for your circumstances.

Premiums are personalised. Compare current quotes for the same cover amount and term, and check how each insurer defines tobacco and nicotine use.

Factors that affect smoker life insurance premiums:

• Quantity smoked - Heavy smokers (20+ cigarettes daily) pay more than light smokers
• Years smoking - Longer smoking history increases risk and premiums
• Type of tobacco - Cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, rolling tobacco all count
• Age - Older smokers face exponentially higher premiums
• Overall health - Existing smoking-related conditions increase costs further
• Cover amount - Higher coverage means higher premiums
• Policy term - Longer policy terms increase total cost

Despite higher costs, life insurance is still affordable for most smokers and provides essential financial protection for loved ones. Many smokers find that the peace of mind is worth the extra cost.

What counts as smoking for life insurance:

• Cigarettes - Any amount, including social smoking
• Cigars - Regular or occasional cigar smoking
• Pipe tobacco - Any pipe smoking
• Rolling tobacco - Hand-rolled cigarettes
• E-cigarettes/vaping - Most insurers treat as smoking (some exceptions)
• Nicotine replacement therapy - Patches, gum, lozenges (varies by insurer)
• Shisha/hookah - Water pipe tobacco smoking
• Cannabis - Even if mixed with tobacco or smoked alone

Important clarifications:

Always be honest about all forms of tobacco and nicotine use. Insurers can request medical records and perform cotinine tests (nicotine metabolite) to verify smoking status.

Timeline for ex-smokers:

1. 0-12 months smoke-free: Ask each insurer how it treats tobacco and nicotine use during this period.
2. 12+ months smoke-free: Some insurers may reassess status after a stated period, subject to their current definition and evidence requirements.
3. Already have smoker policy: After 12 months smoke-free, contact your insurer to request reclassification. Some allow policy amendments; others require new application.

Options if you already have a smoker policy:

Proof required for ex-smoker status:

• Declaration that you've been smoke-free for 12+ months
• Possible GP records review to confirm no smoking noted
• Some insurers may request cotinine test (nicotine metabolite test)
• Must not have used any tobacco or nicotine products (including vaping/NRT in most cases)

If you're planning to quit, it's worth taking out a smoker policy now to ensure you have cover, then requesting reclassification once you've been smoke-free for 12 months.

Compare personalised premiums if your smoking status changes

When you apply for life insurance as a smoker, insurers will ask detailed questions to assess your risk:

• When did you start smoking? - Longer smoking history = higher risk
• How many cigarettes/cigars per day? - Heavy smoking increases premiums
• What type of tobacco? - Cigarettes, cigars, pipe, roll-ups, vaping
• Have you tried to quit? - Recent quit attempts may affect assessment
• Any smoking-related health issues? - COPD, heart disease, etc.
• Family history of smoking-related disease? - Genetic risk factors
• Current health status? - Blood pressure, cholesterol, respiratory function

Medical evidence required:

Be completely honest in your application. Lying about smoking is one of the most common reasons for claim rejections. If you die from a smoking-related illness and your insurer discovers you failed to disclose smoking, they can void the policy and refuse to pay out.

LifePro's advisers can help you complete the application accurately and compare how insurers assess your smoking profile.