How smoker status changes IP underwriting
Smokers can take out income protection cover, though it is generally more expensive than equivalent cover for non-smokers.
Insurers treat smokers as a higher underwriting risk, so monthly premiums are typically 20–50% higher than for someone of the same age and occupation who does not smoke.
That pricing reflects the well-documented health impact of smoking — including raised blood pressure, respiratory disease, cardiovascular conditions and various cancers — each of which can increase the likelihood of a future claim.
Affordable cover is still available for smokers, particularly when comparing across the UK income protection market rather than going to a single insurer.
LifePro compares income protection quotes from a wide range of UK insurers on your behalf, including those that take a more flexible view on smokers.
This lets you compare the available cover, exclusions, policy terms and personalised premiums.
Simply contact us for your no-broker-fee and no-obligation quotes.
How much income protection insurance do you need?
The amount of income protection insurance you need depends on your individual circumstances and financial commitments. Insurers commonly cap cover at a percentage of gross income, so the available amount depends on the provider and your earnings.
When calculating how much cover you need, consider:
- Your monthly mortgage or rent payments
- Household bills and utilities
- Childcare costs
- Loan repayments and credit card bills
- Daily living expenses for your family
- Any savings you have that could cover short-term absences
Remember that income protection payments are tax-free, so you may not need to replace your full salary. The key is ensuring you can maintain your essential outgoings and standard of living during a period when you're unable to work.
To get an accurate quote tailored to your needs, use our free comparison service to compare quotes from a wide range of UK providers, including Smoker Income Protection.
Run a Free IP Quote Comparison »Why comparing insurer quotes matters for smoker rates
- Comparison across a range of UK insurers
- Adviser guidance from UK-based advisers
- No broker fee - insurers pay our commission
- Online quote request
- Support throughout your policy lifetime
What’s the best income protection for smokers?
There is no single best smoker income protection policy — the right choice depends on your age, occupation, deferred-period appetite, sick-pay arrangements, and any other medical history alongside smoking. The policy that suits a 32-year-old non-manual employee is rarely the policy that suits a 48-year-old self-employed tradesperson.
Before choosing a policy, the policy terms that matter most for smokers are:
