Can I switch to non-smoker rates if I quit?

Yes. If you quit smoking for 12+ months after taking out a policy, contact your insurer to switch to non-smoker rates. Most providers will adjust your premiums (either reducing them or increasing your cover for the same price). Some may require a new application.

Life Insurance for Smokers UK 2026 | How Smoking Affects Your Premium

Key Facts: Life Insurance for Smokers

Life insurance for smokers is available from all UK providers, but premiums are significantly higher than for non-smokers.

-Smokers pay 50-100% more for life insurance than non-smokers

-You are classed as a smoker if you have used any nicotine product in the last 12 months

-Vaping/e-cigarettes: some insurers class vapers as smokers, others offer intermediate rates

-Quitting for 12+ months qualifies you as a non-smoker with most providers

-Never lie about smoking — insurers can test for nicotine and non-disclosure voids your policy

-Even as a smoker, life insurance remains affordable (from £15-25/month for basic cover)

Can You Get Life Insurance as a Smoker?

Yes. Life insurance for smokers is available from all UK life insurance providers. Every insurer offers smoker rates alongside their standard (non-smoker) rates. You will not be refused cover for smoking, but you will pay more.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), approximately 12.9% of UK adults are current smokers. Life insurance providers have extensive actuarial data on smoking-related mortality and price their policies accordingly.

The premium difference between smokers and non-smokers reflects the significantly higher mortality risk. According to NHS guidance, smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the UK, causing approximately 78,000 deaths per year.

Cigarette Smokers

The highest premium category. Regular cigarette smokers typically pay 50-100% more than non-smokers for identical cover. The more you smoke, the higher the risk (though most insurers do not differentiate by quantity).

Cigar & Pipe Smokers

Treated the same as cigarette smokers by most UK insurers. Some specialist providers offer slightly lower rates for occasional cigar smokers who do not inhale.

Vapers & E-Cigarette Users

Policies vary significantly. Some insurers class vapers as smokers (full smoker rates). Others offer intermediate rates. A few may class non-nicotine vapers as non-smokers. Always check with each provider.

Ex-Smokers (12+ Months)

If you have not smoked or used nicotine products for 12+ months, most providers classify you as a non-smoker. This is the single biggest thing you can do to reduce your life insurance premiums.

How Smoking Affects Your Premiums

Here is how smoking impacts your life insurance costs compared to a non-smoker:

Premium Increase: 50-100%

A non-smoker paying £15/month for £300,000 cover might see the same cover cost £25-30/month as a smoker. Over a 25-year term, that is £3,000-4,500 in additional premiums.

Nicotine Testing

Insurers can request cotinine tests (urine or saliva) that detect nicotine use in the past 2-4 weeks. Some policies require testing for higher cover amounts. Lying about smoking is a common reason for claims being rejected.

Vaping Grey Area

The vaping market is still evolving. As more long-term health data becomes available, insurers may adjust vaping rates. Currently, assume smoker rates unless your provider specifically confirms otherwise.

Cannabis Use

Recreational cannabis use may be treated similarly to smoking by some insurers. Others treat it separately. Always declare any substance use honestly on your application.

Critical Illness Impact

Smoking also affects critical illness premiums, as smokers have higher rates of cancer, heart disease and stroke. Adding CIC to a smoker policy can make premiums significantly higher.

How to Get Life Insurance as a Smoker

Consider Quitting First

If you can quit for 12+ months before applying, you qualify as a non-smoker with most providers. This is the single most effective way to reduce premiums. NHS stop smoking services are free.

Be Completely Honest

Declare your smoking status, type (cigarettes, vape, cigars) and frequency truthfully. Non-disclosure can void your entire policy, leaving your family with nothing.

Compare Multiple Providers

Smoker premiums vary more between providers than non-smoker rates. Some insurers are more competitive for smokers. Use a broker or comparison service to search the whole market.

Choose the Right Cover Type

Decreasing term is cheapest for mortgage protection. Level term for income replacement. Even as a smoker, term life insurance remains affordable — from £15-25/month for a young smoker.

Ask About Vaping Rates

If you vape rather than smoke, ask each provider specifically about their vaping policy. Some offer non-smoker or intermediate rates for vapers, saving you significantly.

Tips for Smokers Getting Life Insurance

Follow these tips to get the best life insurance for smokers:

Quit for 12 months — The single biggest saving. Use NHS stop smoking services (free).
Never lie — Insurers test for nicotine. A voided policy is worse than a higher premium.
Use a broker — Smoker rates vary more than non-smoker rates between providers. A broker finds the cheapest.
Start with term life insurance — It remains affordable even with smoker rates. Lock in your age now.
Review if you quit — If you quit after taking out a policy, contact your insurer after 12 months to switch to non-smoker rates.
Business owners — Relevant life insurance through your limited company is tax-efficient even at smoker rates.

Trusted Sources & Further Reading

This life insurance for smokers guide is informed by:

NHS Stop Smoking Services — Free quit support and guidance
iAmInsured Smokers Guide — Guardian often offers best rates for heavy and occasional smokers
Aviva Claims Report 2025 — Cancer is most common CI claim cause; contextualises smoker risk
FCA Insurance Guidance — Insurers must treat all consumers fairly under Consumer Duty
ASH (Action on Smoking & Health) — UK smoking statistics and research
Cancer Research UK: Tobacco & Cancer — Smoking risk data
ABI Claims Data 2024 — Smoker vs non-smoker claims context
MoneyHelper — Government-backed guidance

Life Insurance For Smokers FAQs

How much more does life insurance cost for smokers?

Smokers typically pay 50-100% more than non-smokers for the same cover. For example, if a non-smoker pays £15/month for £300,000 cover, a smoker might pay £25-30/month. The exact premium depends on age, health, cover amount and provider.

What counts as a smoker for life insurance?

Most insurers class you as a smoker if you have used any nicotine product in the last 12 months. This includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes, nicotine patches, nicotine gum and (with most providers) e-cigarettes/vapes. Some providers have a 24-month lookback period.

Can I get non-smoker rates if I vape?

It depends on the provider. Some insurers class vapers as smokers (full smoker rates). Others offer intermediate rates between smoker and non-smoker. A few may offer non-smoker rates for nicotine-free vaping. Always ask each provider specifically about their vaping policy.

What happens if I lie about smoking on my application?

If you lie about smoking and the insurer discovers it (through nicotine testing, GP records or post-death investigation), your policy can be voided entirely. Your family would receive nothing. Insurers can and do test for nicotine. It is never worth the risk.

Life Insurance for Smokers UKHow Smoking Affects Your Premiums