Life Insurance for Smokers: Costs, Eligibility and How to Save on Premiums
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Can Smokers Get Life Insurance?
Yes, smokers can generally get life insurance in Australia. Smoking doesn’t usually stop you from taking out cover, but it does affect how insurers assess your application and calculate your premiums. Because smoking is linked to an increased risk of developing serious medical conditions, insurers generally classify smokers as higher-risk applicants, which often results in higher premiums than those offered to non-smokers.
The application process is much the same whether you’re a smoker or a non-smoker. During underwriting, the insurer will ask questions about your smoking habits, overall health and lifestyle before deciding what premium to offer. The amount you pay will depend on several factors, including your age, health, smoking history and the type of nicotine products you use.
Most smokers can apply for the same types of insurance as non-smokers, including:
- Life Cover
- Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Insurance
- Trauma Insurance
- Income Protection Insurance
Although smokers often pay more for cover, premiums and underwriting approaches vary between insurers. Comparing multiple policies can help you find cover that better suits your requirementsand budget.
Why Is Life Insurance More Expensive for Smokers?
Insurers use premiums to reflect the level of risk associated with providing cover. Because smoking is linked to a higher likelihood of developing serious health conditions and making a claim, smokers generally pay higher premiums than non-smokers.
However, not every smoker pays the same premium. Each insurer has its own underwriting guidelines and will consider a range of factors when assessing your application.
These may include:
- Your age
- Your overall health and medical history
- How long you’ve smoked
- How often you smoke
- The type of nicotine products you use
- Your occupation
- Your lifestyle and hobbies
- The amount of cover you apply for
Because every insurer assesses these factors differently, premiums can vary considerably between providers. Comparing quotes from multiple insurers may help you find more competitive cover, even if you’re a smoker.
Compare Life Insurance Premiums for Smokers
| Age | Non-Smoker Premium (Monthly) | Smoker Premium (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| 35 | $26.56 | $65.02 |
| 45 | $43.04 | $126.84 |
| 55 | $154.78 | $438.69 |
| 65 | $815.10 | $1,590.36 |
Source: Life Insurance Direct Comparison Engine (July 2026; Monthly Variable Age-Stepped Premium estimates for $1,000,000 of life cover from OnePath OneCare for a male accounts clerk residing in NSW)
What Counts as Smoking for Life Insurance?
Insurers generally ask whether you’ve used cigarettes or other nicotine products within a specified period before applying for cover. While the exact definition varies between insurers, many classify anyone who has used nicotine in the previous 12 months as a smoker. This assessment helps insurers determine the level of risk associated with providing cover and calculate your premium accordingly.
Smoking isn’t limited to cigarettes. Depending on the insurer, a range of nicotine products may result in you being assessed as a smoker.
Does occasional or social smoking count?
Many people assume that only regular smokers are classified as smokers, but that’s not always the case. Some insurers treat occasional or social smoking the same as daily smoking if you’ve used nicotine within their assessment period. Even infrequent use may affect how your application is assessed, so it’s important to answer all smoking-related questions honestly.
Life Insurance for Smokers vs Non-Smokers
While smokers and non-smokers can generally apply for the same types of life insurance, the way insurers assess risk is often different. Smoking status is one of several factors used during underwriting and can have a significant impact on the premium you’re offered.
| Smokers | Non-Smokers |
|---|---|
| Generally pay higher premiums | Generally pay lower premiums |
| Assessed as having a higher health risk | Assessed as having a lower health risk |
| May be asked more detailed questions about smoking history and nicotine use | Standard health and lifestyle assessment |
| May qualify for lower premiums after meeting an insurer’s non-smoker requirements | Already eligible for non-smoker premium rates |
| Smoking status may be reviewed if circumstances change | Smoking status generally remains unchanged unless nicotine use begins |
Smoking is only one part of an insurer’s assessment. Your age, health, medical history, occupation, lifestyle and the amount of cover you choose also influence the premium you’re offered. Comparing quotes from multiple insurers can help you understand how different providers assess your individual circumstances.
How Insurers Assess Smokers
When you apply for life insurance, the insurer will ask a series of questions to better understand your health and lifestyle. Smoking is one part of this assessment, but it isn’t the only factor used to determine your premium.
Depending on the insurer, you may be asked about:
- The type of nicotine products you use
- How often you smoke or vape
- How long you’ve been smoking
- When you last used nicotine products
- Your general health and medical history
- Your occupation
- Your lifestyle and recreational activities
Providing accurate information helps the insurer assess your application correctly, so any cover offered reflects your individual circumstances. If additional medical information is required, the insurer will explain what is needed during the underwriting process.
Can You Get Cheaper Premiums After Quitting Smoking?
Yes, you may be able to qualify for lower premiums after quitting smoking. Many insurers allow existing policyholders to request a reassessment of their smoking status once they’ve been nicotine-free for a specified period. While many insurers use a 12-month nicotine-free period as a guide, the exact requirements differ between providers.
When requesting a reassessment, the insurer may ask questions about your smoking history and current health before deciding whether you qualify for non-smoker premium rates. Some insurers may also request additional information to confirm your smoking status. A successful reassessment can reduce your premiums, although approval isn’t automatic and each insurer applies its own underwriting guidelines.
If you’ve recently quit smoking, it’s worth reviewing your policy or comparing quotes from other insurers. Because underwriting approaches vary, you may find another provider offers more competitive premiums based on your current circumstances.
Tips for Finding Affordable Life Insurance if You Smoke
Being a smoker doesn’t mean you have to accept the first premium you’re offered. Because insurers assess smoking history and health risks differently, comparing policies can help you find cover that better suits your needs and budget.
Some practical ways to manage the cost of life insurance include:
- Compare quotes from multiple insurers.
- Be honest about your smoking or nicotine use during the application.
- Choose a level of cover that reflects your financial needs.
- Review your policy regularly as your circumstances change.
- Request a reassessment if you’ve successfully quit smoking and meet your insurer’s non-smoker requirements.
- Consider whether stepped or level premiums are more appropriate for your long-term budget.
Reviewing your options every few years can also be worthwhile. As your health, lifestyle or smoking status changes, you may become eligible for more competitive premiums with your current insurer or another provider.
What Happens If You Don’t Disclose That You Smoke?
When applying for life insurance, it’s important to answer all questions about your health and smoking history accurately. Insurers rely on this information to assess your application, determine your premium and decide the terms of your cover.
When applying for life insurance, you have a legal duty to take reasonable care not to make a misrepresentation, including about your smoking or nicotine use. If this duty isn’t met, the insurer may avoid the policy (treat it as if it never existed), reduce the benefit payable, or apply exclusions, which can mean a claim is declined or reduced. This duty is assessed at the time of application, and inaccurate disclosure is often only identified when a claim is made. Being upfront about your smoking status helps ensure your cover reflects your individual circumstances from the outset.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Can smokers get life insurance in Australia?
Yes. Most insurers offer life insurance to smokers, although premiums are generally higher than those offered to non-smokers. Your smoking status is one of several factors considered during underwriting, alongside your age, health and lifestyle.Why is life insurance more expensive for smokers?
Smoking is associated with an increased risk of serious illness and premature death, which means smokers are generally considered higher-risk applicants. As a result, insurers usually charge higher premiums to reflect the increased likelihood of a claim.Does vaping count as smoking for life insurance?
Many insurers consider vaping or the use of nicotine e-cigarettes when assessing an application. Depending on the insurer’s underwriting guidelines, vaping may result in you being classified as a smoker. Always answer questions about vaping honestly during your application.Do nicotine patches or gum count as smoking?
Some insurers include nicotine replacement products, such as patches and gum, when assessing smoking status because they contain nicotine. However, definitions vary between insurers, so it’s important to disclose any nicotine use when applying for cover.Can occasional smokers qualify as non-smokers?
Not always. Some insurers classify anyone who has used nicotine within their assessment period as a smoker, even if they only smoke occasionally or socially. Because definitions differ between insurers, it’s important to answer all smoking-related questions accurately.
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