What’s the first thing that hits your mind when you hear life insurance for smokers? Of course, at this point, chances are you’re aware that smokers don’t always find it easy. Yes, in the world of life insurance, smokers are unlikely to enjoy lower rates when it comes to buying coverage (especially when compared to non-smokers). But interestingly, there are still quite several companies who are willing to give smokers the opportunity to get coverage without burning a hole in their wallets. What’s more, people in this category are also likely to come across companies that support the purchase of coverage for alternative tobacco products.

So, what’s the point? Well, it’s simple — smokers can also get affordable life insurance protection. So yes, if you’re one, you can rest easy knowing that you can safeguard the financial future of your loved ones. As most of us already know, life insurance is one of life’s most important purchases. It’s basically the surest way to take care of the financial needs of your loved ones in the event of your passing.

It’s also good to point out that getting life insurance (depending on the type) is simple. and of course, with little research, you can be sure of finding the best price for the coverage of your choice.

Still got a few questions about buying life insurance as a smoker? If yes, you will want to keep up as we explore just about everything you need to know. Essentially, this article will let you in on several different ways to get cheaper coverage. And of course, from here, you can easily make the right decision for you and your loved ones.

Let’s get started!

Now, the very first thing you should know is that smoking can increase one’s risk of heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, high blood pressure among other diseases. So of course, the insurer will certainly take the risks into account when calculating your premiums. Now, you should be aware the increase in premium is basically determined by a person’s age and current health status. Essentially, a person who is young and healthy may only have to deal with a 20% increase. But on the flip side, an older individual could be hit with as much as a 150% (or more) increase in premiums. So, it’s all about the risks involved.

Now, if you happen to be a long-term tobacco user, you should have it in mind that your life expectancy can be affected drastically. And of course, this issue could turn out to be a huge risk for the insurance company. This is precisely why you’re likely to experience an increase in the overall cost of the policy.

But hey, there’s good news — there are quite a few things that come into play when shopping for life insurance as a smoker. First off, you’ll be happy to hear that not all carriers consider you a smoker right off the bat. In other words, there are carriers who examine everything from the type of tobacco you use to how frequently you use it before taking the next step. Moreover, you’re likely to get a pass (in this regard) if you happen to be one who hasn’t smoked or used a tobacco product for at least a year.

How can you get lower rates?

Here’s the thing; every smoker is likely to be faced with higher insurance premiums — it’s a given. But interestingly, there are several different things you can do to get a plan without breaking the bank.

First off, it’s in your best interest to figure out how to improve your overall health. Yes, as mentioned earlier, smokers are generally susceptible to several health problems. But of course, the good news is, there are still ways to lower the risks and increase your chances of getting the coverage you need.

At this point, you’ll do well to stick to a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Of course, the primary goal here is to lose weight and cut down your risk of having a heart attack. And yes, taking good care of your health will increase your chances of getting lower insurance premiums. It’s also worth noting that you can still get cheap life insurance protection regardless of the current state of your health. In other words, even people with severe health complications (as a result of smoking) can find companies that’ll be willing to give affordable life insurance policies. Believe it or not, some companies are very much aware that not every smoker has what it takes to spend a fortune on life insurance coverage every month.

Smoking Classification

Want to find what type of smoker you are? If yes, you’re not alone. In fact, it’s highly recommended to figure this out before taking the plunge. In this section, we’re going to take a quick look at the various categories and of course, leave you to decide where you fit in.

• Infrequent Tobacco User

Do you find yourself to be one who smokes on an irregular basis? If yes, you should be aware that life insurance companies may (or may not) base their classification on the type of tobacco you use and how often you use it. For instance, a person who smokes just once a month at the bar will be classified as a smoker. But on the flip side, an individual who uses just one cigar per year may be seen or classified as a non-smoker.

• Frequent Tobacco User

Well, this is straight forward and self-explanatory. Yes, people in this category are generally seen as smokers. And as such, they’ll have to look for a life insurance company that offers coverage regardless. It’s also worth noting that certain companies will consider the frequency as well as the type of tobacco you use before taking the next step.

• Alternative Tobacco User

Do you smoke marijuana or use e-cigs to take in nicotine? If yes, you’re an alternative tobacco user. And interestingly, some of these alternative products can get you non-smoker ratings, this usually depends on the carrier).

Final Words

So, there you have it! These are some of the most important things you need to know about life insurance for smokers. At this point, you can start working towards getting the perfect policy for you (regardless of how many times you’ve been declined in the past).

Still, need help? If yes, don’t hesitate to reach out to us! We’ll be thrilled to help figure things out and make things easier for you. Be sure to request a quote today!