Smokers Vs Non-Smokers: Term Life Insurance

The phrase "Smoking is injurious to health" is well-known, but did you also know that smoking may burn a hole in your wallet? When it comes to life insurance, smokers often face higher premiums compared to non-smokers, reflecting the increased health risks linked to smoking. In this article, we will explore the impact of smoking on life insurance premiums in India. Understanding the effects of smoking on life insurance premiums in India can help you make informed decisions about your coverage and get the best possible rates.

The phrase "Smoking is injurious to health" is well-known, but did you also know that smoking may burn a hole in your wallet? When it comes to life insurance, smokers often face higher premiums compared...
The phrase "Smoking is injurious to health" is well-known, but did you also...

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How Insurance Companies Classify Smokers

Insurance companies have clear criteria for categorising individuals as smokers. It's not just about cigarettes; any form of tobacco or nicotine use can lead to higher premiums

In general, if you currently use any nicotine or tobacco products - no matter how frequently or infrequently - you will be classified by insurers as a "smoker." This includes not only cigarette smoking but also cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff, nicotine patches/gums, e-cigarettes, vaping, or any other product derived from the tobacco plant.

On applications, you'll typically see questions aimed at identifying smoker status, such as:

  • Have you used any form of tobacco or nicotine product within the past 12 months?
  • If so, what specific products have you used and how often?
  • When did you last use tobacco or nicotine products?

So, if you have used any nicotine or tobacco whatsoever recently, it's best to provide complete disclosure to avoid issues. Otherwise, you risk claim denial later on, even if you only smoke or vape "socially" or infrequently.

How Insurers Determine Smoker vs. Non-Smoker Status

When you apply for a term life insurance policy, insurance companies will classify you as either a "smoker" or "non-smoker" to assess your rate class and premium amount. Generally, the criteria to qualify for non-smoker designation include:

  • Not having used tobacco or nicotine products for a defined period leading up to the application date. Many insurers require no smoking or nicotine use for at least the past 12 months, but some have thresholds of up to 3 years tobacco-free.
  • This includes abstinence from cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, nicotine patches/gum, or any other product containing nicotine.

Conversely, if you are currently using tobacco/nicotine or are within the "lookback period" established by the carrier, you will likely be rated as a smoker.

The primary reason for the smoker vs. non-smoker classification is risk. Statistical data shows tobacco users have substantially higher mortality rates and life insurance claims experience compared to non-users. As such, insurers charge smokers significantly higher premiums - often 1.5 to 2 times higher.

Term Life Insurance: How Smokers Compare to Non-Smokers

AspectSmokersNon-Smokers
   
Premium CostPay 1.5-2x higher premium rates due to shorter lifespans and higher mortality ratesQualify for lowest available premium rates if health is good
Underwriting ProcessFrequently requires additional medical exams and lab tests to assess risks further; approval delays are more commonSmoother underwriting with a basic exam is often sufficient for non-tobacco users in good health
Life ExpectancyOn average 13+ years less lifespan compared to peers who don't smokeLonger average lifespan and mortality age if maintains tobacco-free status
Risk Class FactorsMuch higher mortality risk observed through actuarial data and claims patternsSignificantly lower mortality risk based on non-smoker pool data
Health ConsiderationsGreater susceptibility to cancers, heart disease, stroke, COPD and smoking-linked conditionsAvoiding tobacco lowers the odds of these illnesses later in life
Claims PaymentIntentionally hiding smoking risks the rejection of death benefits to beneficiaries.Higher likelihood that payout goes to beneficiaries smoothly.

Why Smokers Pay More for Term Life Coverage

Smokers typically pay significantly higher premiums vs. non-smokers for identical term life insurance policies - often 1.5 to 2 times more. There are a few key reasons tobacco users are assessed much costlier rates by insurers:

Firstly, smoking carries well-documented health hazards that dramatically raise mortality rates. These include lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, stroke, heart disease, and numerous other fatal conditions. As carriers accept the risk of insuring your life, the substantial risks associated with smoking make tobacco users much more of an actuarial liability in the eyes of insurance providers.

Coupled with an increased chance of contracting smoking-related diseases, tobacco use shortens an individual's expected lifespan. Naturally, earlier expected mortality equals greater risk to insurance companies - requiring greater compensation in premiums to take on that risk exposure.
 

Smokers pay higher premiums because, statistically, they do file more frequent and earlier death benefit payouts. By pricing policies higher for tobacco users, insurers aim to offset the increased claims smokers trigger on aggregate within risk pools.

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What Happens If You Hide Smoking From Your Insurer?

While it may be tempting to conceal smoking habits to secure lower premiums, the repercussions can be severe.  Here's an easy-to-understand look at the consequences:

 

Claims Rejected

If medical records show smoking you didn't disclose, the insurer can refuse to pay out any death benefit. Even if the death cause is unrelated to smoking, hiding this violates the policy terms. Your beneficiaries would get no money.
 

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Policy Cancelled

If fraud about smoking status is revealed, the insurer may void the entire policy. Premium payments would be partially refunded but without the future security intended for loved ones.
 

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Trouble Getting Coverage Later

If relatives try finding new coverage after smoking deception is caught, it can be very difficult and expensive. Insurers industry-wide see big red flags around intentional misrepresentation.
 

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While being honest about smoking costs more upfront, it deeply protects families later if income replacement is needed. Saving a little money now risks their future financial well-being. Tell the whole truth.

Conclusion

 

While smoking may seem tempting, it has far-reaching consequences, not just for your health but also for your finances. By quitting smoking, you not only enjoy financial savings but also reap the long-term health benefits of a smoke-free lifestyle.

On the other hand, hiding tobacco usage from your life insurance company poses huge financial risks that often surface when families later file claims. Insurers can legally outright deny payouts and cancel policies if undisclosed smoking is revealed after death. When applying, tell your insurer the complete truth about any nicotine use - no matter how minor or "social" it may be. The peace of mind is well worth the small ongoing premium increase.

Frequently asked questions

Those who use tobacco or nicotine in cigars, pan masala, gutka, cigarettes and nicotine patches are classified as smokers by insurance providers. Particular inquiries include how often someone smokes, when they last smoked, what kind of product they smoke, etc. 
 

Smoker's Life Insurance policies are designed for individuals who smoke tobacco products regularly. They have higher premiums due to increased health risks associated with smoking. Non-smoker's Life Insurance policies are designed for individuals who do not consume tobacco products and have lower premiums due to the decreased health risks associated with not smoking.
 

Policy buyers are frequently divided into four groups by insurance companies: 

  • Non-smokers
  • Smokers
  • Normal smokers
  • And table rate smokers. 

Smoking can contribute to the development of chronic conditions such as lung cancer and heart disease. Because of this, smokers have a shorter life expectancy ratio than non-smokers and a higher chance of developing certain illnesses. The chance of dying is a significant factor in deciding the cost of term insurance. Because of this, smokers have to pay a higher premium because their life expectancy is reduced.
 

Yes, smokers may obtain non-smoker's life insurance rates if they quit smoking and remain tobacco-free for a certain amount of time. The specific amount of time varies between insurance providers.

 

Insurance providers typically require individuals to undergo a medical exam to verify their smoking status. So, if a person has stopped smoking for a long time, the insurer may profile them as a non-smoker.
 

A medical exam for life insurance is a physical exam conducted by a medical professional to assess an individual's health status. The exam typically includes measurements of blood pressure, height, weight, and a blood test to check for health problems.

 

Yes, smoking habits must be disclosed when applying for life insurance. Failure to disclose smoking habits can result in the cancellation of the policy or denial of the claim in the event of the insured's death.
 

To avoid paying higher insurance rates, many smokers may mislead their insurers about their smoking habits. Their efforts may be in vain, though, since although it could be easy to hide your habits on the term insurance proposal form, it can be far more challenging to keep nicotine traces out of your urine sample when you're being tested medically. Furthermore, lying about your smoking habit might have negative consequences.
 

Being categorised as a smoker reduces your eligibility for a larger death benefit or a cheaper premium rate. Nevertheless, smokers still have access to life insurance choices. Just be aware that for the same level of coverage, a smoker's typical life insurance cost will be more than a non-smoker's.
 

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Written by Neviya Laishram

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Reviewed by Vaibhav Kumar Kaushik Author info Icon

A professional writer, editor, and copywriter with a background in magazines, healthcare, education, and insurance.