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🚬 Smoker Life Insurance

Life Insurance for Smokers from £8/month

6.4 million adults in the UK smoke. Smokers can absolutely get life insurance, premiums are higher, but cover is always available. Quit for 12 months and your rates can drop significantly.

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Answer a few simple questions and compare life insurance quotes as a smoker from every major UK insurer, no pressure, no obligation.

Life Insurance for Smokers: What You Need to Know

The most important thing to understand is this: smokers can get life insurance. Every major UK insurer offers cover to smokers. Your premiums will be higher than a non-smoker's, but you will not be refused cover simply because you smoke.

Here is how smoking affects your life insurance:

  • Premiums are typically 50% to 100% higher, a non-smoker paying £10/month might see the same cover cost £15 to £20/month as a smoker.
  • The definition of “smoker” is broad, it includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes, e-cigarettes, vapes, nicotine patches, nicotine gum, and cannabis. If you have used any nicotine product in the past 12 months, you are a smoker in the eyes of insurers.
  • Occasional smoking still counts, even if you only smoke socially or have the odd cigarette on a night out, you must declare yourself as a smoker.
  • You can get rates reviewed after quitting, once you have been completely smoke-free for 12 consecutive months (including all nicotine products), most insurers will reclassify you as a non-smoker and reduce your premium.

Comparing the whole market is especially important for smokers because smoker rates vary more between insurers than non-smoker rates. The difference between the cheapest and most expensive insurer can be substantial.

Key fact: You should never lie about your smoking status on a life insurance application. If you die and the insurer discovers you were a smoker when you claimed not to be, they can void the entire policy and refuse to pay the claim. Your family would receive nothing.

For a full breakdown of how smoking affects your premiums and options, see our guide to life insurance costs in the UK.

Rate Comparison

Smoker vs Non-Smoker vs Ex-Smoker vs Vaper

Here is how your smoking status affects what you pay. All figures are indicative for a 30-year-old with £250,000 of level term cover over 25 years.

FactorNon-SmokerEx-Smoker (12m+)VaperSmoker
Typical monthly cost£10–£15/mo£10–£15/mo£15–£25/mo£18–£30/mo
Insurer classificationNon-smokerNon-smoker (after 12 months)Smoker (most insurers)Smoker
Cotinine test required?SometimesOftenOftenYes, usually
Can rates be reduced?Already lowest rateYes, already at non-smokerYes, quit all nicotine forYes, quit all nicotine for
All insurers available?YesYesYesYes
Critical illness add-on?YesYesYes (higher premium)Yes (higher premium)

Costs shown are indicative for a healthy 30-year-old. Your quote will depend on your age, health, cover amount, and how much you smoke.

Important: Vaping and e-cigarettes are classified as smoking by the vast majority of UK insurers. If you vape, you will pay smoker rates. A small number of insurers are beginning to differentiate, so comparing the market is essential. Read more about life insurance with pre-existing conditions.
Your Situation

Life Insurance by Smoking Status

Different types of nicotine use are treated differently by some insurers. Here is what to expect based on your situation.

🚬

Regular Cigarette Smokers

If you smoke daily, you will be classified as a smoker by every insurer. Premiums are higher, but cover is always available. The key is to compare the market, because pricing for smokers varies significantly between providers.

Compare whole market for best rates
🍸

Occasional or Social Smokers

Even if you only smoke at weekends, on nights out, or a few times a month, you must declare yourself as a smoker. Most insurers do not distinguish between heavy and light smoking, it is a binary classification.

Must declare, same smoker rates apply
💨

Vapers & E-Cigarette Users

Most UK insurers treat vaping the same as smoking. You will pay smoker rates. However, a handful of insurers are beginning to offer slightly better rates for vapers compared to cigarette smokers, an adviser can identify them.

Specialist adviser recommended
🚫

Those Who Recently Quit

Congratulations on quitting. You will need to remain completely nicotine-free for 12 consecutive months before you qualify for non-smoker rates. In the meantime, get covered at smoker rates, you can request a review once you hit the 12-month mark.

Get covered now, review at 12 months
🌿

Cannabis Users

Cannabis use, whether smoked, vaped, or consumed as edibles, will typically result in a smoker classification. Some insurers are more lenient than others regarding cannabis, so comparing the market through an adviser is particularly important.

Declare honestly, adviser can find best options
💊

Nicotine Replacement Therapy Users

Using nicotine patches, gum, lozenges, or inhalers counts as nicotine use and will classify you as a smoker. You will need to be completely free of all nicotine products, including NRT, for 12 months to qualify for non-smoker rates.

Classified as smoker until nicotine-free 12m

Smoker rates vary hugely between insurers. Let an adviser find you the best deal.

An FCA-regulated adviser compares every UK insurer to find the most competitive smoker rate for your situation, completely free.

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Costs Explained

How Much Does Life Insurance Cost for Smokers?

Smoker premiums are higher, but the exact amount depends on your age, health, how much you smoke, and the insurer. Here is a typical breakdown for a 30-year-old smoker with £250,000 of level term cover over 25 years.

£8–£15/mo
Smoker, Decreasing Term
Cover reduces over time, in line with a repayment mortgage or decreasing debt. The most affordable option for smokers needing basic protection.
£18–£30/mo
Smoker, Level Term
Cover stays the same throughout the policy. Provides consistent protection for your family and works for interest-only mortgages.
Worth knowing: If you quit smoking and remain completely nicotine-free for 12 months, most insurers will review your policy and reduce your premiums to non-smoker rates, potentially saving you 50% or more. See our full guide to life insurance costs.

Do not wait until you quit to get cover. If you have a family, a mortgage, or debts, you need protection now. Getting a smoker policy today is far better than having no cover at all. You can always reduce your premiums later once you have been smoke-free for 12 months.

Simple Process

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Real Reviews

What Our Customers Say

Karen D.
Karen D.
Nottingham • Smoker Life Insurance
★★★★★
“Thought I'd be rejected, I wasn't”

I've smoked for 20 years and assumed life insurance would be impossible or cost a fortune. My adviser found me £200,000 of cover for £22 a month. Not cheap, but far less than I feared. The process was straightforward and judgement-free.

Mike G.
Mike G.
Cardiff • Ex-Smoker Life Insurance
★★★★★
“Rates dropped after I quit”

I took out a policy as a smoker, then quit six months later. After hitting the 12-month smoke-free mark, my adviser helped me get my premium reviewed. It dropped from £24 to £13 a month, nearly halved. Well worth doing.

Laura P.
Laura P.
Glasgow • Vaper Life Insurance
★★★★★
“Didn't realise vaping counted”

I switched from cigarettes to vaping and assumed I'd get non-smoker rates. My adviser explained that most insurers treat vaping the same as smoking, but found me a provider with more competitive vaper rates. Really glad I used the service.

Steve R.
Steve R.
Sheffield • Smoker Life Insurance
★★★★★
“Huge difference between insurers”

I smoke about 10 a day and was quoted £38/month by one insurer. My adviser compared the whole market and got me the same £250k cover for £19/month with a different provider. The saving over 25 years is massive. Always worth comparing.

Fiona M.
Fiona M.
Leeds • Occasional Smoker Life Insurance
★★★★★
“Honest about social smoking, still got covered”

I only smoke socially, maybe a few cigarettes a month. I was upfront about it and my adviser said that was essential to avoid a voided claim later. Got £200k of cover for £15/month. A small price for knowing my kids are protected.

Danny C.
Danny C.
Brighton • Ex-Smoker Life Insurance
★★★★★
“Quit 14 months ago, got non-smoker rates”

I quit smoking just over a year ago and my adviser confirmed I qualified for non-smoker rates since I'd been nicotine-free for 12 months. Paying £8/month for £200k of cover at age 34. If you're thinking of quitting, the savings on life insurance alone make it worth it.

Learn More

Related Guides

Explore our in-depth guides to help you understand your options as a smoker.

How Much Does Life Insurance Cost?

UK pricing breakdown

Pre-Existing Conditions

Your options explained

How Much Cover Do I Need?

Calculate the right amount

Term vs Whole of Life

Which type is right for you?

Life Insurance & Critical Illness

Combined protection explained

Life Insurance Over 50

Options for older applicants
Got Questions?

Smoker Life Insurance: Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, absolutely. Smokers can get life insurance from every major UK insurer. Smoking does not disqualify you from cover, it simply means your premiums will be higher than those of a non-smoker. Comparing the whole market is important because premiums for smokers can vary significantly between providers.
Smokers typically pay 50% to 100% more than non-smokers for the same level of cover. For example, if a non-smoker pays £10 per month for £250,000 of cover, a smoker of the same age and health might pay £15 to £20 per month. The exact difference depends on the insurer, your age, health, and how much you smoke. See our guide to life insurance costs.
Most UK insurers define a smoker as anyone who has used any nicotine or tobacco product within the last 12 months. This includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes, e-cigarettes, vapes, nicotine patches, nicotine gum, and in some cases cannabis. Even occasional or social smoking counts, if you have used nicotine in any form in the past 12 months, you will be classed as a smoker.
Yes, most UK insurers currently treat vaping and e-cigarette use the same as smoking. You will be classed as a smoker and pay smoker rates. However, a small number of insurers are beginning to offer lower rates for vapers compared to traditional cigarette smokers. An independent adviser can identify which insurers offer the best rates for vapers specifically.
Unfortunately, most insurers do not distinguish between heavy smokers and occasional or social smokers. If you have used any tobacco or nicotine product in the past 12 months, you will generally be classified as a smoker and pay smoker rates. The number of cigarettes you smoke per day does not typically affect the premium, it is a binary smoker or non-smoker classification.
Yes. Most insurers will reclassify you as a non-smoker once you have been completely smoke-free for 12 consecutive months, this includes all nicotine products, vapes, and nicotine replacement therapy. If you already have a policy, contact your insurer after 12 months smoke-free to request a rate review. Your premiums could drop by 50% or more.
Many insurers require a cotinine test for smokers, which detects nicotine use through a saliva or urine sample. This is to verify your smoking status. If you claim to be a non-smoker but test positive for cotinine, your application may be declined or your premiums adjusted. Always declare your smoking status honestly.
Lying about your smoking status is classified as non-disclosure and can have serious consequences. If you die and the insurer discovers you were a smoker when you claimed not to be, they can void the entire policy and refuse to pay the claim. Your family would receive nothing. Insurers can check medical records, GP notes, and run cotinine tests. It is never worth the risk.
Yes. If you use cannabis in any form, including smoking, edibles, or oils, you will typically be classified as a smoker by most UK insurers. Some insurers are more lenient than others regarding cannabis use, so it is worth comparing the market. You must always declare cannabis use honestly on your application.
Yes, there is significant variation in how different insurers price smoker policies. Some insurers specialise in higher-risk applicants and offer more competitive smoker rates. This is why comparing the whole market is essential, you could save hundreds of pounds per year by choosing the right insurer for your situation.
Yes, smokers can add critical illness cover to their life insurance policy. However, the premium increase for adding critical illness cover is typically higher for smokers than for non-smokers, because smoking increases the risk of many critical illnesses such as cancer, heart attack, and stroke. It is still available and worth considering for the additional protection. See our guide to life insurance and critical illness.
Yes, using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) such as nicotine patches, gum, lozenges, or inhalers will classify you as a smoker with most UK insurers. This is because these products contain nicotine, which is what insurers test for. You will need to be completely free of all nicotine products for 12 months before you can qualify for non-smoker rates.
The standard requirement is 12 consecutive months completely free of all nicotine and tobacco products. Some insurers may require longer, typically up to 24 months for certain products. Once you have met the smoke-free period, you can apply for a new policy at non-smoker rates, or ask your existing insurer to review your premium.
No, you should not wait. If you have dependants or debts, you need protection now. Getting cover as a smoker is better than having no cover at all. You can always get your rates reviewed after 12 months of being smoke-free. Waiting to quit means your family is completely unprotected in the meantime, and if something were to happen, they would receive nothing.
The best policy depends on your individual circumstances, how much you smoke, your age, health, and budget. Leading providers include Aviva, Vitality, Zurich, Royal London, and Legal & General, but smoker pricing varies considerably between them. Comparing the whole market through an independent service ensures you find the most competitive rate available for your situation.

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