Best Term Life Insurance for Smokers (2024 Guide)
If you smoke cigarettes, vape, or use tobacco, you can still get affordable term life insurance—but premiums will be higher than for non-smokers. This guide covers the best insurers for smokers, expected costs, and tips to lower your rates.
Can Smokers Get Term Life Insurance?
✅ Yes! But insurers classify you as a “smoker” if you’ve used nicotine in the past 1-3 years (includes cigarettes, cigars, vaping, chewing tobacco, and even nicotine patches/gum).
How Smoking Affects Your Premiums
- Smokers pay 2–3x more than non-smokers.
- Example: A 30-year-old non-smoker may pay ₹500/month for ₹1 crore coverage, while a smoker pays ₹1,200–₹1,500/month.
Best Term Insurance Plans for Smokers in India
| Insurance Company | Why It’s Good for Smokers? | Approx. Monthly Premium (₹1Cr, 30Y Term, Age 30) |
|---|---|---|
| HDFC Life Click 2 Protect Plus | Lenient underwriting, online purchase | ₹1,300 – ₹1,800 |
| ICICI Pru iProtect Smart | No medical test for some smokers | ₹1,400 – ₹2,000 |
| Max Life Smart Secure Plus | Competitive smoker rates | ₹1,350 – ₹1,900 |
| Tata AIA Life Sampoorn Raksha | Good for occasional smokers | ₹1,250 – ₹1,700 |
| Bharti AXA Life Elite Term | Low premiums for light smokers | ₹1,200 – ₹1,600 |
Note: Premiums vary based on age, health, and smoking frequency.
How Insurers Classify Smokers
- Light Smoker (<5 cigarettes/day) – 10-20% lower premiums
- Moderate Smoker (5-10/day) – Standard smoker rates
- Heavy Smoker (10+ cigarettes/day) – Highest premiums
- Ex-Smoker (Quit for 1-3+ years) – May qualify for non-smoker rates later
Tips to Reduce Premiums as a Smoker
1. Quit Smoking for 12+ Months
- After 1 year, some insurers reclassify you as a non-smoker.
- After 3 years, most insurers treat you as a non-smoker (cheaper rates).
2. Opt for a Medical Test
- If you’re healthy (no BP/diabetes), tests can prove lower risk → better rates.
3. Choose the Right Insurer
- Some companies (like HDFC Life, ICICI Pru) are more smoker-friendly.
4. Buy Early (Age Matters!)
- A 30-year-old smoker pays less than a 40-year-old smoker.
5. Reduce Coverage Term
- A 20-year term is cheaper than a 30-year term.
Sample Smoker vs. Non-Smoker Premiums
| Age | Coverage (₹1Cr) | Non-Smoker (Monthly) | Smoker (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | 20-year term | ₹500 – ₹700 | ₹1,200 – ₹1,800 |
| 40 | 20-year term | ₹1,000 – ₹1,500 | ₹2,500 – ₹3,500 |
| 50 | 15-year term | ₹2,500 – ₹3,500 | ₹5,000 – ₹7,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does vaping count as smoking?
✅ Yes! Insurers classify vaping/nicotine gum users as smokers.
2. What if I lie about smoking?
❌ Don’t! Insurers test for nicotine in medical exams. If caught, your claim can be rejected.
3. Can I get term insurance without a medical test?
✅ Yes, but premiums will be higher (e.g., ICICI Pru iProtect Smart offers no-test policies).
4. How long after quitting can I get non-smoker rates?
Most insurers require 1-3 years of no nicotine use.
5. Are beedi/cigar smokers treated differently?
⚠️ Often worse! Some insurers charge even higher premiums for beedi/cigar users.
Next Steps to Get Covered
1️⃣ Compare Quotes – Use Policybazaar or Coverfox to check smoker-friendly insurers.
2️⃣ Quit Smoking – Even reducing smoking can help lower premiums.
3️⃣ Apply with Medical Test – Helps prove overall health for better rates.
Final Advice
While smoking increases term insurance costs, you can still get coverage. The sooner you buy, the cheaper it is—and if you quit, you can reapply later for non-smoker rates.