Best Life Insurance for Smokers in 2026

USAA, Guardian Life, State Farm and Nationwide have the best life insurance for smokers in 2026.

Find out if you're overpaying for life insurance below.

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Written by Patrick Bryant

Updated: May 21, 2026

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Key Takeaways

Smokers pay roughly three times more for life insurance than nonsmokers in MoneyGeek's analysis. A 40-year-old male smoker pays an average of $194 per month for a $500,000 20-year term policy, compared to $59 for a nonsmoker. Choosing the right insurer and policy type can reduce that gap.

USAA ranks as the best life insurance for smokers who want whole or universal life insurance, while Guardian Life provides the best term life insurance for smokers.

State Farm is the best life insurance company for smokers who prioritize affordability, with monthly costs averaging $66 for men and $53 for women. Nationwide offers the best customer experience.

Best Life Insurance for Smokers

USAA, Guardian Life, State Farm and Nationwide have the best life insurance for smokers, based on MoneyGeek's review of rates, financial strength, coverage options and customer experience across major carriers. Smokers pay much more than nonsmokers regardless of insurer, but the gap between the cheapest and most expensive company for a given profile can exceed $100 per month. Choosing the right carrier and policy type matters more for smokers than for almost any other applicant group.

Your smoking profile and coverage goals should determine where you start. If you want permanent coverage that doesn't expire and builds cash value, USAA's whole and universal life policies offer the strongest combination of financial strength and coverage depth, with limits up to $10 million.

If you need straightforward death benefit protection at the lowest possible cost, State Farm's term life rates are the most affordable in MoneyGeek's analysis, at $66 per month for a 40-year-old male smoker with $500,000 in coverage.


Whole and Universal	USAA	Whole: $724 (M), $679 (F)Universal: $431 (M), $404 (F)	A++	4.7
Term	Guardian Life	Term: $170 (M), $145 (F)	A++	4.5
Affordability	State Farm	Term: $66 (M), $53 (F)	A++	4.5
Customer Experience	Nationwide	Term: $204 (M), $156 (F)	A+	4.1

Rates are based on a $500,000 policy for 40-year-old smokers in otherwise average health. Actual premiums will vary depending on your profile and coverage needs.

Best Whole and Universal Life Insurance: USAA

USAA

MoneyGeek Rating

4.7/ 5

5/5Affordability

3.9/5Customer Experience

4.9/5Coverage Points

Average Monthly Cost (Whole)
$679(F); $724(M)
Average Monthly Cost (Universal)
$404(F); $431(M)
Ages supported (Whole)
18-85
Ages supported (Universal)
0-90 years old (universal)

pros
- Coverage up to $10 million
- A++ AM Best financial strength rating
- Low NAIC complaint index (0.12)
cons
- Some policies issued through partners
USAA offers the best whole and universal life insurance for smokers, with a MoneyGeek score of 4.7 out of 5. The insurer holds an A++ AM Best rating and an average NAIC complaint index of 0.12.

Whole life insurance policies cost an average of $679 per month for women and $724 for men. Universal life averages $404 per month for women and $431 for men. Both figures are based on a 40-year-old smoker with $500,000 in coverage.
- A.M. Best rating: A++
- BBB rating: N/A
- Average NAIC complaint index: 0.12
- J.D. Power score: N/A
- Max coverage: $10,000,000
- No-exam policy available: Yes (up to $250,000)
- Terms available: 10, 15, 20, 25, 30
- Ages supported: 18 to 70 (term), 18 to 85 (whole), 3 months to 90 years old (universal)
- Riders and options: Child rider, waiver of premium, accelerated death benefit, return-of-premium, special perks for military personnel

Best Term Life Insurance: Guardian Life

Guardian Life

MoneyGeek Rating

4.5/ 5

4.8/5Affordability

4.2/5Customer Experience

4.2/5Coverage Points

Average Monthly Cost
$145(F); $170(M)
Ages Supported
18-75

pros
- Online quote tool available
- A++ AM Best financial strength rating
- Available in all states
cons
- NAIC complaint index of 1.02 (industry average is 1.0)
Guardian Life ranks first for term life insurance for smokers in MoneyGeek's analysis, with a score of 4.5 out of 5. The insurer holds an A++ AM Best rating and a J.D. Power score of 679.

Guardian Life term life insurance costs an average of $170 per month for men and $145 per month for women, based on a 40-year-old smoker with $500,000 in coverage and a 20-year term. No-exam coverage is available up to $3 million.
- A.M. Best rating: A++
- BBB rating: A+
- Average NAIC complaint index: 1.02
- J.D. Power score: 679
- Max coverage: $5 million
- No-exam policy available: Yes (up to $3 million)
- Terms available: 10, 15, 20, 30
- Ages supported: 18 to 75
- Riders and options: Term conversion, waiver of premium, guaranteed renewability, accelerated terminal illness, charitable benefit, accelerated benefit, guaranteed insurability, accidental death, paid-up additions, index participation, renewable term

Best for Affordability: State Farm

State Farm

MoneyGeek Rating

4.5/ 5

5/5Affordability

4/5Customer Experience

3.9/5Coverage Points

Average Monthly Cost
$53(F); $66(M)
Average Annual Cost
$1,362 (men); $1,152 (women)

pros
- Extended term lengths up to 40 years
- Accepts higher-risk applicants with competitive rates
- Valuable riders for long-term flexibility
cons
- Limited permanent life insurance options after term conversion
- No direct online buy
State Farm provides the cheapest life insurance for smokers. The company earned a MoneyGeek score of 4.5 out of 5, backed by an A++ AM Best rating and a J.D. Power score of 697 (2nd).

The average cost of a State Farm policy is $66 per month for men and $53 per month for women, based on a 40-year-old smoker with $500,000 in coverage and a 20-year term. State Farm operates through a local agent network, so you can't buy most policies online.
- A.M. Best rating: A++
- BBB rating: N/A
- Average NAIC complaint index: 0.38
- J.D. Power score: 697 (2nd)
- Max coverage: $10 million
- No-exam policy available: Yes
- Terms available: 10,20, 30
- Ages supported: 18 to 75
- Riders and options: Children's term, select term, waiver of premium for disability, flexible care benefit, accidental death, chronic illness benefit

Best Customer Experience: Nationwide

Nationwide

MoneyGeek Rating

4.1/ 5

3.7/5Affordability

4.8/5Customer Experience

3.8/5Coverage Points

Average Monthly Cost
$156(F); $204(M)
Ages Suppoted
21-55

pros
- A+ AM Best rating and A+ BBB rating
- Low NAIC complaint index (0.08)
cons
- Maximum coverage capped at $1.5 million
- Age eligibility limited to 21 to 55
- Some products not available in New York
Nationwide leads MoneyGeek's customer experience rankings for life insurance for smokers, scoring 4.1 out of 5. It holds an A+ AM Best rating, an A+ BBB rating and an average NAIC complaint index of 0.08.

Term life coverage averages $204 per month for men and $156 per month for women, based on a 40-year-old smoker with $500,000 in coverage and a 20-year term. Nationwide's age eligibility runs from 21 to 55. Smokers outside that range won't qualify, regardless of health status. Coverage also maxes out at $1.5 million, which works for most term buyers but rules Nationwide out for applicants with larger income replacement or estate planning needs.
- A.M. Best rating: A+
- BBB rating: A+
- Average NAIC complaint index: 0.08
- J.D. Power score: 695 (3rd)
- Max coverage: $1.5 million
- No-exam policy available: Yes
- Terms available: 10, 15, 20, 30
- Ages supported: 21 to 55
- Riders and options: Long-term care, chronic illness, critical illness, terminal illness, waiver of premium, accidental death benefit, extended no-lapse guarantee, estate protection, guaranteed insurability, overloan lapse protection

Average Life Insurance Cost for Smokers

The gap between term and permanent policy rates for smokers widens at higher coverage levels. A female smoker seeking $1 million in coverage pays $281 per month for a 20-year term policy but $1,450 per month for whole life, more than five times as much.

For most smokers, term life is the practical choice. The exception is smokers with existing health conditions who may become uninsurable later. Locking in permanent coverage now eliminates that risk, even at higher monthly cost.


$100,000	$40 (F) $50 (M)	$171 (F) $175 (M)	$120 (F) $141 (M)
$250,000	$82 (F) $107 (M)	$373 (F) $401 (M)	$263 (F) $318 (M)
$500,000	$148 (F) $194 (M)	$735 (F) $784 (M)	$513 (F) $621 (M)
$750,000	$217 (F) $289 (M)	$1,094 (F) $1,157 (M)	$756 (F) $911 (M)
$1,000,000	$281 (F) $376 (M)	$1,450 (F) $1,525 (M)	$995 (F) $1,195 (M)

Rates are based on average monthly quotes for a 40-year-old smoker with average health. Actual premiums will vary depending on your profile and coverage needs.

Life Insurance Quotes for Smokers

Compare providers and assess your coverage needs to find a policy that protects your family's financial future. Use MoneyGeek's free online life insurance calculator for quick estimates from multiple providers and find the best life insurance for smokers based on your profile.

Life Insurance Rates by Age, Gender and Coverage

Get average life insurance premiums based on your profile.

Estimates shown are for people in average health with a 20-year term policy.

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Smoker Rate Classifications

Life insurance companies don't simply divide applicants into "smoker" and "nonsmoker" categories. They use specific classifications when determining premiums.

Classification	Description
Preferred Smoker	This classification applies to occasional smokers who consume fewer than five cigarettes daily or 12 per year. You'll likely need excellent health markers (normal blood pressure, healthy BMI and clean blood work). Preferred Smoker rates are lower than Standard Smoker premiums.
Standard Smoker	This covers regular tobacco users who don't qualify for preferred rates. Most companies define regular users as those who have five or more cigarettes daily or weekly cigar use. Standard Smoker rates often cost substantially more than nonsmoker premiums.

Some insurers don't bother with a preferred smoker tier at all. The ones that do usually charge less than companies using only standard categories.

Your overall health matters for standard smoker rates, not just tobacco use. Something as small as well-managed high blood pressure will cost you more in this tier.

Table Ratings for Smokers

Insurers use Table A through Table P ratings for applicants with health conditions like COPD or heart disease that make smoking risks worse. Each table adds percentage increases to your base premium. Higher tables mean much higher costs. Table ratings recognize that smoking amplifies other health risks. Smokers with multiple health issues or chronic conditions should expect table ratings rather than standard approvals.

To illustrate the cost impact: a smoker rated at Table B pays about 50% more than the standard smoker base rate. Table D adds 100%. At $500,000 in coverage for a 40-year-old male smoker, a standard rate might be $194 per month, but a Table B rating would push that toward $290 per month and Table D toward $388 per month. These are approximations. Actual table multipliers vary by insurer. Independent agents with access to high-risk underwriting specialists can sometimes find more favorable tables for the same health profile across different carriers.

How to Get the Best Life Insurance for Smokers

Smokers pay more for life insurance than any other lifestyle-based risk category in our review. But the difference between the cheapest and most expensive insurer for the same profile can exceed $1,500 per year on a $500,000 policy, which makes how you shop as important as whether you smoke. Term life is the most cost-effective option for most smokers. Permanent coverage makes sense if you need lifelong protection or have health conditions that could make future coverage harder to get.

1
Quit Smoking
Quitting tobacco is the single most effective way to cut your life insurance costs. Most insurers reclassify you as a nonsmoker after 12 consecutive tobacco-free months, confirmed by a medical exam. Based on MoneyGeek's rate data, a 40-year-old male smoker paying $194 per month for a $500,000 20-year term policy could pay as little as $59 per month after reclassification, a savings of over $1,600 per year.
2
Compare Multiple Quotes
How insurers treat smokers varies wildly. Request quotes from at least five companies to find the cheapest life insurance for smokers. Their different underwriting rules could save you thousands across the policy term.
3
Choose the Right Policy Type
Term life costs less for smokers than permanent coverage. A 40-year-old male smoker pays $194 per month for a $500,000 20-year term policy but $784 per month for whole life coverage at the same amount. Choose term if you need coverage through your working years or until dependents are financially independent. Choose permanent only if you need lifelong coverage, want to build cash value, or have health conditions that could make future coverage harder to get.
4
Bundle Your Policies
Bundling home and auto policies with your life insurance can reduce your total premiums. Check with your carrier, as not all life insurance companies offer multi-policy discounts, and the life insurance premium itself rarely changes.
5
Use Group Life Insurance
Employer group life insurance charges everyone the same rate regardless of smoking status. Most plans cap coverage at one to two times your annual salary, which isn't enough for most families. But it costs nothing and locks in base coverage without a medical exam or tobacco surcharge.
6
Focus on Overall Health
Quitting tobacco is the biggest lever, but overall health affects your classification too. Controlled blood pressure, a healthy BMI and clean bloodwork can move you from Standard Smoker to Preferred Smoker rates, which are lower even within the smoker tier.
7
Reapply After Quitting
If you're paying smoker rates on a current policy, reapply after 12 tobacco-free months. You'll need a medical exam, but reclassification drops the average 40-year-old male's $500,000 term premium from $194 per month to roughly $59 per month, per MoneyGeek's rate data, a reduction of about 70%.

HOW TO BE CONSIDERED A NONSMOKER AFTER QUITTING

Most life insurance companies require at least one year tobacco-free to qualify for nontobacco rates. Some companies require two years before considering you a nonsmoker.

If you have existing life insurance and want rate reconsideration, get company approval and complete a medical exam to prove tobacco-free status. You may pay for the medical exam during reconsideration.

Best Life Insurance Companies for Smokers: Bottom Line

Smokers have more life insurance options than many expect, but the pricing spread across carriers is wider than for any other risk category. State Farm is the right starting point if affordability is your priority. USAA is the stronger choice if you want permanent coverage with high limits and financial stability. Guardian Life's no-exam threshold of $3 million makes it worth comparing for smokers who want to avoid the underwriting process. Nationwide is worth the higher premium if customer experience and complaint history matter to you.

If you have health conditions on top of tobacco use, don't rely on standard quote tools. Work with an independent agent who can shop table-rated policies across multiple carriers. The difference between insurers can be hundreds of dollars per month, so always get multiple quotes before purchasing a policy.

Life Insurance for Smokers: FAQ

We've answered common questions about life insurance for smokers:

How much higher are life insurance premiums for smokers vs. nonsmokers?

According to MoneyGeek’s analysis, a 40-year-old smoker pays about $148 (women) or $194 (men) per month for a 20-year term life insurance policy with $500,000 coverage, while a nonsmoker pays around $47 (women) or $59 (men) per month. This means life insurance premiums for smokers are roughly three times higher than those for nonsmokers.

Do you need to tell a life insurance company that you smoke?

You must disclose smoking when applying for life insurance. Lying on applications results in denied coverage or canceled policies. Insurance companies have two years after issuing policies to investigate applications for accuracy through contestability clauses.

Companies cancel or deny coverage when they discover lies or omitted information. Even after this period, deaths from smoking-related illnesses with nonsmoker applications result in denied beneficiary claims or reduced death benefits.

Can you switch from smoker to nonsmoker rates after quitting?

Most insurers allow rate reclassification after 12 to 24 consecutive tobacco-free months. The process requires a medical exam, nicotine testing and written approval from the insurer. You can't simply self-report.

Some insurers require you to apply for a new policy rather than reclassify an existing one, which means going through underwriting again. If your health has changed since your original application, a new policy could cost more even with nonsmoker status. Review your current policy terms before initiating reclassification.

Can I get life insurance if I only smoke cigars occasionally?

You qualify for life insurance with occasional cigar smoking, but classification depends on the insurer. Most companies place all tobacco users in smoker categories with higher premiums. Some insurers make exceptions for limited cigar use (fewer than 12 cigars annually), especially with negative nicotine test results during medical exams. These cases may qualify for nonsmoker or preferred rates.

How do insurers test for nicotine, and how long does it stay in my system?

Insurers test for nicotine or cotinine using blood, urine or saliva samples. Some companies use hair tests for longer detection periods. Nicotine clears within one to three days in blood and saliva and three to four days in urine. Cotinine stays detectable up to 10 days in blood and three to four weeks in urine. Hair tests detect nicotine use for up to 90 days.

Can I get approved if I have smoking-related health conditions like COPD?

Yes, you can get approved with COPD and other smoking-related conditions, though you'll receive table ratings and pay more than standard smoker rates. Carriers that specialize in high-risk underwriting, including some not in MoneyGeek's top four, may offer more favorable table ratings for COPD and similar conditions. An independent agent who works with multiple carriers is the most direct route to those options.

Our Ratings Methodology

How We Found the Best Life Insurance for Smokers
Life insurance costs more when you smoke, and you get fewer choices. Our research focused on what smokers need most: reasonable rates, dependable service and an application process that doesn't punish you extra.

We pulled thousands of life insurance quotes and rated each insurer on overall value, not price alone. You're already paying more as a smoker, so we hunted for companies that deliver the best experience and long-term worth.

Our Evaluation Framework

Each company was scored across three categories, up to five points each:

Affordability (50%)
Customer Experience (30%)
Coverage Options (20%)

Our review included:

Premium data for different smoker profiles and coverage amounts
Financial strength based on AM Best ratings and company history
Claims satisfaction using NAIC complaint records and customer reviews
Application process details, such as online tools, medical exam requirements and approval time
Product range covering term, whole and other life insurance options

Sample Smoker Profile

All rate comparisons used this baseline unless otherwise stated:

40-year-old smoker
5'9", 160 pounds for men
5'4", 120 pounds for women
Average health rating

The baseline profile was varied by age, health condition and weight to test how each insurer prices across smoker demographics. Insurers that held competitive rates and consistent service across those variables scored higher.

The result: rankings that reflect real-world value for smokers who need reliable coverage and fair treatment throughout the policy lifecycle.

Best Life Insurance for a Smoker: Related Articles

About Patrick Bryant

Patrick Bryant is the Vertical Lead for Life and Health Insurance at MoneyGeek, where he researches insurance products, writes consumer guides and maintains the scoring methodologies behind our provider comparisons. He analyzed more than 50 life insurance carriers across multiple policy types, collecting thousands of quotes nationwide to evaluate rates, coverage options and underwriting factors. His methodologies are reviewed quarterly to reflect current market conditions and carrier data.

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