North American, Ethos, Legal & General, Assurity and SBLI are the best life insurance companies for smokers, according to MoneyGeek's analysis. These insurers offer competitive rates, a good customer experience and multiple policy options.
Best Life Insurance for Smokers in 2026
North American, Ethos, Legal & General, Assurity and SBLIÂ offer the best life insurance for smokers. The right company and policy depend on your coverage needs.
Find out if you're overpaying for life insurance below.
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Updated: December 29, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Smokers can secure life insurance at competitive rates by choosing insurers that assess risk more leniently and offer smoker-friendly underwriting. Comparing quotes and understanding underwriting rules helps you find the best coverage options.
North American ranks as the best life insurance for smokers who want whole or universal life insurance, while Ethos provides the best indexed universal life insurance for smokers.
Legal & General offers the best life insurance for smokers seeking term coverage, with average rates of $96 per month for female and $115 for male smokers.
Assurity is the best life insurance company for young smokers, with monthly costs averaging $86 for men and $60 for women.
SBLI is the top insurer for seniors who smoke, with average monthly costs at $1,345 for men and $954 for women.
What Companies Offer the Best Life Insurance for Smokers?
Whole and Universal | North American | 5 | Whole: $1,345 (men) $1,209 (women) Universal: $592 (men) $508 (women) | Whole: |
Indexed Universal | Ethos | 5 | $457 (men) $375 (women) | $5,487 (men) $4,500 (women) |
Term | Legal & General | 4.8 | $115 (men) $96 (women) | $1,362 (men) $1,152 (women) |
Young Smokers | Assurity | 4.7 | $86 (men) $60 (women) | $1,042 (men) $745 (women) |
Seniors who Smoke | SBLI | 4.7 | $1,345 (men) $954 (women) | $16,110 (men) $11,445 (women) |
Rates are based on average quotes for a $500,000 policy for our sample profiles. Actual premiums will vary depending on your profile and coverage needs.
Best Whole and Universal: North American
North American
MoneyGeek Rating
5/ 5
5/5Affordability
5/5Customer Experience
5/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Cost
Whole: $1,345 (men); $1,209 (women) Universal: $592 (men); $508 (women)Based on $500,000 policy for 40-year-old smokers with average weight and health ratings.Average Annual Cost
Whole: $16,133 (men); $14,504 (women) Universal: $7,107 (men); $6,094 (women)Based on $500,000 policy for 40-year-old smokers with average weight and health ratings.
Best Indexed Universal: Ethos
Ethos
MoneyGeek Rating
5/ 5
5/5Affordability
5/5Customer Experience
5/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Cost
$457 (men); $375 (women)Based on $500,000 policy for 40-year-old smokers with average weight and health ratings.Average Annual Cost
$5,487 (men); $4,500 (women)Based on $500,000 policy for 40-year-old smokers with average weight and health ratings.
Best Term: Legal & General
Legal & General
MoneyGeek Rating
4.8/ 5
5/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Cost
$115 (men); $96 (women)Based on $500,000 20-year term policy for 40-year-old smokers with average weight and health ratings.Average Annual Cost
$1,362 (men); $1,152 (women)Based on $500,000 20-year term policy for 40-year-old smokers with average weight and health ratings.
Best for Young Smokers: Assurity
Assurity
MoneyGeek Rating
4.7/ 5
4.8/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.5/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Cost
$86 (men); $60 (women)Based on $500,000 20-year term policy for 20-year-old smokers with average weight and health ratings.Average Annual Cost
$1,042 (men); $745 (women)Based on $500,000 20-year term policy for 20-year-old smokers with average weight and health ratings.
Best for Seniors who Smoke: SBLI
SBLI
MoneyGeek Rating
4.7/ 5
5/5Affordability
4.8/5Customer Experience
3.7/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Cost
$1,345 (men); $954 (women)Based on $500,000 10-year term policy for 70-year-old smokers with average weight and health ratings.Average Annual Cost
$16,110 (men); $11,445 (women)Based on $500,000 10-year term policy for 70-year-old smokers with average weight and health ratings.
Best Life Insurance Policy for Smokers: Buying Guide
Life insurance for smokers involves higher premiums and stricter underwriting, but many insurers offer competitive policies for tobacco users.
Term life insurance provides the most affordable option, covering you for set periods. Permanent life insurance offers lifelong coverage and builds cash value but costs more. No-exam policies offer the best life insurance for smokers who want to avoid medical testing and health screenings. Compare quotes and read terms carefully to find the best policy for your needs and budget.
Smokers Life Insurance Rates
Life insurance rates vary by applicant profile, coverage needs and insurance company. Smokers pay higher premiums than nonsmokers. The tables show average life insurance costs for smokers by policy type:
Average Term Life Insurance Cost for Smokers
Data filtered by:
Select
Female
20 years
| $100,000 | $51 | $610 |
| $250,000 | $84 | $1,014 |
| $500,000 | $143 | $1,721 |
| $750,000 | $215 | $2,576 |
| $1,000,000 | $273 | $3,283 |
| $1,500,000 | $403 | $4,839 |
| $2,000,000 | $498 | $5,988 |
| $2,500,000 | $656 | $7,879 |
Average Whole Life Insurance Cost for Smokers
Data filtered by:
18
Female
| $100,000 | $20 | $241 |
| $250,000 | $50 | $601 |
| $500,000 | $100 | $1,203 |
| $750,000 | $151 | $1,804 |
| $1,000,000 | $201 | $2,406 |
| $1,500,000 | $301 | $3,608 |
| $2,500,000 | $502 | $6,014 |
Average Universal Life Insurance Cost for Smokers
Data filtered by:
18
Female
| $100,000 | $11 | $127 |
| $250,000 | $26 | $317 |
| $500,000 | $53 | $633 |
| $750,000 | $79 | $950 |
| $1,000,000 | $106 | $1,266 |
| $1,500,000 | $159 | $1,899 |
| $2,500,000 | $264 | $3,165 |
Average Indexed Universal Life Insurance Cost for Smokers
Data filtered by:
18
Female
| $100,000 | $15 | $183 |
| $250,000 | $38 | $457 |
| $500,000 | $76 | $915 |
| $750,000 | $115 | $1,372 |
| $1,000,000 | $153 | $1,830 |
| $1,500,000 | $229 | $2,745 |
| $2,500,000 | $382 | $4,575 |
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 Calculator
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Rates updated:
Dec 29, 2025
Smoker Rate Classifications
Life insurance companies don't simply divide applicants into "smoker" and "nonsmoker" categories. They use specific classifications when determining premiums. Below are the most common:
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 often 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. Conditions like sleep apnea, diabetes complications, obesity or previous heart attacks often trigger these higher classifications for smokers. The combination creates a compound risk that insurers price accordingly. Smokers with multiple health issues or chronic conditions should expect table ratings rather than standard approvals.
How to Get the Best Life Insurance for Smokers
Life insurance costs more for smokers, but you can save money as a smoker through these strategies:
- 1Quit Smoking
Want to pay less for life insurance? Quit smoking. You'll need to stay tobacco-free for a year before most companies drop your rates to non-smoker levels.
- 2Compare 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.
- 3Choose the Right Policy Type
Term life costs way less for smokers than permanent coverage. Whole life and universal life last forever but drain your wallet. Match the policy to what you can actually afford and how long you need coverage.
- 4Bundle Your Policies
Buy your home and auto insurance from the same company that covers your life? You'll probably get a discount.
- 5Use Group Life Insurance
Your job's group life insurance charges everyone the same rate, whether you smoke or not. Coverage caps are low, but you can't beat the price for basic protection.
- 6Focus on Overall Health
Dropping cigarettes helps, but so does losing weight, controlling your blood pressure and bringing down your cholesterol. Healthier applicants pay less, period.
- 7Reapply After Quitting
Stuck with smoker rates on your current policy? Reapply after you've been clean for a year. Yes, you'll do another medical exam. But you could cut your premium in half.
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.
When to Buy a Policy
If you don't have life insurance, purchase a policy immediately, even while quitting smoking. If you die while waiting to qualify for nonsmoker rates, your beneficiary loses the death benefit entirely. Many insurers offer rate reconsideration, allowing you to prove tobacco-free status through medical exams later.
Can't get your insurer to budge on your rate? Apply somewhere else once you hit nonsmoker status. Lock in the new policy before you ditch the expensive one.
THE RISKS OF LYING ABOUT SMOKING STATUS
Misrepresenting smoking habits on life insurance applications results in claim denial. During the first two years of your policy (the contestability period), insurance companies investigate and deny claims when they discover false tobacco use information.
When insurers deny claims for misrepresentation, beneficiaries receive nothing. Detection methods include medical exams, blood tests and medical record reviews. Nicotine remains detectable in blood for up to three days and in urine for up to four weeks.
Best Life Insurance Companies for Smokers: Bottom Line
Life insurance companies use applicant health, occupation, age, lifestyle and habits to determine premiums. Smokers pay more than nonsmokers due to health risks associated with tobacco use. Comparing quotes and product features helps you find the best policy and provider for your needs and profile.
Based on MoneyGeek's analysis, Legal & General offers the best term life insurance policies, North American provides the best whole and universal life insurance policies and Ethos leads in indexed universal life insurance for smokers. Assurity is the best life insurance company for young smokers, while SBLI is our top pick for senior smokers.
Life Insurance for Smokers: FAQ
We answered frequently asked questions about life insurance for smokers to help you in finding the best policy and provider for your needs.
How much higher are life insurance premiums for smokers vs. nonsmokers?
According to MoneyGeek’s analysis, a 40-year-old smoker pays about $160 per month for a 20-year term life insurance policy with $500,000 coverage, while a non-smoker pays around $53 per month. This means life insurance premiums for smokers are roughly three times higher than those for non-smokers.
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 tobacco-free months. Rate changes require new medical exams, health questionnaires and company approval through written requests and nicotine testing. Check policy terms for reclassification availability.
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. Many insurers specialize in life insurance for high-risk applicants. Independent agents can connect you with insurers that have better underwriting for your specific condition.
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 248,399 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
We scored each company on three categories, giving up to five points per category:
- Affordability (55%)
- Customer Experience (30%)
- Coverage Options (15%)
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
We expanded beyond this profile to test how companies treat different ages, health conditions and weight. This revealed which insurers maintain competitive rates and quality service across diverse smoker demographics.
- For young smokers, we used quotes for 20-year-olds.
- For seniors, we used quotes for 70-year-olds.
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 Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.