Legal & General is the best term life insurance company for smokers based on MoneyGeek's analysis. It provides competitive rates, good customer experience and multiple policy choices, receiving an overall MoneyGeek score of 97 out of 100. The table shows the best providers for different policy types:
Best Life Insurance for Smokers in 2025
Updated: September 15, 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.
Legal & General offers the best term life insurance in our analysis, with average rates of $93 per month for female and $115 for male smokers.
USAA leads whole life insurance for smokers, offering average monthly premiums of $500 for women and $561 for men.
North American ranks as the top universal life insurance company for smokers, with policies costing an average of $508 monthly for women and $592 for men.
Ethos provides the best indexed universal life insurance for smokers, averaging $375 monthly for women and $457 for men.
What are the Best Life Insurance Companies for Smokers?
Term Life Insurance
| Legal & General
| 97
| $115 (male); $93 (female)
| $1,379 (male); $1,224 (female)
|
Whole Life Insurance
| USAA
| 90
| $561 (male); $500 (female)
| $6,736 (male); $6,008 (female)
|
Universal Life Insurance
| North American
| 100
| $592 (male); $508 (female)
| $7,107 (male); $6,094 (female) |
Indexed Universal Life Insurance
| Ethos
| 100
| $457 (male); $375 (female)
| $5,487 (male); $4,500 (female)
|
Best Term Life Insurance for Smokers: Legal & General
Legal & General
MoneyGeek Score:
97/ 100
Overview
Legal & General offers the best term life insurance for smokers, combining affordable premiums with broad coverage and flexible policy features. Legal & General balances cost with long-term financial protection, averaging $115 monthly for men and $93 for women.
Earning a MoneyGeek score of 97 out of 100, Legal & General performs strongly in affordability, coverage availability and policy flexibility. Applicants can choose up to $10 million in coverage with terms as long as 40 years.
Key riders include guaranteed insurability, accelerated death benefits and child term coverage with conversion options.
Best Whole Life Insurance for Smokers: USAA
USAA
MoneyGeek Score:
90/ 100
Overview
USAA ranks as the best whole life insurance option for smokers, earning a MoneyGeek score of 90. USAA combines affordability with long-term security and maintains an A++ AM Best financial strength rating.
USAA's whole life policies offer payment flexibility, with options to pay over 20 years, until age 65 or for the entire contract life. Payment flexibility gives smokers more control over premium management while maintaining guaranteed lifelong coverage. Average monthly premiums are $561 for men ($6,736 annually) and $500 for women ($6,008 annually).
Best Universal Life Insurance for Smokers: North American
North American
MoneyGeek Score:
100/ 100
Overview
North American earns a MoneyGeek score of 100, making it the leading choice for smokers seeking universal life insurance. North American provides guaranteed death benefits up to age 120 with required premium payments maintained and allows policyholders to select level or increasing coverage for flexible long-term planning.
Smokers benefit from features like the Guarantee Exchange Privilege, which allows conversion to indexed universal life policies without new underwriting. Available riders include accidental death, children's term, guaranteed insurability and waiver of monthly deductions for additional customization. Average monthly premiums are $592 for men ($7,107 annually) and $508 for women ($6,094 annually).
Best Indexed Universal Life Insurance for Smokers: Ethos
Ethos
MoneyGeek Score:
100/ 100
Overview
Ethos earns a MoneyGeek score of 100, making it the top choice for smokers seeking indexed universal life (IUL) coverage with streamlined digital applications. Ethos' online process allows applicants to complete enrollment in minutes, while Ethos maintains strong financial backing with A+ AM Best and A+ BBB ratings.
Ethos' indexed universal life policies provide flexibility for smokers, with average monthly costs of $457 for men ($5,487 annually) and $375 for women ($4,500 annually). Beyond core coverage, Ethos includes no-cost riders such as the Care4Life Accelerated Death Benefit rider, the Lifetime Income rider and the Ethos Perks estate planning rider. Additional riders expand protection to cover disability and accidental death.
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. Life insurance policies without medical exams help smokers concerned about 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:Results filtered by:
Select
Age:18
Select
Gender:Female
Select
Coverage Level:$100,000
| 10 years | $18 | $222 |
| 15 years | $23 | $273 |
| 20 years | $28 | $338 |
| 25 years | $44 | $524 |
| 30 years | $46 | $558 |
| 35 years | $68 | $822 |
Average Whole Life Insurance Cost for Smokers
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Age:18
Select
Gender:Female
| $50,000 | $10 | $120 |
| $100,000 | $20 | $241 |
| $150,000 | $30 | $361 |
| $200,000 | $40 | $481 |
| $250,000 | $50 | $601 |
| $300,000 | $60 | $722 |
| $350,000 | $70 | $842 |
| $400,000 | $80 | $962 |
| $450,000 | $90 | $1,083 |
| $500,000 | $100 | $1,203 |
| $550,000 | $111 | $1,323 |
| $600,000 | $121 | $1,443 |
| $650,000 | $131 | $1,564 |
| $700,000 | $141 | $1,684 |
| $750,000 | $151 | $1,804 |
| $800,000 | $161 | $1,924 |
| $850,000 | $171 | $2,045 |
| $900,000 | $181 | $2,165 |
| $950,000 | $191 | $2,285 |
| $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:Results filtered by:
Select
Age:18
Select
Gender:Female
| $50,000 | $5 | $63 |
| $100,000 | $11 | $127 |
| $150,000 | $16 | $190 |
| $200,000 | $21 | $253 |
| $250,000 | $26 | $317 |
| $300,000 | $32 | $380 |
| $350,000 | $37 | $443 |
| $400,000 | $42 | $506 |
| $450,000 | $48 | $570 |
| $500,000 | $53 | $633 |
| $550,000 | $58 | $696 |
| $600,000 | $63 | $760 |
| $650,000 | $69 | $823 |
| $700,000 | $74 | $886 |
| $750,000 | $79 | $950 |
| $800,000 | $85 | $1,013 |
| $850,000 | $90 | $1,076 |
| $900,000 | $95 | $1,139 |
| $950,000 | $100 | $1,203 |
| $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:Results filtered by:
Select
Age:18
Select
Gender:Female
| $50,000 | $8 | $91 |
| $100,000 | $15 | $183 |
| $150,000 | $23 | $274 |
| $200,000 | $31 | $366 |
| $250,000 | $38 | $457 |
| $300,000 | $46 | $549 |
| $350,000 | $53 | $640 |
| $400,000 | $61 | $732 |
| $450,000 | $69 | $823 |
| $500,000 | $76 | $915 |
| $550,000 | $84 | $1,006 |
| $600,000 | $92 | $1,098 |
| $650,000 | $99 | $1,189 |
| $700,000 | $107 | $1,281 |
| $750,000 | $115 | $1,372 |
| $800,000 | $122 | $1,464 |
| $850,000 | $130 | $1,555 |
| $900,000 | $137 | $1,647 |
| $950,000 | $145 | $1,738 |
| $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.
Life Insurance Calculator
We’ll give you a suggested amount of cover to buy in just 3 easy steps. — it's free, no personal information required, no spam.
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Rates updated:
Sep 16, 2025
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:
- 1
Quit smoking
Quitting smoking provides the best savings on life insurance. The tobacco-free period required for nontobacco rates varies by provider but requires at least one year.
- 2
Compare multiple quotes
Each insurer treats smoking differently. Request quotes from several companies to find the cheapest life insurance for smokers. Even small differences in underwriting can save you thousands over the life of a policy.
- 3
Consider policy types carefully
Term life insurance provides the most affordable option for smokers. Whole and universal life offer permanent coverage but cost more. Match policy types to your budget and long-term needs.
- 4
Bundle policies
Life insurance companies offering home and auto coverage provide bundle discounts when you purchase multiple policies with the same carrier.
- 5
Take advantage of group life insurance
Employer-provided group life insurance offers set rates regardless of smoking status. While coverage amounts are limited, group life supplements individual policies at minimal cost.
- 6
Improve your overall health
Beyond quitting smoking, maintain healthy weight, control blood pressure and manage cholesterol to improve your underwriting class. Better health ratings translate to lower premiums.
- 7
Reapply after quitting
If you have a smoker-rated policy, reapply or request rate reconsideration once you've been tobacco-free long enough. New medical exams may be required, but savings are significant.
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.
Life Insurance After Quitting Smoking: 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.
If insurers don't offer rate reconsideration, apply for new coverage once you qualify as a nonsmoker. After securing the new policy, cancel your smoker-rated policy if it's no longer cost-effective.
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 for Tobacco Users: 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, USAA specializes in whole life insurance coverage, North American provides the best universal life insurance policies and Ethos leads indexed universal life insurance for smokers.
Best Life Insurance Companies for Cigar Smokers: FAQ
MoneyGeek's experts answered common questions about life insurance for smokers.
What is the best life insurance company for smokers?
The best life insurance company for smokers varies based on personal circumstances and coverage needs. Based on MoneyGeek's analysis, Legal & General leads term life insurance for smokers with a MoneyGeek score of 97 out of 100. USAA ranks best for whole life, North American for universal life and Ethos for indexed universal policies.
What is a life insurance policy for smokers?
Life insurance policies for smokers cost more than nonsmoker coverage because smoking shortens life expectancy and causes health problems. Age, health status, lifestyle, hobbies and occupation also affect rates. Higher coverage amounts increase costs. Smokers pay two to three times more than nonsmokers for identical coverage.
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.
How much do life insurance policies for smokers cost?
Life insurance costs for smokers depend on smoking status plus age, gender, health, family history, location and hobbies. A 40-year-old male smoker with average health pays $160 monthly for 20-year term policies with $500,000 coverage, approximately $1,924 annually.
Why do policies for smokers cost more?
Life insurance policies for smokers cost more because smoking decreases lifespan and causes health issues. Life insurance rates reflect mortality risk, measuring how likely you are to die before policy terms end. Higher mortality risk from smoking results in higher premiums because insurers expect to pay death benefits sooner.
How much life insurance should you buy if you are a smoker?
How much life insurance you should buy if you're a smoker match nonsmoker requirements. Consider your life insurance goals, including debt payoff and income replacement, to determine coverage needs.
What qualifies as smoking for life insurance purposes?
Insurance companies classify you as a smoker for using cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping devices, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, hookah or nicotine replacement therapy. Most insurers include marijuana use in smoker classifications. Smoking classifications and waiting periods vary by insurance company.
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 insurance companies 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.
What happens to my policy if I start smoking after approval as a nonsmoker?
Existing policies remain valid at nonsmoker rates when you start smoking after approval. Insurance companies cannot increase premiums or cancel coverage for post-approval smoking. New coverage applications face smoker rates and classifications.
Do different tobacco products affect my rates differently?
Most insurers apply identical smoker rates for all tobacco products. Some companies offer multiple classifications: preferred smoker (limited consumption), standard smoker (regular use) and table ratings (additional health complications). Health profile matters more than product type for rate determination.
Can I get approved if I have smoking-related health conditions like COPD?
Applicants with COPD and smoking-related conditions receive approval through table ratings at higher costs above standard smoker rates. Some companies specialize in life insurance for high-risk applicants. Independent agents help match applicants with insurers offering favorable underwriting guidelines for specific conditions.
What's the difference between tobacco user and nicotine user classifications?
Tobacco use includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes and chewing tobacco. Nicotine user classifications encompass e-cigarettes, vaping devices and nicotine replacement therapy. Some insurers offer slightly better rates for nicotine users avoiding traditional tobacco, though most apply identical smoker rates.
How do medical marijuana prescriptions affect my application?
Medical marijuana smoking results in smoker classifications, even with valid prescriptions. Insurers focus on consumption methods rather than prescription status. Applicants using non-smoking methods like edibles or oils may qualify for better rates, though insurers consider frequency and medical reasons for prescriptions.
Can I switch from smoker to nonsmoker rates with my existing policy?
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.
Best Life Insurance Companies for Smokers: Our Ratings Methodology
Getting life insurance as a smoker means navigating higher premiums and potentially limited options. We built our research around what matters most to smokers: finding companies that offer fair rates, excellent service, and won't penalize you further during the application process.
We collected 1,488 life insurance quotes and evaluated insurers based on their complete value proposition, not just price. Since smokers already face rate increases, we focused on identifying companies that provide the best overall experience and long-term value.
Our Evaluation Framework
Each company receives up to five points across three categories for a total MoneyGeek score out of 100:
- Affordability (50%)
- Customer Experience (30%)
- Coverage Options (20%)
Our analysis examined:
- Premium data across multiple smoker profiles and coverage scenarios
- Financial strength using AM Best ratings and company longevity
- Claims satisfaction through NAIC complaint data and customer feedback
- Application process, including online tools, medical exam requirements, and approval timelines
- Product portfolio spanning term, whole, and specialized life insurance options
Sample Smoker Profile
All rate comparisons used this baseline:
- 40-year-old male smoker
- 5'9", 160 pounds
- Average health rating
We expanded beyond this profile to test how companies treat different ages, genders, health conditions, and geographic locations. This revealed which insurers maintain competitive rates and quality service across diverse smoker demographics.
The result: rankings that reflect real-world value for smokers who need reliable coverage and fair treatment throughout the policy lifecycle.
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About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like 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!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.