Smoking & Life Insurance

Life Insurance can provide financial security for your loved ones in case something unexpected happens. But is it possible to get Life Insurance if you’re a smoker?

The good news is, yes. While smoking may affect your premiums, there are many options available to keep you and your family protected.

Here, we’ll discuss how smoking affects your Life Insurance options and provide insight into what insurers consider when assessing smokers. We’ll also look at how you can potentially lower your premiums over time.

Can smokers obtain Life Insurance?

Yes, smokers can absolutely get a Life Insurance policy. While smoking may attract higher premiums, many Australians who smoke can still get comprehensive coverage to protect their loved ones.

NobleOak offers Life Insurance policies for smokers – providing valuable peace of mind and financial protection. Explore our online quote tool or call us on 1300 551 044 for more information about Life Insurance rates for smokers.

Who is considered a smoker for Life Insurance purposes?

Insurance providers look at a few different factors to determine if someone is classified as a smoker. Typically, you’ll be considered a smoker if you’ve smoked or vaped any substance within the past 12 months, including:

• Cigarettes
• Cigars
• Pipes
• Vaping devices

Using nicotine in other ways might also qualify you as a smoker for insurance purposes. This includes:

• Nicotine replacement products like patches or gum

Chewing tobacco would have been on this list in historical times but smokeless tobacco products have been banned in Australia for some time. *

Who is considered a non-smoker for Life Insurance purposes?

What is considered a ‘non-smoker’ for Life Insurance purposes?

To be classified as a non-smoker, you must be completely tobacco and nicotine-free. This means that in the last 12 months, you haven’t smoked, vaped or used tobacco or nicotine products. Even if you quit longer than a year ago, you might still be considered a smoker if you have a medical condition associated with smoking.

How smoking affects Life Insurance premiums

So, how much more do smokers pay for Life Insurance? Statistically, smokers can pay up to 3-4 times extra for the same coverage. Because smoking is linked to increased health risks, insurers generally charge smokers higher premiums to account for the increased likelihood of claims.

Can occasional smoking impact Life Insurance?

Even occasional or social smoking can affect your Life Insurance premiums. Insurers typically consider any type of smoking, vaping or nicotine use within the past 12 months as ‘smoking’ – which means that infrequent use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes or nicotine patches will classify you as a smoker.

The importance of honesty in your application

Honesty is crucial when applying for Life Insurance. Providing accurate information about your smoking status and overall health ensures that your policy remains valid and that your loved ones receive the full benefits of your coverage.

Consequences of not disclosing smoking habits

If you don’t disclose your smoking habits to your Life Insurance provider, you may face serious consequences. Your policy could be cancelled, claims could be denied, or your beneficiaries may receive reduced payouts. To get the right coverage, it’s always best to be honest.

Impact of quitting smoking on Life Insurance

It’s possible for smokers to reduce their premiums over time. If you quit smoking for 12 months (and do not resume smoking), you may qualify for non-smoker rates and save on your Life Insurance premiums. It’s always worth reviewing your policy and informing your insurer if your smoking status changes.

E-cigarettes and vaping

Insurers usually classify vape users as smokers. Since most vaping products contain nicotine, using e-cigarettes can impact your premiums – just as smoking does.

If you use e-cigarettes or vaping devices, it’s important to disclose this information in your application. Some insurers may offer different classifications for vaping compared to traditional smoking, but policies vary. Being upfront about your usage means that your coverage will stay active, and you can prevent issues with future claims.

Award-winning Life Insurance

Take the first step in securing your family’s future.

At NobleOak, we offer competitive rates on Life Insurance for smokers, without compromising on benefits. To get started, try our online Life Insurance calculator or call us on 1300 551 044.

Please note: If you would like to seek help to quit smoking, consider calling the Quitline on 13 78 48 or visit https://www.health.gov.au/topics/smoking-vaping-and-tobacco/

* Smokeless tobacco products ban | ACCC Product Safety

Any financial product advice is general in nature only and does not take into account your individual circumstances, objectives, financial situation, or needs. Before acting on it, please consider the appropriateness of the information, having regard to those factors. Any third party websites or tools referred to are subject to their own terms and conditions and NobleOak Life Limited makes no representation or warranty as to any information on those websites. Persons deciding whether to acquire or continue to hold life insurance issued by NobleOak Life Limited should consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination for the product. NobleOak Life Limited ABN 85 087 648 708 AFSL 247302.