Level term
The same payout, whenever you claim during the term.
Suits: Families, and interest-only mortgages
Yes, you can still get cover
Life insurance for smokers
Smoking or vaping makes cover cost more, not impossible. Tell the insurer the truth, compare the prices, and your family is protected.
A few minutes online. No sales calls, and no fee from us.
Choose the cover, then the price.
Smokers can have any kind of life insurance. Nicotine changes the price, not the choice.
Who counts as a smoker? Most insurers count anyone who has used nicotine in the last 12 months: cigarettes, cigars, pipes and roll-ups, and usually vapes, patches and gum too. The exact rules differ between insurers. Not sure how you’d be treated? Ask us.
Decreasing term
The payout shrinks over time, and so does the price.
Suits: A repayment mortgage
Joint life
One policy for two people, paying out once.
Suits: Couples sharing a mortgage or bills
Family income benefit
A monthly income until the end of the term, not a lump sum.
Suits: Young families on a budget
Whole of life
Cover for the rest of your life, so it always pays out.
Suits: Leaving an inheritance, or paying Inheritance Tax
Over 50s
A fixed payout, guaranteed acceptance and no health questions.
Suits: Funeral costs, from 50 to 80
Why compare if you smoke?
Insurers price it differently. Smoker rates vary between insurers, so comparing can make a real difference.
Honest help with the form. We’ll help you answer the questions properly, so the policy pays when it matters.
A way back to cheaper cover. Quit for 12 months, and many insurers will look again at your price.
No judgement, no sales calls. Just the quotes, in plain English, with no fee from us.
Cover from names you know.
Compare a panel of recognised UK insurers through one clear, straightforward application.
What’s covered, and what isn’t.
The short version. Your policy documents have every detail, and we’ll go through them with you.
Usually covered
- Death from any cause during the term, including smoking-related illness, if you told the insurer you smoke
- A terminal illness, if you’re expected to live less than 12 months
- Anywhere in the world, on most policies
Usually not covered
- Anything, if you said you didn’t smoke when you did: a claim can be refused or reduced
- Death after the policy ends
- Suicide in the first 12 months
Insurers check. Medical records and, sometimes, a simple test for nicotine can show what you’ve used. Never lie on an application.
How it works.
Three steps, online, with a person on the phone if you want one.
- Step 1
Tell us the truth.
What you use and how much, cigarettes or vapes. It’s what makes the policy pay out.
Step 2Compare your quotes.
See smoker prices from a panel of UK insurers side by side, and choose the one that fits.
- Step 3
Quit, and ask again.
Once you’ve been nicotine-free for 12 months, ask your insurer about non-smoker rates.
Questions from smokers.
Short answers to what people ask most, before they buy.
Do vapes count as smoking?
For most insurers, yes. Vapes, patches, gum and other nicotine replacement usually mean smoker rates, even though they’re less harmful than cigarettes.
I only smoke socially. Do I have to say?
Yes. Most insurers ask about any nicotine in the last 12 months, however little. Answer exactly what’s asked.
When can I get non-smoker rates?
Usually after 12 months without any nicotine. Some insurers ask for longer, or for a test.
What if I quit after I’ve bought a policy?
Tell your insurer once you’ve been nicotine-free for 12 months. Many will review the price; if yours won’t, we can compare a new policy for you, but don’t cancel the old one until the new one starts.
What if I start smoking after I’ve bought it?
Your answers are judged at the time you applied, so a policy bought honestly usually isn’t affected. Check your policy terms, as a few ask you to tell them.
What happens if I say I don’t smoke?
If the insurer finds out, and they often do, they can refuse or cut the claim, or cancel the policy. Your family would pay the price for the saving.
Already have a policy?
Claims and changes, including a review after you quit, are handled by your insurer: their number is on your policy documents. If you arranged it through us, call us on 01302 590 852 and we’ll help.
For a claim, it helps to have:
- The policy number
- A death certificate, or the doctor’s report for a terminal illness
- The details of the executor or the trustees
- Bank details for the payment
Claim through the insurer
Their claims number and online form are in the policy documents. Most claims start with one call, and they’ll guide you from there.
Ask us to help
Can’t find the policy, or the insurer? Call us on 01302 590 852 and we’ll find it with you.
Useful information
Help to stop
Free support to quit smoking or vaping, from the NHS. See nhs.uk.
Changing your mind
You have 30 days after your policy starts to cancel for a full refund of anything you’ve paid.
If an insurer fails
Life insurance is protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), which covers 100% of a claim if an insurer can’t pay. See fscs.org.uk.
Still need support?
Not sure how to answer the smoking questions? Ask a real person, with no judgement, no sales pitch and no fee from us.
Monday–Thursday 9am–7pm, Friday 9am–3pm
