When it comes to term insurance, honesty matters more than anything.
Smokers often wonder: “Can I still get term insurance?” - and the answer is yes. You can, but you’ll
likely pay a higher premium.
Insurers charge smokers more because of higher health risks - but there’s good news: if you quit and stay
smoke-free for a few years, your premiums can drop later.
This guide explains how smoker vs non-smoker premiums are calculated, what counts as
“smoking” (yes, even
vaping and chewing tobacco), and how full disclosure ensures claim approval for your family.
Who Is Considered a “Smoker” by Insurers
| Category |
Included Examples |
Declared As |
| Smoker |
Cigarettes, cigars, beedis, vaping/e-cigarettes, hookah, chewing tobacco, nicotine patches/gums
|
Smoker |
| Non-Smoker |
No use of tobacco/nicotine in any form for 12+ months |
Non-Smoker |
| Ex-Smoker |
Quit within last 12 months |
Smoker (temporarily) |
Key Point: Even occasional or social smokers must declare usage truthfully.
Misrepresentation = potential
claim rejection.
Premium Difference - Smoker Vs Non-Smoker
| Profile |
Coverage |
Term |
Smoker (₹/yr) |
Non-Smoker (₹/yr) |
Difference |
| 25 years, ₹1 Cr |
35 yrs |
₹11,200 |
₹8,400 |
+33% |
₹2,800 |
| 30 years, ₹1 Cr |
30 yrs |
₹13,800 |
₹9,800 |
+41% |
₹4,000 |
| 35 years, ₹1 Cr |
25 yrs |
₹17,200 |
₹12,000 |
+43% |
₹5,200 |
| 40 years, ₹1 Cr |
20 yrs |
₹22,000 |
₹15,200 |
+45% |
₹6,800 |
(Premiums vary by insurer and RTO.)
Why Smokers Pay Higher Premiums
- Higher Health Risks: Increased risk of heart, lung, and cancer diseases.
- Lower Life Expectancy: Insurers offset long-term risk with premium loading.
- Medical Underwriting: Extra tests (ECG, lung function) required.
- Lifestyle Declaration: More frequent health monitoring post-issuance.
How Insurers Verify Smoking Status
- Self-declaration: Mention tobacco/nicotine usage in proposal form.
- Medical tests: Blood, urine, and cotinine level checks during underwriting.
- Random testing: Some insurers may re-test during renewal or high sum assured
issuance.
Tip: Even trace nicotine found in tests can reclassify your status - always disclose
honestly.
Can a Smoker’s Policy Be Rejected?
No. Smokers are not denied coverage, but:
- Premiums will be higher.
- Health check-ups are stricter.
- Policy may include initial waiting period for illness-related claims (varies by insurer).
How to Reduce Premium as a Smoker
- Quit Smoking: Stay nicotine-free for 12-24 months → reclassify as non-smoker.
- Buy Early: Younger age = lower loading impact.
- Maintain Fitness: Good BMI and medical records reduce underwriting risk.
- Choose Limited Pay: Finish premiums early; reduces total payout over lifetime.
- Compare Plans: Premium variance between insurers can be ₹2,000-₹5,000 annually.
Claim Process for Smokers
- Deaths caused by smoking-related illnesses are covered if declared honestly during
purchase.
- Claims are only rejected if:
- False declaration about smoking status.
- Hidden pre-existing diseases or medical reports.
Example:
A smoker who discloses honestly and dies of lung disease → claim valid.
A smoker who hides status → insurer may deny payout after investigation.
Local Insights
- % of applicants declaring smoker status: 28%.
- Top insurers for smokers: Max Life, HDFC Life, ICICI Prudential.
- Avg. premium difference (₹1 Cr, 30 yrs): ₹4,200.
- % of policies upgraded post quit: 17%.
What Happens If You Quit Smoking?
- After being tobacco-free for 12-24 months, you can apply for reclassification as a
non-smoker.
- Submit medical proof and cotinine test reports.
- If approved, your future premiums reduce (existing paid premiums remain unchanged).
Tax Benefits for Smokers & Non-Smokers
- Section 80C: Deduction up to ₹1.5 lakh/year on premiums.
- Section 10(10D): Death benefit always tax-free, regardless of smoker status.
FAQs
Can smokers buy term insurance?
Yes, all smokers can buy term plans; they just pay higher premiums.
What if I smoke occasionally?
You’re still classified as a smoker. Honest declaration prevents claim issues.
Can I lie about smoking to save premium?
Never. It can lead to claim rejection if cause of death relates to undisclosed smoking.
How long must I stay smoke-free to be called a non-smoker?
At least 12 consecutive months with no nicotine use.
Do insurers test for smoking?
Yes, via blood or urine cotinine tests.
Does vaping or chewing tobacco count?
Yes, any nicotine use = smoker classification.
Can I switch from smoker to non-smoker plan?
Yes, after quitting and passing medical re-evaluation.
Are premiums for female smokers different?
Slightly lower than male smokers, but still higher than non-smokers.
What riders should smokers consider?
Critical Illness and Waiver of Premium - help in case of smoking-related illnesses.
Will my smoker status affect claim payout?
Only if misrepresented - honest disclosures are always covered.
Can NRIs who smoke buy term insurance in India?
Yes, with additional medical tests and higher loading.
Do all insurers treat smokers the same way?
No, premium differences and underwriting vary - always compare.
Can I get term insurance after quitting smoking recently?
Yes, but you’ll be classified as a smoker for at least 12 months.
Are smoking-related diseases covered?
Yes, if declared. COPD, cancer, and heart diseases are covered after policy issuance.
Does smoking affect riders?
Not eligibility - but may increase cost slightly for Critical Illness Rider.
Customer Reviews
- “I’m a smoker - still got ₹1 Cr cover in 2 days.” — Rohit Sinha, Delhi
- “Honesty paid off - claim approved without any hassle.” — Manjunath Gowda,
Bengaluru
- “Quit smoking and got premium reduced after 18 months!” — Rakesh Pillai,
Kochi
- “PolicyBachat comparison helped me find best rate despite smoker tag.” — Anurag Thakur,
Pune
- “Transparent article - now I understand smoker vs non-smoker clearly.” — Neha Sharma,
Hyderabad
- “Good to know honesty doesn’t penalize claims.” — Deepak Mishra, Mumbai
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