Smoker Life Insurance - An Impossible Dream?

Life insurance is a necessity for most of us, particularly if we have children. It is your responsibility to see that your children can be cared for should something happen to you. Typically, life insurance coverage should also provide for burial expenses and paying off of any outstanding debts. While most of us need life insurance, there are circumstances that make it more difficult to purchase affordable coverage such as when we smoke.

What is your zip code? Do you use tobacco? Yes No What is your date of birth? Month January February March April May June July August September October November December Date 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Year 1910 1911 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 1919 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992

Everyone who has any dealings with any kind of insurance knows tobacco use is considered a problem. The health risks associated with smoking make the smoker a risk for the insurance company. If you smoke, you already know its one of the first question an insurance agent is going to ask you after your age and sex. So, if you smoke and you need life insurance, how do you go about getting it? Does smoker life insurance even exist?

Yes, it does, but you are going to pay for it. Smoker term life insurance may be up to three times higher to than the rate for a non-smoker. Some companies however, offer different rates dependent upon whether you smoke cigars or cigarettes. If you have quit smoking, one company may treat you as a smoker and another may treat you as a non smoker depending on how long you've been tobacco free. There are differences for smokeless tobacco users as well. Some companies may treat you as a non-smoker if you only smoke occasionally or if you chew instead of smoke. It all depends on the company; although for the purposes of the insurance questionnaires, any tobacco use of any kind in the last five years is considered a yes answer.

If you want smoker life insurance at the best rate possible, you are going to need to shop around, and don't assume you and your spouse will get the same smoker's rate if you both smoke. Sources indicate some companies charge less for one or the other, without really explaining why. You're going to have to shop around twice to make sure you're both getting the best rate.

Experts suggest you still search on your own and get quotes from all many companies specializing in high-risk groups such as tobacco users. Compare the premium rates, the plans they offer, and check their insurance company rating which indicates the fiscal health of the company providing the quote. It is easy to compare a large number of policies and rates by using an online insurance quotes service. Once you determine the companies that meet your needs the best, then you can contact them directly, often through the insurance quotes service.

Smoker life insurance is out there, but there are tremendous differences in the rates between the companies. Keep in mind however, that no matter what company you choose, your rates are going to be much higher than that of a non-smoker. The best policy may be for you to stop smoking altogether.

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