Life Insurance For Smokers
The table below shows a range of life insurance policies available to smokers from our Online Partners.

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Fully underwritten cover. Issued by NobleOak.
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Australian residents aged 18-55 can apply.
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About life insurance for smokers
Smoking is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in Australia, according to the Australian Government’s Department of Health and Aged Care. Smoking can reduce life expectancy and quality of life, while increasing the risk of many conditions and diseases. This is why life insurance providers classify smokers as high-risk applicants. Premiums for smokers are also typically higher than those for non-smokers. When applying for a life insurance policy, insurers will ask questions about your smoking status, which helps them determine your premiums.
Generally insurers won’t distinguish between different nicotine/smoking products, like cigarettes, vapes and e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco, cigars and nicotine replacement products (patches, sprays, gum etc.). Insurers will, though, take into account the frequency and amount you smoke, how long you’ve smoked for and the date when you quit (when applying for non-smoker classification). It’s important to note that to be eligible for this non-smoker classification after being a smoker, you must be totally nicotine free for a period of 12 months.
Life insurance costs for smokers vs non-smokers
Life insurance costs will typically be higher for smokers than for non-smokers. The table below shows that this difference can be quite staggering. On average, a man in his late 50s who smokes will pay a premium that is 206% higher than a non-smoking counterpart. Men who smoke are also more likely to pay a higher premium than women who do. Age also factors into premium costs, as the jump for smokers between their 30s and 40s is quite significant; being on average a 186% increase for men and 196% for women. A higher premium for smokers is also typically expected in other forms of life insurance, such as term life, trauma, total permanent disability (TPD) and income protection.
Average monthly direct life insurance premiums by age
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Age | Female | Male | ||
Non-Smoker | Smoker | Non-Smoker | Smoker | |
20s | $29.23 | $52.52 | $44.38 | $77.29 |
30s | $30.01 | $56.15 | $39.98 | $78.10 |
40s | $53.31 | $110.13 | $65.60 | $145.35 |
Early 50s |
$107.12 | $230.21 | $140.52 | $317.74 |
Late 50s |
$194.48 | $387.57 | $270.47 | $559.76 |
Source: www.canstar.com.au. Based on quotes obtained for Canstar’s 2024 Direct Life Insurance Star Ratings (April 2024). Based on a sum insured value of $500,000.
Support to quit smoking
The Australian Government Department of Health offers advice on quitting methods such as going cold turkey, gradually cutting down, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and prescription medications. The My QuitBuddy app is also available to encourage Australians to quit smoking and the Quitline hotline can be contacted on 13 QUIT (13 7848) to talk to a counsellor or request a callback.
Quit smoking programs are also offered as part of some health insurance extras cover policies. For example, Australian Unity offers cover for eligible members who participate in approved Quit Smoking programs, while Bupa offers an NRT benefit for eligible members as part of its health management extras service.
Frequently Asked Questions about Life Insurance For Smokers
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This advice is general and has not taken into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider whether this advice is right for you.