Life Insurance For Smokers

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

GM, Research
Content Producer
fact checked icon
Fact checked
search
filter
Online Partner ON
filter
Filters 1
search
  • Star Rating - lowest first
  • Star Rating - highest first
  • Min. sum insured - lowest first
  • Min. sum insured - highest first
  • Max. sum insured - lowest first
  • Max. sum insured - highest first
  • Terminal illness benefit - lowest first
  • Terminal illness benefit - highest first
star filled star filled star filled star filled star filled
Tooltip icon
$100K Glossary
$25M Glossary
$25M Glossary
star filled star filled star filled star filled empty star
Tooltip icon
$50K Glossary
$1.5M Glossary
$1.5M Glossary
star filled star filled star filled star filled empty star
Tooltip icon
$100K Glossary
$1.5M Glossary
$1.5M Glossary
star filled star filled star filled star filled empty star
Tooltip icon
$50K Glossary
$2.5M Glossary
$2.5M Glossary
star filled star filled star filled star filled empty star
Tooltip icon
$50K Glossary
$1.5M Glossary
$1.5M Glossary
star filled star filled star filled empty star empty star
Tooltip icon
$100K Glossary
$1M Glossary
$1M Glossary
star filled star filled star filled empty star empty star
Tooltip icon
$100K Glossary
$2M Glossary
$2M Glossary

Showing 9 of 14 results

To see more results adjust the filters above

check Included
cross Not included
circle Optional
canstar-rating-icon Canstar Star Rating

Unsure of a term in the above table? View glossary

The initial results in the table above are sorted by Star Rating (High-Low) , then Provider Name (Alphabetical) . Additional filters may have been applied, which impact the results displayed in the table - filters can be applied or removed at any time.

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

← Mobile/tablet users, scroll sideways to view full table →

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

Many insurers choose to group policyholders simply as smokers or non-smokers. However, how much you smoke and how you consume tobacco may also be considered in assessing your overall risk and premiums.

Smoking classifications can be as general as if you’ve smoked ‘any form of tobacco, or any other substance’. Some insurers ask for more specifics like if you have smoked cigarettes, cigars or pipes, used e-cigarettes for inhaling or vaping, had nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or taken any other inhaled substance. If you answer ‘yes’ to any of these questions, you’ll often be classified as a smoker.

Many insurers consider vaping or the use of e-cigarettes as comparable to being a smoker. Although e-cigarettes are promoted as a ‘healthier alternative’ to regular cigarettes, there’s not a lot of research into their long term health effects. Due to this, insurer’s don’t differentiate between e-cigarette and cigarette smokers. Nicotine vape and e-cigarette users should disclose their usage to their insurer, otherwise they risk having future claims rejected.

Even if you’re trying to quit, you may still be classified as a smoker by your insurer. This includes the use of nicotine gum, patches, sprays, lozenges and inhalers as part of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). Many insurers don’t differentiate between smoking and other types of nicotine use for life insurance or even health insurance policies. If you’re looking for a new policy or for a change to your existing health insurance policy, you can compare health insurance with Canstar’s comparison tool. This can help you find cover that suits your personal circumstances.

If you’re a light or occasional smoker, you may still be classified in the same way as more frequent smokers by your insurance provider. You may like to review your life insurance policy if you are uncertain of the terms and conditions that apply in the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). You can also speak to your insurer directly if you have any questions.

Life insurance may still pay out if you smoke cigarettes. Generally the same cover is available for smokers and non-smokers. However, if you’re classified as a smoker, your insurer will likely charge an extra amount, known as a loading, that makes your regular premium more expensive.

If you’re one of many Australians with life insurance through super, you may receive group insurance and blanket cover by default, regardless of whether you smoke or not. More specific cover, like term life cover (also known as death cover), income protection cover, trauma cover and total and permanent disability cover (TPD) are offered by insurance providers. You may be asked to disclose if you smoke on your initial application or if you update your policy.

Insurers assess the risk you represent when you apply for any policy, considering factors such as smoking status, the type of policy, how much cover you take out, your age, your gender and your pre-existing medical conditions. These factors help set your premium. If you smoke, you’ll have a different risk profile, and this will be factored into your premiums. This is due to insurers taking into account the higher risk of premature death that comes with smoking, as well as the potential suffering that comes from smoking related diseases and conditions.

With Canstar’s research showing smokers pay more on average for life insurance than equivalent non-smokers, the data suggests you may be able to save in insurance premiums by kicking the habit. If you haven’t smoked in over 12 months, it may be worth contacting your life and health insurers to let them know your circumstances have changed and ask whether they will consider reviewing your premiums. You may also be interested in comparing life insurance with Canstar to see if a better deal is available.

A duty of disclosure applies when you sign up for any type of insurance, including life insurance. Under the Insurance Contracts Act 1984, you need to disclose anything that’s relevant to help an insurer decide if they want to accept the risk of insuring you, and their terms for doing so. If you’re not truthful with your insurer, there’s a risk you’ll have your claims denied. Lying or intentionally omitting information can also be considered insurance fraud.

If you make a claim, an insurer can take steps to verify the details you gave when applying for or renewing your policy, such as reviewing your Medicare records, accessing your Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) data and/or contacting your doctor to check your medical history. An insurer may also require you to have a medical exam to assess if you have any signs of respiratory or circulatory disease. A cotinine test may also be requested to measure nicotine in your blood, urine, saliva or even hair; giving an insurer insights into your tobacco usage.

Checking your life insurance policy through your super or life insurance provider may be worthwhile to ensure you haven’t mistakenly been classified as a smoker. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) states that you can approach your fund initially if an error has been made. If the issue isn’t resolved by your insurer and you wish to escalate; you can contact the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) to file an official complaint.

Latest in life insurance

Canstar Star Ratings and Awards

Looking for an award-winning product or to switch providers or brands? Canstar rates products based on price and features in our Star Ratings and Awards. Our expert Research team shares insights about which products offer 5-Star value and which providers offer outstanding value overall. We also reveal which providers have the most satisfied customers in our dedicated Customer Satisfaction Awards.

Canstar's Life Insurance Awards

About the authors

Nick Whiting, Content Producer

Nick Whiting
Nick is a Content Producer at Canstar, providing assistance to Canstar's Editorial Finance Team in its mission to empower consumers to take control of their finances. He has written hundreds of articles for Canstar across all key finance topics. Coming from a screenwriting background, Nick completed a Bachelor of Film, Television and New Media Production from Queensland University of Technology. Nick has also completed RG 146 (Tier 1), making him compliant to provide general advice for general insurance products like car, home, travel and health insurance, as well as giving him knowledge of investment options such as shares, derivatives, futures, managed investments, currencies and commodities. Nick’s role at Canstar allows him to combine his love of the written word with his interest in finance, having learned the art of share trading from his late grandfather. Nick strives to deliver clear and straightforward content that helps the everyday consumer navigating the world of finance. Nick is also working on a TV series in his spare time. You can connect with Nick on LinkedIn.

Joshua Sale, GM, Research

Joshua Sale
Joshua Sale is responsible for developing the methodology and delivering Canstar’s flagship Star Ratings, as part of Canstar’s Research Team. With tertiary qualifications in economics and finance, he enjoys helping Australians find more suitable financial products by transforming complex calculations into a consumer-friendly Star Rating that explains the values and benefits of different financial products. As one of Canstar’s company spokespeople, Joshua is confident participating in print, radio and broadcast journalism interviews. He has participated in interviews with the Australian Financial Review, news.com.au and Money Magazine, along with other leading media outlets, discussing topics such as home loan equity, banking incentive schemes, digital wallets and wider finance trends. You can follow Joshua on LinkedIn. Have a media enquiry, and interested in featuring Joshua as a financial expert and commentator? Contact Canstar’s Media Team today.

Important information

For those that love the detail

This advice is general and has not taken into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider whether this advice is right for you.

Canstar may earn a fee from its Online Partners for referrals from its website tables, and from sponsorship or promotion of certain products. Fees payable by product providers for referrals and sponsorship or promotion may vary between providers, website position, and revenue model. Sponsorship/promotion fees may be higher than referral fees. If a product is sponsored or promoted, it’s an ad and it is clearly marked as such. An ad might appear in different places on our website, such as in comparison tables and articles. Ads may be displayed in a fixed position in a table, regardless of the product's rating, price or other attributes. The location of an ad doesn’t indicate any ranking or rating by Canstar. Payment of fees for ads does not influence our Star Ratings. See How We Get Paid to find out more. Payment of fees for ads does not influence our Star Ratings or Awards.

The Life Insurance Star Ratings were awarded in November 2024 and data in the table is current as at that date, updated from time to time to reflect product changes notified to us by product issuers. The results don’t include every provider in the market and we may not compare all features relevant to you. You can find a description of the initial sort order below the table. You can use the sort buttons at the top of each column to re-order the display. Learn more about our Life Insurance Star Rating Methodology. The rating shown is only one factor to take into account when considering products.

The products and Star Ratings in the table might not match your exact inputs in the selector. Sometimes the methodology uses profiles with categories or bands (e.g. income, loan amount or monthly spend), but sometimes a single methodology, without any categories or bands, is applied. The results will show the products that most closely match your selection, based on our profiles. If you are unsure about any terms used in the comparison table please refer to the glossary.

What is a Target Market Determination?

A Target Market Determination (‘TMD’) is a document that explains which people particular financial products may be suitable for (the target market) and sets out any conditions around how financial products can be distributed to consumers.

Why do product issuers provide Target Market Determinations?

From 5 October 2021, TMDs are compulsory for most financial products.

Issuers and distributors of financial products must take reasonable steps that are likely to result in financial products reaching consumers in the target market defined by the product issuer.

We recommend that you consider the TMD before making a purchase decision. Contact the product issuer directly for a copy of the TMD.

The results don’t include every provider in the market and we may not compare all features relevant to you. You can find a description of the initial sort order below the table. You can use the sort buttons at the top of each column to re-order the display. Check current rates and product details with the product issuer. The results will show the products that most closely match the inputs in the selector above the table. If you are unsure about any terms used in the comparison table please refer to the glossary.  Any advice on this page is general and has not taken into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider whether this general financial advice is right for your personal circumstances. You may need financial advice from a qualified adviser. Canstar is not providing a recommendation for your individual circumstances. It’s important you check product information directly with the provider. Not all policies cover every part of a region. Your specific address may not be included in the policy’s coverage, even if other parts of the area are. For example, some insurers cover North Queensland but exclude Far North Queensland. Consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) before making a purchase decision. Contact the product issuer directly for a copy of the PDS and TMD. For more information, read our Detailed Disclosure

Canstar is not providing a recommendation for your individual circumstances. We cannot and do not recommend that any particular product is suitable for you. 

We provide links to our Online Partners. These are brands that may pay Canstar a fee for referring you. Our tables default to display only our Online Partners’ products initially, you can adjust the Online Partner Filter to see all of the products available for comparison on Canstar’s website. We provide these links so that you can click through to the product provider’s website to get more information. The provision of these links does not constitute a recommendation by Canstar.

If you are seeking to replace an insurance policy, you should consider your personal circumstances, including continuing the existing cover until the replacement policy is issued and cover confirmed. Your current policy may have different features to products currently on the market. Please consider what features are right for you when comparing insurance products and refer to the provider for further details on a policy.

Companies listed in the table, or in ads, may use or be used by another company to arrange, issue, distribute or sell its insurance policies to customers. For more information on the issuer of the policy, please read the Product Disclosure Statement.

By clicking on the number next to the phone icon, you will leave the Canstar website and be connected with the call centre of the Online Partner’s brand that you have selected. You will be subject to that referral partner's brand privacy policy and terms of use. You agree that Canstar Referral Terms apply to this referral.