Get life insurance for smokers in Canada
Yes, smokers can still get affordable life insurance with us. Compare personalized quotes from Canada's top providers to find your best rate today.
see my lowest rateSample life insurance quotes for smokers from Ratehub.ca
Shopping for life insurance as a smoker can feel overwhelming, but we make it easy with our online quoting tool. Just provide a few quick details, and in minutes, you'll see personalized quotes based on your profile. From there, one of our licensed brokers can guide you through the process of securing your policy. Below, we’ve included some sample quotes to give you an idea of what to expect:
- $12/month
25-year-old male
10-year term life policy with $100,000 coverage
- $56/month
30-year-old male
20-year term life policy with $300,000 coverage
- $331/month
45-year-old female
Whole life policy with $200,000 coverage
- $442/month
40-year-old female
Universal life policy with $500,000 coverage
How to get life insurance with Ratehub.ca
Share information
Life insurance is specific to you, so we'll need a few personal details to customize your policy.
Compare quotes
We'll show you quotes from multiple providers – a broker will be in touch to help you choose.
Finalize the policy
You may need a medical exam to finalize your policy, but you'll be guided throughout.
Can you get life insurance if you smoke?
Matt Hands, VP, Insurance
Life insurance is an agreement for financial protection between you and your insurer. By agreeing to pay regular premiums, your insurer will pay out a death benefit (also known as a predetermined lump sum) to your loved ones – who can then use it for all types of expense, like a mortgage, tuition, or everyday costs.
But as a smoker, you're considered higher-risk for insurance companies to protect. The good news is, you can still get life insurance if you smoke. The bad news, however, is that premiums tend to be much higher for smokers compared to non-smokers. Plus, you may need to provide additional health information when going through the application process.
What counts as smoking for life insurance?
If you've lit a cigarette once in your teenage years, that doesn't mean you're doomed to higher insurance rates. Instead, insurers set specific parameters around what qualifies someone as a smoker. While this may differ from provider to provider, most will consider you a smoker if you consume any form of tobacco or nicotine on a regular basis. Some may consider you one if you've done so even once in the last 12 months. This can include the use of the following:
- Cigarettes, cigars, and cigarillos
- Chewing tobacco
- Pipes
- Smoking cessation products (e.g. nicotine gum or patches)
- E-cigarettes and vapes
- Other tobacco and nicotine products
Check with your insurance broker, as each company may have slightly different rules.
Does cannabis and vaping count as smoking for life insurance?
Insurers typically evaluate vaping the same way they do smoking, so your premiums will be similar to those of a smoker. As for cannabis, occasional users (who don’t mix it with tobacco) are usually categorized as non-smokers. If you use cannabis regularly, however, you may face higher premiums. And if you vape cannabis, you’ll likely be classified as a smoker.
Types of life insurance for smokers in Canada
Most smokers (who don't have underlying health conditions) will still qualify for traditional forms of life insurance. This includes term life, whole life, and universal life insurance. Here's what you need to know:
| Insurance type | Description | Use case |
| Term life insurance | Term life insurance provides coverage for a set period (e.g. 10, 20, 30 years). Once the period passes, the coverage expires (unless renewed or converted). | It's ideal for smokers seeking affordable, temporary protection – like covering a mortgage or raising kids. |
| Whole life insurance | This offers lifelong coverage, so the death benefit is guaranteed. It also builds a cash value account (money you can access during your lifetime) – but premiums are much higher. | It's good for smokers who want permanent protection, such as for estate or legacy planning. |
| Universal life insurance | This also offers lifelong coverage, but the premiums and death benefit are flexible. You also have access to a cash value account, along with the ability to choose how you want your money invested. | This is also a good option for those with a permanent need for coverage, but it's ideal if you're financially savvy and prefer to be hands-on with your policy. |
What if I can't get traditional life insurance as a smoker?
There may be reasons you don’t want to wait or don’t qualify for traditional life insurance as a smoker – for example, if you have a pre-existing health condition. If that's the case, there are still options available to you, including some no-medical options:
Simplified issue life insurance: This option doesn't require a medical exam, but you will need to answer a few health questions. While the approval process is faster, premiums tend to be higher, and coverage amounts are generally lower.
Guaranteed issue life insurance: This doesn’t require medical questions or exams, and anyone can qualify – provided you meet the age requirement (e.g. under 80). However, coverage amounts are limited, and premiums are much higher.
Group life insurance through an employer: Many employers offer life insurance with no medical underwriting. This can be a good temporary solution if you are currently employed and have the option – but the policy might not be tailored to your specific needs.
Common life insurance riders for smokers in Canada
While there aren’t riders created just for smokers, some riders can be especially useful if you smoke. Here are a few common options you can ask your insurance about:
Critical illness insurance
This rider pays out a lump sum if you're diagnosed with a serious illness, such as cancer, heart attack, or stroke – all of which smokers are at higher risk of developing.
Accelerated death benefit
If diagnosed with a terminal illness, this lets you access part of your policy’s death benefit while you're alive, which can be helpful since smokers face a higher risk of serious conditions.
Guaranteed insurability
Smokers often face higher costs and limited options later in life. This rider lets you boost your coverage at set times without a medical exam, even if your health declines.
Disability insurance
This rider provides monthly income if you're disabled and unable to work due to illness or injury, helping you keep up with bills and maintain your lifestyle.
Waiver of premium
If a disability prevents you from working, this rider waives your premium payments while keeping your policy active, ensuring your coverage stays intact even if your income stops.
Accidental death
This rider adds extra coverage if you die due to an accident. While it doesn’t directly account for smoking, it can be a cost-effective way for smokers to increase their overall benefit for unexpected situations.
Find the cheapest life insurance quotes for smokers in Canada.
In just a few steps, view personalized life insurance quotes from the country's top providers.
How much is life insurance for a smoker?
Because of the increased health risks associated with tobacco and nicotine use, life insurance for smokers can cost anywhere from 40% to 100% more than it does for non-smokers. And in some cases – especially for older applicants or daily smokers – the difference can be even greater.
Specific to smoking, insurers may look at the type of product you use, how frequently you use it, and how recently you’ve used it. They may also ask whether you have a history of smoking-related health conditions. All of these factors help insurers assess your level of risk and set your premiums accordingly.
But because life insurance is so personalized, you won’t know your exact cost until you shop the market yourself – so be sure to compare personalized life insurance quotes with us today.
Life insurance smoker vs. non-smoker rates
To highlight the difference in life insurance rates between smokers and non-smokers, we used our quote calculator to compare sample policies. The example below reflects a 20-year term with $300,000 in coverage:
| Policyholder | Smoker rate | Non-smoker rate | Increase |
| 30-year-old male | $56/month | $30/month | +87% |
| 40-year-old male | $139/month | $45/month | +209% |
| 50-year-old male | $380/month | $136/month | +179% |
| 60-year-old male | $891/month | $399/month | +123% |
How to get cheaper life insurance as a smoker
While smokers tend to face much higher rates, it's still possible to get affordable coverage. Here are five tips you can try to ensure you're paying the best rate possible:
Quit smoking
While it may be easier said than done, this is the most effective way to lower your rates. After 12 months tobacco-free, many insurers will reclassify you as a non-smoker – cutting your premiums drastically.
Apply while you're still young
Age is one of the biggest factors in pricing. The younger you are, the cheaper your rates (smoker or not). So, it can be a great idea to lock in a lower rate early on.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Even as a smoker, good overall health can help offset the risk in the eyes of insurers. Once you're diagnosed with a pre-existing condition, your options become much more limited.
Choose term life
Term life is generally much more affordable than permanent policies like whole or universal life – especially for smokers. If you don't need permanent coverage, consider this as an option.
Compare rates from multiple providers
Rates vary widely between insurers, and some may be more lenient toward occasional smokers or cannabis users. Use our free online tool to shop around.