Smoking raises life insurance premiums more than almost any other single factor, and the gap in pounds widens with age. Even so, smokers over 50 in the UK have real options, and the right one depends on how much cover you need and whether you want it to last for life.
What counts as a smoker
UK insurers classify you as a smoker if you have used any nicotine or tobacco product in the last 12 months. That includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes, rolling tobacco and shisha, but also vaping and e-cigarettes, and nicotine patches, gum or lozenges. Most insurers treat vaping like smoking, and some do so even for nicotine-free liquids. Occasional use usually counts too. Insurers can test for nicotine with a saliva, urine or blood sample, so answer honestly: a misstatement can lead to a claim being refused.
How much more do smokers pay?
The difference varies by insurer, age, amount of cover and length of term, and published comparisons range from roughly 50% more to well over double the non-smoker price. At 50 and above the gap is bigger in pounds because the base premium is higher. Underwriting differs between insurers, so get quotes for the same cover from several of them rather than relying on one.
Your main options
| Option | How it works | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard term life | Pays out if you die within a set term. You answer medical questions, and the payout is full from day one | High smoker premiums, and cover ends when the term does |
| Standard whole of life | Pays out whenever you die | Higher cost, and some premiums are reviewable and can rise |
| Over 50s plan | Guaranteed acceptance with no medical questions, fixed premiums and cover for life, usually for people aged about 50 to 85 | A waiting period of 12 or 24 months, cover often capped at around £20,000, and you may pay in more than the plan pays out |
Over 50s plans: the trade-off
These plans accept almost everyone, which is why they suit people whose health makes standard cover hard to get. The price of that certainty is less cover for the money. During the waiting period, death from natural causes usually pays back only what you have paid in, although accidental death is generally covered from the start. Work out the total you would pay if you lived to 85 and compare it with the payout before you commit.
Quitting is the biggest saving
If you stop nicotine entirely, including vaping, most UK insurers will move you to non-smoker rates after 12 months nicotine-free, though a few take longer. If your timeline allows it, that one change can cut your premium sharply. If you need cover now, take it out and ask the insurer or a broker about switching later, checking that there are no penalties for replacing the policy.
Before you buy
- Decide what the cover is for: funeral costs, family income or a mortgage.
- Get quotes for both standard term cover and an over 50s plan.
- Read how the insurer defines a smoker in its terms.
- Consider writing the policy in trust so the payout sits outside your estate.
- Compare the options in our guide to term life insurance, and see income protection if loss of earnings is your bigger worry.