Cigar and pipe smokers face an issue in their efforts to select a term insurance policy that will be suitable for their budget. Finding life insurance for cigar smokers can be a challenge for the inexperienced. Cigars are certainly not the same as cigarettes, and most individuals don’t think of it as smoking when you enjoy a cigar or smoke a pipe on occasion. The issue is that life insurers always ask about smoking, and most of them typically order a urine test to determine if the body has nicotine in your system before they offer or issue a policy.
In lots of cases, cigar and pipe smokers will find that the life insurance companies employ very tough requirements to qualify as a non-smoker when the applicant has a history of cigar or pipe smoking.
Why are life insurance rates higher for cigar and pipe smokers?
Table of Contents
ToggleEven though most cigar and pipe smokers do not inhale and their use is less frequent than a cigarette smoker, health issues along with nicotine addiction are typically manifested. WebMD provides significant information regarding these health risks and offers it to the public on its website:
Cancer
Whether you inhale or not, it is possible to develop different kinds of cancer as a result of smoking cigars or smoking a pipe. Individuals who regularly smoke cigars are more likely to die from mouth cancers, larynx cancer, or cancer of the esophagus. Unfortunately for smokers, oral cancers can flourish in any place that cigar or pipe smoke touches. Smokers who inhale likewise increase the risk of lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and bladder cancer.
Lung Diseases
Pipe smoking and smoking cigars can double the smoker’s risk for damage to the airway, which typically results in lung disease that can include chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Smoking tobacco products can also exacerbate existing asthma.
Heart Disease
When people smoke pipes or cigars, there is a substantial chance of developing heart disease or the chance of stroke. It’s also been documented that smoking tobacco can increase the risk of early death from heart disease by at least 30%.
Teeth and Mouth Issues
Anyone who smokes tobacco takes the chance of having damaged teeth and damage to the mouth. Smoking tobacco can also contribute to diseased gums, tobacco-stained teeth, tobacco breath, and possible tooth loss. A study that was recently published indicated that cigar and pipe smokers, on average, have four missing teeth as a result of their smoking.
Cheap Life Insurance for Cigar and Pipe Smokers
Unfortunately, most insurers are all over the place regarding underwriting for cigar and pipe smokers. With most, however, how often you partake in each particular vice comes into play when they assign a rate class. Some companies offer much better rates than others for cigar and pipe smokers, and we are happy to offer our favorite players below:
American General life insurance for cigar smokers
American General is one of the few insurers that will offer a Preferred Plus rating with the caveat that you only smoke one cigar per week and that you haven’t smoked cigarettes for at least five years.
Banner Life insurance for cigar smokers
Banner is slightly more liberal than American General because it offers several cost-saving scenarios. Banner Life is also great for life insurance with diabetes. They do, however, frown upon smoking and diabetics.
- One cigar or less per month and no cigarettes for three years = Preferred Plus
- No more than one cigar per month and no cigarettes for two years = Preferred non-smoker
- One cigar or less per month and no smoking for 12 months = Standard Plus or Standard non-smoker
Protective life insurance for cigar smokers
Protective considers applicants for Preferred Plus rates when the cigar use is less than six annually. They will also consider Preferred rates if you smoke no more than twelve per year.
Lincoln Financial life insurance for cigar smokers
Lincoln Financial is one of those companies that have very competitive rates and have less strict underwriting guidelines compared to the other insurers. Lincoln only considers cigarette smokers as “smoker risks,” and other tobacco users are classified as non-smokers.
Lincoln Cigar Smoker Rates for a 20-year $500,000 Term Insurance Policy
It’s important to remember that these rates are based on a non-cigarette smoker who is healthy and fits within the height and weight parameters set forth by the company. It is likely that a medical exam and blood/urine test will be ordered as part of the underwriting process.
Prudential life insurance for cigar smokers
Prudential is considered the most liberal company regarding tobacco underwriting because it will offer a preferred or preferred plus rate class for applicants who smoke a cigar or pipe. Always check with all the companies. You can start by using the life insurance calculator on this page.
Prudential Cigar Smoker Life Insurance rates for a 20-year $500,000 Term Insurance Policy
For accurate rates based on your age, please use our life insurance calculator on this page.
Underwriting life insurance for Cigar Smokers
The life insurers who offer the cheapest life insurance rates for cigar smokers and pipe smokers are likely to have you go through an underwriting process. Most of the companies that offer an accelerated underwriting process (no medical exam) may still require exams and labs. The underwriting process will likely include the following:
- Completing the life insurance application
- Submitting to an insurance exam and blood and urine test
- Agreeing to a report that is retrieved from the Medical Information Bureau
- Agreeing to a report that is retrieved from a national prescription drug database
- Agreeing to a Motor Vehicle Report that is retrieved from a national database
- Other requirements may be necessary depending on your death benefit and purpose of your insurance policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get life insurance if I smoke the occasional cigar?
Unfortunately, most insurers are all over the place when it comes to underwriting for cigar and pipe smokers. With most, however, how often you partake in each particular vice comes into play when they assign a rate class. There are some companies that offer much better rates than others for cigar and pipe smokers.
Which companies will sell life insurance to a cigar or pipe smoker?
American General, Banner, Lincoln, Protective Life and Prudential are some of the carriers that will offer more affordable life insurance to cigar or pipe smokers. An independent life insurance agent can help you determine which carrier will work best for you.
Why is harder to get life insurance if you smoke cigars or a pipe?
Cigar and pipe users can develop health issues such as cancer, heart disease, lung disease, or mouth and teeth issues. While you may pay a higher premium, there are options.