I am trying to quit smoking and I am using a nicotine patch. If I try to get life insurance will they consider me a smoker?

sherri3

Spring, TX

Sherri3,
I applaud your desire to kick the habit and become healthier. Most life insurance companies require that you have exam before they will insure you. Any blood test will reveal that you have nicotine in your blood. The test does not show whether it got there from smoking a cigarette or a nicotine patch. This would raise your rates. You can go with a company that does not require an exam if you are young and healthy, but their rates tend to be higher and if it was discovered that you smoke then you may lose your benefits. Whomever you decide to go with, be honest. The fact that you are quitting is noble but you are still considered a smoker. Be sure to do your homework first and get many quotes so you can make a well informed decision.

Reader’s Question:

The life insurance companies want to charge me my first born child because I’m a smoker! I’m sick and tired of talking to life insurance companies. Got any shortcuts?
Alex,
Houston

Alex,

I feel your pain! I think you have been barking up the wrong tree and searching for life insurance with the biggies. They have an investment to protect and people who smoke have more health problems and die younger making the possibility of leaving more dependents behind higher. What you need is a company that specializes in covering smokers and don’t over charge them. Fill out the form at the top of the page and you can get quotes from these companies for free. It takes a few minutes to fill out and the quotes come to you. May your search be brief and fruitful!

What if I just don’t tell the insurance company that I smoke? How are they going to know?

LoneStar234

Houston TX

What they don’t know won’t hurt is what your thinking. This might save you some money in the short term but if something happened and they found out this would disqualify you from getting benefits. What would that mean to your loved ones left behind? It is really unthinkable, so don’t think about lying. Tell the truth because your loved ones deserve the very best care when you are gone.

John,
Well it would seem that chewing would not damage your lungs so it shouldn’t be considered the same right? Wrong. Life insurance companies look at tobacco usage the same way they look at smoking and would raise your rates just the same. That is why I would recommend a company that specializes in covering people just like you. Save your self some time and effort look at companies that specialize in covering smokers.

Anonymous,
There are actually a few niche insurance companies that specialize in covering smokers. They base their rates on the type of tobacco consumed and how often you consume them. You may be able to get the same rate as a non-smoker. Be sure to get quotes from more than one provider. If you fill out the form on this page it can help you with that. I wish you well on your search and hope you get a great rate.