‘There’s a misconception that smokers are…’: How much more do they pay for life insurance?

Is that daily puff costing you more than just your health? When it comes to life insurance, the habit of smoking could mean the difference between affordable coverage and paying nearly double the price. Most people don’t realise how deeply insurers analyse lifestyle habits when determining your premium, and smoking tops the list as one of the riskiest behaviours. But does lighting up mean you’re locked out of protection altogether?

Absolutely not. Varun Agarwal, head of term Insurance at Policybazaar.com, debunks a common myth: “There’s a misconception that smokers are ineligible for term insurance. Smokers are eligible, and the need for financial protection for them is even more urgent.” Smoking is linked to serious illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, and chronic respiratory conditions. Because of this elevated risk, insurers charge higher premiums, but that doesn’t make smokers uninsurable. In fact, the urgency to safeguard their family’s future becomes even more critical. For instance, a 35-year-old smoker buying ₹1 crore cover through HDFC Life’s Click 2 Protect Super Plan pays ₹2,905 per month—nearly double the ₹1,453 per month that a non-smoker pays. This stark contrast highlights how lifestyle choices directly influence insurance costs.

Insurers make these distinctions because smoking reduces life expectancy and increases the likelihood of claims. The increased premium isn’t meant to punish but to reflect this elevated risk. However, some insurers may reconsider your status if you quit smoking for at least 12 months and disclose it accurately during policy renewal.

No matter your smoking status, life insurance ensures your family won’t face financial hardship if something happens to you. That reassurance of protecting your loved ones when they need it most is beyond measure.