Does vaping affect life insurance?
Key takeaways
Insurers consider vaping as equivalent to smoking; all nicotine users pay higher prices
You must disclose smoking or vaping habits to avoid invalidating your policy
Quitting smoking or vaping for 12 months can make you eligible for lower premiums
How does vaping affect life insurance?
It’s commonly known that a smoking habit will raise the cost of your life insurance, but many people don’t realise that e-cigarette users also face more expensive insurance premiums.
As vapes continue to gain popularity, they bring with them a cloud of uncertainty, particularly when it comes to the long-term health effects. Because we don’t yet fully understand how e-cigarettes impact health, insurers tend to consider users as high-risk, so premiums will increase accordingly.
How much will vaping increase my life insurance premiums?
If you've vaped in the past 12 months, you may find yourself facing premiums that are up to double those of non-nicotine users.
Life insurance providers don’t discriminate when it comes to nicotine, so vaping and other nicotine products can increase the cost of your policy just the same as cigarette smoking.
Smoker status | Median life insurance price |
|---|---|
Smoker | £25.99 |
Non-smoker | £22.90 |
This cost difference highlights how lifestyle choices can directly affect your finances.
Is life insurance cheaper for vapers than for smokers?
No. When it comes to life insurance, there is no significant difference between smoking and vaping. Insurers typically categorize both vapers and smokers as high-risk groups, and so discounts for making the switch to from cigarettes to e-cigarettes are usually non-existent.
This lack of distinction can be frustrating for those who have turned to vaping as a healthier alternative to smoking.
How could more research on vaping impact life insurance costs?
The reason behind insurers' reluctance to differentiate between vaping and smoking is the insufficient evidence on the long-term effects of vaping.
Insurers keep a close watch on scientific developments, and adjust their policies in response to new data. But they are unlikely to offer discounts or incentives for smokers who switch to vaping until there is concrete evidence that it significantly improves their health and life expectancy.
Will nicotine-free vaping increase insurance premiums?
It depends on the insurer. Some insurers focus specifically on nicotine use, which means that vaping without nicotine could have a less severe impact on your costs. But this is not a universal approach, and policies can vary significantly across the industry.
Will using other nicotine products impact my life insurance?
Yes, any form of nicotine consumption can affect your premiums. This includes stop-smoking aids like nicotine patches or gum, which are also considered when calculating the cost of your life insurance.
Do I have to disclose smoking or vaping to my insurer?
Yes. Honesty is the best policy when it comes to life insurance, and you should always disclose any smoking or vaping habits to avoid the risk of invalidated policies. Failure to provide accurate information can have serious consequences, including denied claims or reduced payouts.
How will insurers know that I vape or smoke if I don’t tell them?
Medical exams can be conducted and health records requested as part of the insurance application and claims process. These can reveal undisclosed smoking or vaping habits.
If you're caught withholding this information, it could lead to denied cover or a significant reduction in your policy's benefits.
Do I need to tell my insurer if I start vaping?
Yes - if you start using nicotine products after your life insurance policy has been issued, it’s your responsibility to inform the insurer. Changes in your habits can affect the terms of your cover, and keeping your insurer in the loop is essential for maintaining the validity of your policy.
Should I tell my insurer if I quit vaping?
Yes, you should tell your insurer if you quit vaping. If you’re nicotine-free for at least 12 months, you may be eligible for lower premiums. This incentive can be a powerful motivator for those looking to kick the habit for good.
What information about my vaping do I need to tell my insurer?
Insurers may inquire about the methods of intake, the duration of your habit, its health impacts, and your overall health. This information is used to assess the level of risk you pose and determine how much to charge you.
How do I find a good life insurance policy as a vaper?
The life insurance market can be daunting, but tools like MoneySuperMarket's life insurance comparison service can simplify the process. We can help you find a balance between cost and cover, and to understand how lifestyle choices, such as vaping, can influence the insurance options available to you.
Author
Rachel Ditchburn
Former Senior Commercial Manager
Rachel is a former Senior Commercial Manager at MoneySuperMarket, where she oversaw the Protection, Pet and Leisure Insurance channels. Outside of work, Rachel is a keen cook and enjoys live music,...
Reviewer
Katie Bishop
Insurance writer
Katie Bishop is an author and journalist with a decade of writing and editing experience. She has previously worked as an economics editor at Oxford University Press, and her business and finance...
