Life insurance is one of the most important financial decisions you can make, and for smokers in Australia, understanding how premiums are assessed can make a significant difference to affordability. While it’s true that smoking increases life insurance costs, it doesn’t mean cover is out of reach. Thousands of Australians who smoke still secure strong, competitively priced life insurance every year — and many pay less than they expect.

The first thing insurers look at is whether you’ve used nicotine in the past 12 months. In Australia, you’re considered a smoker if you’ve used cigarettes, cigars, vapes (including nicotine-free vapour in some cases), chewing tobacco, nicotine patches or gum, or even smoked socially. Even one cigarette in 12 months will typically classify you as a smoker because insurers rely on medical research showing that any nicotine use increases long-term health risks. This classification affects pricing, but it does not exclude you from cover.

Most smokers pay more for life insurance

often 40% to 100% more than non-smokers because of the increased risk of conditions such as heart disease, stroke, lung cancer and respiratory illness. However, the actual premium you pay depends on your age, gender, general health, occupation, smoking frequency and the insurer you choose. This is why comparing life insurance providers is essential. Some insurers offer significantly better pricing for smokers, while others specialise in providing more flexible underwriting.

Despite the higher premiums, smokers can absolutely secure affordable life insurance.

Many Australians who smoke only socially, maintain good health, or are younger than 50 often find that their life insurance cost is still within a reasonable range. Others reduce their premiums by choosing level premiums, selecting only the cover they need, or reviewing their policy every one to two years. If you quit smoking, most insurers will reclassify you as a non-smoker after 12 months nicotine-free — which can reduce your premiums dramatically.

The life insurance cost Australia-wide for smokers varies, but some industry averages provide a guide.

A healthy 35-year-old non-smoker might pay around $35 per month for life insurance, while a smoker of the same age could expect premiums between $55 and $70 per month. At age 45, non-smokers often pay $60–$80, while smokers may pay $100–$150. These are broad estimates only, as pricing varies significantly between insurers.

Many smokers ask whether vaping counts as smoking.

In most cases, yes. Even nicotine-free vaping is often classified as smoking due to insufficient long-term medical data. If you vape, your premium will almost always be assessed at smoker rates.

Choosing the right life insurance policy as a smoker means looking beyond price alone. You should consider the insurer’s definitions, included benefits, optional trauma or TPD cover, the claims process, and how your policy fits into your broader financial plan. Because every insurer treats smokers differently, partnering with a specialist like Covered Life ensures you get access to the most competitive rates and policies available.

Life insurance for smokers doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.

With the right guidance, you can secure strong financial protection for your family and reduce your long-term premiums — even if you smoke today. And if you quit in the future, you may unlock even lower pricing.

If you’re a smoker looking for clear, personalised advice, Covered Life can help you compare providers, reduce costs and secure the right cover for your needs.