Final Expense Insurance for Smokers: Rates, Tips & Best Options in 2026
If you're a smoker looking for final expense insurance, you may be wondering whether you can even get coverage — and if so, how much more you'll pay. The good news is that final expense insurance is widely available for smokers, including those with serious health conditions. The less good news is that tobacco use does increase your premiums, sometimes significantly.
This guide explains exactly how smoking affects your final expense insurance rates, what options are available, and how to find the most affordable coverage.
How Smoking Affects Final Expense Insurance Rates
Insurance companies classify applicants as either "smoker" or "non-smoker" (or "tobacco user" vs. "non-tobacco user"). This classification is one of the most significant factors in determining your monthly premium.
Typical premium difference: Smokers generally pay 20% to 50% more than non-smokers of the same age for the same coverage amount. For example, a 65-year-old non-smoker might pay $65 per month for $10,000 in coverage, while a 65-year-old smoker might pay $90–$100 per month for the same policy.
What counts as "smoking": Most insurers define a smoker as anyone who has used tobacco products — cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, pipe tobacco, or nicotine patches/gum — within the past 12 months. Some companies use a 24-month lookback period. E-cigarettes and vaping are increasingly classified as tobacco use as well.
Types of Final Expense Insurance Available to Smokers
Simplified Issue Policies
Simplified issue policies ask basic health questions but don't require a medical exam. Smokers can qualify for these policies, though they'll pay higher premiums than non-smokers. These policies typically offer the best value for smokers who are otherwise in reasonable health.
Best for: Smokers who are generally healthy aside from tobacco use, without serious conditions like recent cancer, heart attack, or stroke.
Guaranteed Acceptance Policies
Guaranteed acceptance (also called guaranteed issue) policies approve everyone regardless of health status or tobacco use. No health questions are asked, and no medical exam is required. These policies are the most accessible option but come with two trade-offs: higher premiums and a graded death benefit period.
Graded death benefit: Most guaranteed acceptance policies have a 2-year waiting period. If you pass away from natural causes within the first 2 years, your beneficiary receives only the premiums paid plus interest (typically 10%), not the full death benefit. After 2 years, the full benefit is paid.
Best for: Smokers with serious health conditions who may not qualify for simplified issue coverage.
Smoker Premium Examples (2026 Estimates)
| Age | Coverage | Non-Smoker/Month | Smoker/Month | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 | $10,000 | $45–$55 | $65–$80 | +$20–$25 |
| 60 | $10,000 | $55–$70 | $80–$100 | +$25–$30 |
| 65 | $10,000 | $70–$90 | $100–$125 | +$30–$35 |
| 70 | $10,000 | $95–$120 | $135–$165 | +$40–$45 |
| 75 | $10,000 | $130–$165 | $185–$225 | +$55–$60 |
*Estimates based on simplified issue policies. Actual rates vary by insurer, state, and health profile.*
Tips for Smokers to Get the Best Rates
1. Quit smoking before applying. If you've quit smoking within the past 12 months, you may still be classified as a smoker. But if you quit and wait 12–24 months (depending on the insurer), you can apply as a non-smoker and save significantly on premiums. Some companies reclassify you as a non-smoker after just 12 months of abstinence.
2. Compare multiple insurers. Different insurance companies treat smokers differently. Some charge a flat surcharge, while others use tiered tobacco classifications. An independent agent can compare rates from 10–15 carriers to find the best deal for your specific situation.
3. Consider a smaller coverage amount. If premiums for $15,000 in coverage feel too high, consider $10,000. A smaller policy that you can afford to maintain is far better than a larger policy you might lapse.
4. Apply sooner rather than later. Final expense insurance premiums increase with age. Every year you wait means higher premiums. Even as a smoker, locking in your rate now is better than waiting until you're older.
5. Be honest on your application. Never misrepresent your tobacco use on an insurance application. If you claim to be a non-smoker and the insurer discovers you were a smoker at the time of application, they can deny your claim or cancel your policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get final expense insurance if I smoke cigars occasionally? Most insurers classify occasional cigar smokers (1–2 cigars per month) differently from cigarette smokers. Some companies offer non-smoker rates for occasional cigar use. Be sure to disclose your tobacco use accurately and ask your agent about cigar-specific underwriting.
What if I use nicotine patches or gum? Nicotine replacement products are considered tobacco use by most insurers. You'll typically be classified as a smoker even if you're using these products to quit.
Will my rate change if I quit smoking after getting coverage? Once your policy is issued at smoker rates, your premium is locked in for life. However, you can apply for a new policy as a non-smoker after 12–24 months of abstinence and potentially get a lower rate — then cancel the old policy.
Get Your Smoker Rate Quote Today
Being a smoker doesn't mean you can't protect your family from funeral expenses. Final expense insurance is available and accessible, even for heavy smokers with health conditions.
InsuraFix works with multiple top-rated carriers to find the most competitive rates for tobacco users. Our licensed agents understand smoker underwriting and can match you with the insurer most likely to offer you the best rate. Get your free quote in 2 minutes — no medical exam required.