Declare it. It's cheaper than a rejected claim
Yes, smoking raises your premium. But hiding it is the fastest way to get your family's claim rejected, and that costs infinitely more. Here's how to get properly covered, honestly.
Cover that actually works for you
Full cover is still available
Smoking doesn't disqualify you. You can still get ₹1 crore or more, you'll simply pay a smoker's rate for it.
Honesty protects your family
Insurers test for nicotine at claim time. An undeclared habit is the classic reason a claim is refused, leaving your family with nothing.
Rates vary a lot by insurer
The smoker loading differs sharply between companies. Shopping properly can save you a meaningful amount every year.
Premiums can fall if you quit
Stay smoke-free (usually 12+ months) and many insurers will review your rate. We'll help you apply for that reassessment.
Occasional counts too
Weekend cigarettes, cigars, vapes and chewing tobacco generally count. The safe rule: if in doubt, declare it.
Riders worth considering
Critical illness cover is worth a harder look, given the elevated long-term risks. We'll price it both ways.
Find the right fit
Not sure which one suits you? That's exactly what our free call is for.
Pure term (smoker rate)
Standard term cover priced at a smoker's rate, the honest, straightforward option.
Most smokers
Term + critical illness
Adds a lump sum on serious illness, worth considering given the raised risk.
Extra protection
Review after quitting
Buy now, then apply for a non-smoker rate after a sustained smoke-free period.
Planning to quit
Return of premium
Premiums back if you outlive the term, at a noticeably higher cost.
Want money back
What to know before you apply
- Declare every form of tobacco, cigarettes, cigars, vapes, chewing tobacco
- Expect a nicotine test as part of the medical; results must match your declaration
- Compare the smoker loading across insurers, it varies more than you'd think
- Ask about the insurer's policy on re-rating you after you quit
- Never let anyone advise you to 'just not mention it', that's your family's claim at stake
- Consider critical illness cover alongside your term plan
Advice with zero spam
Talk to IRDAI-certified advisors who get paid to help you, not to push a product. No call-centre scripts, no endless follow-ups.
We handle the paperwork
From shortlisting to medicals to policy issuance, we stay with you end-to-end so nothing falls through the cracks.
Claims support for life
When you need to claim, our team helps you file, follow up and get paid, for as long as you hold the policy.
Term Insurance for Smokers FAQs
It's the single riskiest thing you can do. Insurers routinely test for nicotine when a claim is made, and a mismatch with your application gives them clean grounds to refuse. Your family pays the price, not you.
Typically a meaningful loading over non-smoker rates, but it varies a lot between insurers. Comparing properly is exactly where we save you money, the cheapest smoker rate isn't the same company for everyone.
Almost certainly yes. Most insurers treat any tobacco or nicotine use in the recent past as smoking. If you're unsure, declare it, the downside of over-declaring is a slightly higher premium; the downside of under-declaring is a rejected claim.
It can. Many insurers will reconsider your rate after a sustained smoke-free period (commonly 12 months or more), subject to fresh testing. We'll help you request that review.
Generally yes, they contain nicotine, which is what the test picks up. Treat them exactly like cigarettes on your application.
Insurers we place term insurance for smokers with
Life insurance
Get term insurance for smokers advice you can trust
Book a free, no-obligation call. We'll help you choose the right cover, and nothing you don't need.