Term Insurance for Smokers: Plans, Premiums 2026 | PolicyX
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Term Insurance Plan for Smokers

Term insurance for smokers addresses the higher mortality risk associated with tobacco use, leading to significantly increased premiums compared to…

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Written by DIVYA SINGH
Published: 30 Aug 2024
Updated: 27 Jul 2026
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Term Insurance Plan for Smokers

Smokers should consider life insurance as their probability of passing away is greater than that of a non-smoker due to potential health hazards like cancer, lung diseases, heart stroke, and diabetes. Many insurance companies offer term plans for smokers. These plans are typically more costly than those for non-smokers due to the higher associated risk.

Insurance companies categorize smokers into three types based on their smoking habits:

  • Preferred Smokers

    These smokers are generally fit despite smoking. Their insurance premiums are the lowest compared to other smoker categories.

  • Typical Smokers

    These smokers may have minor health issues due to smoking. Their premiums are higher than those for preferred smokers.

  • Table Rated Smokers

    These smokers have significant health issues due to smoking. They are charged the highest premiums.

This article provides comprehensive information on term plans for smokers, including the best options, eligibility criteria, and key considerations before buying.

Best Term Insurance Plans for Smokers in India

Here is a list of term insurance plans for smokers:

Name of the Plan Entry Age Maximum Maturity Age Policy Term Sum Assured Premium (Annually)
HDFC Life Click 2 Protect Super Min: 18 years Max: 84 years 85 years 1 month to 7 years Min: Rs 50,000 Max: No limit Rs 16,395
Max Life Smart Secure Plus Plan Min: 18 years Max: 65 years 85 years 5 to 67 years Min: Rs 10 lakhs Max: No limit Rs 11,385
Bajaj Allianz E Touch Life Shield Min: 18 years Max: 65 years 75 years 10 to 40 years Min: Rs 50 lakhs Max: No limit Rs 11,621
Tata AIA Sampoorna Raksha Supreme Min: 18 years Max: 65 years 100 years 10 to 40 years Min: Rs 50 lakhs Max: No limit Rs 15,399
ICICI Prudential iProtect Smart Lumpsum Plan Min: 18 years Max: 65 years 100 years 5 to 99 years Min: Subject to minimum premium Max: No limit Rs 12,834

* The above premiums are for a 30-year-old smoker male for a sum assured of Rs 50 lakhs.

Eligibility Criteria for Term Insurance Plans for Smokers

Parameters Limits
Entry Age 18 to 75 years
Maturity Age 85 years
Policy Tenure 5 to 40 years
Premium Payment Term 5 to 40 years
Premium Payment Frequency Monthly, Quarterly, Half-yearly, and Yearly
Premium Rs 2,169
Sum Assured Rs 3,00,000 (Minimum) No Limit (Maximum)

How Does Term Life Insurance for Smokers Work?

An insurance company typically considers an individual a smoker if they have smoked or consumed tobacco in the last 12 months. Premiums for smokers are generally 30-40% higher, varying based on the extent of smoking and medical reports. It is crucial not to conceal your smoking habits from your insurer, as this can lead to claim rejection. Always disclose your smoking habits and health facts to avoid issues during claims.

How Does Smoking Affect My Term Insurance Premiums?

Term insurance premiums for smokers can be 30% to 60% higher compared to non-smokers. This is because smokers face a higher risk of mortality than non-smokers. Let's understand how smoking affects your term insurance premiums with a simple illustration.

Consider two 25-year-old friends, Raghav (a smoker) and Gaurav (a non-smoker). Let's see how their term insurance premiums vary:

Premium for Raghav Premium for Gaurav Difference in Premiums
Rs 15,186 Rs 9,491 Rs 5,695 (60%)

There is a premium gap of Rs 5,695 between the two friends due to smoking habits.

What if I Do Not Inform the Insurer About My Smoking Habits?

Several consequences may arise if you do not inform your insurer about your smoking habits:

  • Policy Cancellation: Your insurer may cancel your policy if you fail to disclose your smoking habits at the time of purchase.
  • Claim Rejection: The insurance company may refuse to accept your claim if you do not disclose your smoking habits.
  • Charge of Insurance Fraud or Breach: The insurance company may charge you with insurance fraud and take legal action.

Conclusion

If you are a smoker, it is advisable to buy a term plan to provide financial protection for your family. Thorough research is essential before choosing a term plan, as many options are available. Regardless of the plan you select, it's crucial to disclose your smoking habits and health details to your insurer during purchase. We have provided a list of the best term plans for smokers above for your reference.

If you are still unsure which term plan is ideal for you as a smoker, you can contact us at PolicyX.com. One of our insurance experts will contact you shortly to help you choose the right term plan.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a smoker can get term life insurance. There are various term plans available in the market for smokers.
You should not hide your smoking habits while buying a term plan as it may lead to policy discontinuance, claim rejection, and charge of insurance fraud on policyholders.
Some of the best-term plans for smokers include HDFC Life Click 2 Protect Super Max Life Smart Secure Plus Plan Bajaj Allianz E Touch Life Shield Tata AIA Sampoorna Raksha Supreme ICICI Prudential iProtect Smart Lumpsum Plan
If you start smoking after buying the term plan it is difficult for the insurance company to discover your new habit.
Yes, there is a difference of 30 to 60% between the premiums charged to a smoker and a non-smoker depending on the frequency of smoking and medical health.
Standard term insurance plans are the best options for non-smokers, providing high coverage with lower premiums. However, smokers should go for plans that primarily cover tobacco users, where premiums are higher. Insurers provide customized policies for smokers with medical underwriting, ensuring appropriate protection.
Term plan premiums are higher for smokers because of higher health risks, such as respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and lung cancer, leading to shorter life expectancy. Insurers evaluate risks before providing cover and charge higher premiums to balance increased claim proximity.
Some low-cost term insurance plan options for smokers are HDFC Life Click 2 Protect Supreme, ICICI Pru iProtect Smart Plus Term Plan, Tata AIA Sampoorna Raksha Promise, SBI Life Smart Shield Plus, and Bajaj Life eTouch II.
Smokers need one appropriate term plan, not multiple. Premiums will increase by 30–40% more.
Smokers pay higher premiums because of higher mortality, actual risk pooling, disease risk, and profitability needs.

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