E-cigarettes and vaping are often thought to be less harmful alternatives to cigarette smoking. However, these activities still can negatively impact your health and have been linked to increased respiratory symptoms in young adults. The CDC reports that nearly 99% of e-cigarettes sold in the United States contain nicotine, an addictive chemical that can also increase your predisposition to other addictions.
It’s important to consider how lifestyle choices like vaping can affect not only your health but the cost of life insurance as well. Life insurance companies often categorize e-cigarettes and vaping as tobacco use, which can significantly impact the amount you pay for coverage. Let’s walk through the impact of vaping and e-cigarette use on life insurance rates.
Is vaping the same as smoking?
While vaping has become a popular alternative to smoking cigarettes, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration still considers e-cigarettes as tobacco products and therefore are subject to federal regulation.1 Life insurance companies will also typically categorize e-cigarettes or vaping as tobacco use, which can lead to higher life insurance premiums if you partake in these activities.
Ways to Lower Your Life Insurance Rates
Lifestyle choices like using e-cigarettes or vaping can have a significant impact on what you pay for life insurance. However, quitting the habit or working towards smoking cessation can help improve your chances of finding more affordable rates.
How to Lower Your Life Insurance Rates if You Stop Smoking
You should inform your life insurance company if you have quit smoking completely, as there is a good chance you’ll become eligible to lower your premium. Depending on the carrier your policy is with, you may need to remain tobacco-free for up to a year before your rates will be reduced. Your age will also always play a role in the cost of insurance, so the sooner you quit, the better your chance of lower life insurance rates.
How to Lower Your Life Insurance Rates if You Continue to Smoke
Being honest on your application about your habits and applying sooner rather than later is the best approach to obtaining a life insurance policy as a smoker. Most companies order blood, saliva, or urine tests that can detect tobacco usage. Some life insurance carriers might be more flexible when it comes to determining life insurance rates, making it important and often beneficial to consider all of your options by shopping around. You can also consider no medical exam life insurance, which allows you to bypass the medical exam process in favor of an easy online application process. Keep in mind that this policy type is best suited for those under age 60 and in generally good health, so if your e-cigarette use has resulted in respiratory conditions or other symptoms, it may not be the right option for your circumstances.
Let SelectQuote Find the Best Life Insurance for You
When shopping for life insurance, you may have questions about how lifestyle habits can impact your premiums. Let SelectQuote help. Our licensed insurance agents are experienced in helping people with different situations and needs find the right coverage. We’ll gather a variety of unbiased quotes from trusted insurance companies on your behalf, saving you time and ensuring those who matter most to you have the safety net they need.
