Life Insurance for Cigar Smokers | 5 Best Insurers
last updated on March 29, 2025
Life insurance can provide financial security for your loved ones in case of an unexpected or untimely death, ensuring they are protected from financial hardships. However, if you are a cigar smoker, you might face unique challenges when applying for a policy. Insurers assess risk based on smoking habits, and even occasional cigar use can impact your premiums. While cigarette smokers generally pay higher rates, cigar smokers may have different considerations depending on frequency, health status, and the life insurance guidelines.
This article discusses how insurers classify cigar smokers, how to get the best rates, which companies offer favorable terms for cigar smokers, and other elements that may be helpful in securing affordable coverage.
Life Insurance for Cigar Smokers
When applying for life insurance, insurers categorize applicants as either smokers or non-smokers based on their tobacco use.
Unlike cigarettes, which are often associated with daily use, cigars are commonly enjoyed occasionally—during celebrations or as a social activity. However, many insurance companies don’t differentiate between a casual cigar smoker and a daily user.
The classification process varies by insurer and can significantly affect your premiums. An understanding of how life insurance companies define smoking habits is crucial to finding the best policy.
Smoker vs. Non-Smoker Categories: Many insurers use a straightforward classification system: either you’re a smoker, or you’re not. The challenge for cigar smokers is that some insurers automatically place any tobacco user, including cigar smokers, into the smoker category. This means that even if you smoke cigars infrequently, you could be paying the same high rates as someone who smokes cigarettes daily. However, some insurers are more lenient, especially if your cigar use is occasional and you have no nicotine in your system.
Medical Exams and Nicotine Tests: Life insurance policies often require a medical exam, which includes a test for nicotine and cotinine (a nicotine byproduct). If you recently smoked a cigar, the test may detect nicotine, leading the insurer to classify you as a smoker. Even if your cigar use is infrequent, a positive test result could still impact your premiums. Some companies offer policies that do not require medical exams, which may be an alternative for a simplified underwriting process. But you will still need to disclose any tobacco use when applying for no-exam coverage.
Self-Reported vs. Medical Exam Results: Honesty is essential when filling out your life insurance application. If you disclose your occasional cigar use but test negative for nicotine, some insurers may still classify you as a smoker based on their internal guidelines. On the other hand, if you fail to disclose your smoking habits and nicotine is detected, your policy could be denied or canceled.
How Smoking Cigars Affects Rates
Cigar smoking can significantly impact life insurance premiums. Insurers view tobacco use as a major risk factor because it is associated with serious health conditions such as lung disease, heart disease, and cancer. While cigarette smokers consistently pay higher premiums, cigar smokers may be offered better rates depending on the insurer and cigar use. If you smoke cigars regularly, expect to pay significantly higher premiums. However, if you are an occasional smoker, you may still qualify for lower rates with certain insurers.
Higher Premiums for Smokers: Life insurance premiums for smokers are typically two or more times higher than those for non-smokers. This is because smoking increases the risk of health complications, which in turn raises the likelihood of an insurer having to pay out a death benefit earlier. If you are a frequent cigar smoker, you will likely be placed in the smoker category and pay higher premiums.
Occasional Cigar Use and Premiums: Not all insurers penalize occasional cigar use. Some allow applicants who smoke cigars infrequently (a few times a year) to qualify for non-smoker rates, especially if they test negative for nicotine. If you are an occasional cigar smoker and are in good overall health, you may have options for more affordable coverage.
Risk Factors Considered by Insurers: In addition to smoking habits, insurers consider other factors when determining premiums. Your age, medical history, weight, lifestyle, and family health history all play a role in your risk profile. If you are a cigar smoker but maintain a healthy lifestyle, you may offset some of the risks and qualify for better rates.
Importance of Full Disclosure: When applying for life insurance, honesty about your cigar use is crucial. Insurers may require medical exams or access to your medical records, and any undisclosed tobacco use can lead to higher premiums or policy denial. Providing accurate information upfront ensures you receive the most suitable policy.
Best Companies for Cigar Smokers
Choosing the right life insurance company and policy as a cigar smoker can be challenging, as different insurers often have varying underwriting guidelines for different types of tobacco use.
Some companies automatically classify any tobacco user—including occasional cigar smokers—as a smoker, leading to significantly higher premiums.
However, some cigar-friendly insurers recognize that infrequent cigar use carries a lower health risk than daily cigarette smoking and may allow occasional cigar smokers to qualify for non-smoker rates, provided they meet certain conditions.
Several insurers offer non-smoker rates for occasional cigar smokers, making it possible to obtain affordable life insurance even if you enjoy cigars from time to time. Below are some of the top insurers with more lenient cigar-smoking policies:
- Allows occasional cigar use (one per week) for non-smoker rates
- Nicotine test must be negative, disclosure of cigar use is required
- Offers competitive term and permanent life insurance policies
Banner Life (Legal & General America)
- Permits occasional cigar use (one per month) for non-smoker rates
- Nicotine test must be negative, disclosure of cigar use is required
- Provides low-cost term life insurance options
- Allows occasional cigar use (twelve per year) for non-smoker rates
- Nicotine test must be negative, disclosure of cigar use is required
- Offers competitive term and permanent life insurance
Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company
- Permits occasional cigar use (two per month) for non-smoker rates
- Nicotine test must be negative, disclosure of cigar use is required
- Provides quality term and whole life insurance options
Prudential Life Insurance Company
- Allows occasional cigar use without smoker classification
- Nicotine test can be positive, disclosure of cigar use is required
- Offers quality term and whole life insurance options
Tips for Getting Affordable Rates
If you are a cigar smoker, there are several strategies you can use to secure the best life insurance rates. While some factors like age and genetics are beyond your control, making smart lifestyle choices and selecting the right insurer can make a big difference.
1. Choose the Right Insurer: Not all insurers treat cigar smokers the same way. Some are more lenient and allow occasional cigar use without classifying applicants as smokers. Research different insurance companies to find one that offers favorable rates.
2. Be Honest About Smoking: It may be tempting to hide your cigar use on your application, but doing so can have serious consequences. If your insurer discovers undisclosed smoking habits through a medical exam or claims investigation, your policy may be canceled or denied.
3. Improve Your Overall Health: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help offset some of the risks associated with cigar smoking. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and routine medical checkups can improve your overall health and make you a more favorable candidate for life insurance.
4. Consider a No-Nicotine Period: Some insurers allow applicants to qualify for non-smoker rates if they have been nicotine-free for at least 12 months. If you can stop smoking cigars for a year before applying for life insurance, you may be able to secure significantly lower premiums.
5. Work with an Insurance Broker: A knowledgeable insurance broker can help you find the best rates by comparing policies from multiple providers. Brokers understand which insurers are more cigar-friendly and can guide you toward the best coverage options.
Conclusion
In conclusion, life insurance for cigar smokers can be expensive, but with the right approach, you can find an affordable policy. Choosing a cigar-friendly insurer, maintaining good health, and considering no-nicotine periods before applying can help lower premiums. To find the best life insurance policy, it’s highly recommended to work with an independent insurance broker. Brokers have access to multiple insurers and can help match your smoking habits, health profile, and financial needs with a policy that offers the most favorable rates. By carefully comparing your options and understanding the underwriting criteria of different insurers, you can obtain the best life insurance coverage without overpaying due to occasional cigar use.
Our team can assist in choosing the right type of policy, an appropriate amount of coverage, and the best insurance company for your situation. Get the quality coverage you need at affordable rates. Give us a call at (800) 770-8229 or request an instant quote today!
Disclaimer: Information is intended to be educational in nature and should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Please consult a qualified professional for individual assistance.
The Staff Writers at ChoiceLifeQuote.com are insurance and financial services professionals with significant industry experience. The team’s experience and expertise help to provide consumers with a variety of educational content related to life insurance and annuities.
