Top Life Insurance Providers for Smokers

Explore the seven best life insurance companies that cater to smokers, offering coverage tailored to their unique circumstances.


When it comes to life insurance for smokers, it's important to know that smoking is considered a risk factor by insurance companies, and as a result, smokers typically pay higher premiums than non-smokers. The best life insurance provider for a smoker will depend on various factors, including the type of coverage needed, the amount of coverage, and the individual's specific health and smoking habits. Here are some well-known life insurance companies that often provide coverage for smokers:

  1. Prudential: Prudential is known for its underwriting flexibility, and they have a strong presence in the smoker-friendly life insurance market. They offer various life insurance products, including term and permanent policies, for smokers.

  2. AIG (American International Group): AIG is another reputable insurance company that often provides life insurance coverage for smokers. They offer a range of policy options, including term, universal, and indexed universal life insurance.

  3. John Hancock: John Hancock offers life insurance products, such as term, universal, and final expense insurance, for smokers. They also have a unique program called the "Vitality Program" that rewards policyholders for making healthy lifestyle choices, which can potentially lower premiums.

  4. Banner Life Insurance: Banner Life is often considered a smoker-friendly insurer and provides a variety of life insurance options, including term and universal life policies, for smokers.

  5. Mutual of Omaha: Mutual of Omaha offers life insurance coverage for smokers, including term, whole life, and universal life insurance policies. They have a simplified underwriting process for some policies, making it easier for smokers to apply.

  6. Lincoln Financial Group: Lincoln Financial Group offers life insurance policies for smokers, including term, universal, and variable universal life insurance. They have underwriting flexibility and may provide options for smokers with varying health conditions.

  7. MetLife: MetLife offers a range of life insurance products, including term, universal, and whole life insurance, for smokers. They may provide coverage for individuals with different smoking habits.

It's important to note that each insurance company has its own underwriting guidelines and pricing, and they may assess smoking habits differently. When applying for life insurance as a smoker, be prepared to answer detailed questions about your smoking history, including the number of cigarettes or tobacco products used per day and how long you've been a smoker. It's also advisable to work with an independent insurance agent who can help you navigate the process and find the best policy for your specific needs and circumstances.

Additionally, it's crucial to be honest about your smoking habits during the application process. Failing to disclose smoking habits accurately could result in a denied claim or policy cancellation.

7 Best Life Insurance Companies for Smokers.

The following are the 7 best life insurance companies for smokers in 2023, according to a variety of factors including affordability, customer satisfaction, and financial strength:

  1. Banner Life
  2. Corebridge Financial
  3. Transamerica
  4. Ethos Life Insurance
  5. Mutual of Omaha
  6. MassMutual
  7. John Hancock Life Insurance

It is important to note that the best life insurance company for you will depend on your individual needs and circumstances. Be sure to compare quotes from multiple companies before choosing a policy.

Here is a brief overview of each of the companies listed above:

  • Banner Life: Banner Life is a mutual insurance company that offers a variety of life insurance products, including term life insurance, whole life insurance, and universal life insurance. Banner Life is known for its competitive rates and its focus on customer service.
  • Corebridge Financial: Corebridge Financial is a leading provider of retirement savings and insurance products. Corebridge Financial offers a variety of life insurance products, including term life insurance, whole life insurance, and universal life insurance. Corebridge Financial is known for its affordable rates and its strong financial rating.
  • Transamerica: Transamerica is a leading provider of retirement savings and insurance products. Transamerica offers a variety of life insurance products, including term life insurance, whole life insurance, and universal life insurance. Transamerica is known for its competitive rates and its focus on innovation.
  • Ethos Life Insurance: Ethos Life Insurance is a digital life insurance company that offers term life insurance policies. Ethos Life Insurance is known for its easy online application process and its competitive rates.
  • Mutual of Omaha: Mutual of Omaha is a mutual insurance company that offers a variety of insurance products, including life insurance, health insurance, and Medicare insurance. Mutual of Omaha is known for its strong financial rating and its focus on customer service.
  • MassMutual: MassMutual is a mutual insurance company that offers a variety of insurance products, including life insurance, health insurance, and retirement savings products. MassMutual is known for its strong financial rating and its focus on customer service.
  • John Hancock Life Insurance: John Hancock Life Insurance is a mutual insurance company that offers a variety of insurance products, including life insurance, health insurance, and retirement savings products. John Hancock Life Insurance is known for its strong financial rating and its focus on customer service.

When choosing a life insurance company, it is important to consider the following factors:

  • Price: Compare quotes from multiple companies before choosing a policy.
  • Financial strength: Make sure to choose a company with a strong financial rating. This will help to ensure that the company will be able to pay out your death benefit if you die.
  • Customer service: Choose a company with a good reputation for customer service. This will help to ensure that you have a positive experience if you need to file a claim.
  • Policy features: Consider the features that are important to you, such as the death benefit amount, the policy term, and the availability of riders.

It is also important to note that smokers will typically pay higher premiums for life insurance than non-smokers. This is because smokers have a higher risk of developing certain medical conditions, such as lung cancer and heart disease.

However, there are still a number of life insurance companies that offer competitive rates for smokers. Be sure to compare quotes from multiple companies before choosing a policy.