Yes, smokers can still get life insurance. You don’t need to quit before you apply. If you use tobacco or nicotine, an insurer may review your application differently, and your premiums (monthly or annual fees) may be higher than for a non-smoker with similar coverage. Even so, you still have options, depending on the product and your coverage needs.
Insurance companies may define a smoker in different ways, but they usually look at whether you use tobacco or nicotine products when you apply. That can include cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, vaping products, or other nicotine use, depending on the insurer and the product. Some insurers may also ask how recently you quit. At Sun Life, anyone who has used any of these nicotine products in the last twelve months is considered a smoker.
Sun Life looks at a range of factors when you apply, including your age, health, tobacco or nicotine use, and the amount of coverage you want. Smoking is one factor in the review, not a disqualifier.
Your premium may be higher than a non-smoker’s premium for similar coverage, but if you quit and stay tobacco-free for twelve months, you can ask for a review later.*
If you quit smoking for 12 months after taking out a life insurance policy, you can often apply to have your rates reduced to non-smoker premiums.*
*Smoking status is subject to review, and Sun Life retains the right to decline smoking status changes pending an underwriting assessment.
Regardless of your smoking status, you can choose from two main types of life insurance. Sun Life offers term and permanent life insurance products. Depending on your financial situation, goals, and needs, you may require more than one type of life insurance.
Term life insurance covers you for a set period. It may suit you if your biggest need is tied to a mortgage, children, income replacement, or another time-bound responsibility.
Permanent life insurance can last for life as long as policy requirements are met. It may suit long-term goals, such as estate planning, final expenses, or lasting family protection.
Whether you’re a smoker or a non-smoker, the life insurance process is generally straightforward:
Smoking doesn't disqualify you from life insurance. You may still be able to get coverage that helps protect your family in case you die.
You can choose coverage that lines up with a set period or a lifelong need. That can help if you only need protection during high-expense years, or if you want coverage that stays in place for life. Remember, the right fit depends on your situation, not just your smoking status.
Some smokers want temporary protection now and a chance to review options later. If your needs change, you can look at different products or ask about future conversion options, depending on the policy.
Answer a few quick questions online for Sun Life GO, which is one of our term life insurance products. You could get coverage up to $1,000,000.
Not sure what’s right for you? A Sun Life advisor can explain all our insurance products, how they work, and help you figure out which products meet your needs and goals.
Enter your postal code to find an advisor near you.
More about how life insurance works in Canada
Your insurance premiums depend on your age, health, smoking status, assigned sex at birth, coverage amount, and product type. In general, smokers will see a higher premium than non-smokers for the same coverage.
For example, a 40-year-old smoker applying for $500,000 of 20-year term coverage will see a higher monthly premium than a 40-year-old non-smoker with the same coverage.
View life insurance rates for smokers and non-smokers in Canada
A common starting point is 5-10 times your annual income, but the right amount depends on your income, debts, dependents, and coverage costs.
When determining your specific coverage amount, consider your income replacement needs for dependents, outstanding debts (e.g. mortgage, loans), final expenses, education costs for children, and years until retirement. Keep in mind that as a smoker, you'll face higher monthly costs, so factor that into your budget.
Use our life insurance calculator to find out how much coverage you may need.
Yes, smoking can affect your premium because insurers may see tobacco or nicotine use as a higher risk. The exact premium depends on your age, health, coverage amount, and the product you choose.
It can be, depending on how you use it and how the insurer defines smoking. Some insurers may treat inhaled cannabis use like smoking or nicotine use, while other forms may be reviewed differently. Sun Life views occasional users of marijuana or cannabis as non-smokers, as long as the applicant is at least 19 years old.*
If you use cannabis, it helps to share that information up front so you can get clear guidance on how it may affect your application. Connect with a Sun Life advisor for more detailed information.
*Smoking status is subject to review, and Sun Life retains the right to review and rate cannabis users in accordance with our underwriting policies.
It may be, depending on the insurer and the product. Some insurers treat vaping or e-cigarette use the same as smoking or nicotine use, while others review it differently. Sun Life views people who vape tobacco or nicotine as smokers.
If you vape, it helps to disclose that when you apply. Connect with a Sun Life advisor for more detailed information.
If you leave out or change information about smoking or nicotine use, the insurer may review your application or claim later. That could affect your coverage, your premium, or whether a claim is paid, depending on the policy terms and the facts in the file. It’s best to answer honestly, even if you’re not sure how your smoking status will be viewed.
That timing can vary by insurer and product. Some insurers may ask for a tobacco-free period before they consider you a non-smoker, and they may also ask about vaping or other nicotine use. Sun Life typically views people who have not used any tobacco or nicotine in the last 12 months as non-smokers. If you have recently quit, connect with a Sun Life advisor to see if you qualify for non-smoker rates.
Find out how much a term policy may cost you.
See how temporary and lifelong coverage differ, and which one may fit your roadmap.
Use a simple framework to estimate the coverage amount that may fit your needs.
Reviewed by Jean Turcotte
This information is meant for educational and illustrative purposes only. Some conditions, exclusions and restrictions apply.
