Life Insurance and Vaping: What You Need to Know​

While it's common knowledge that smoking can impact your premiums for life insurance, does that also impact vaping? 

According to research carried out in 2024 by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), the population who currently vape is 11%, the highest rate ever, equal to 5.6 million adults in Great Britain.

If you use e-cigarettes, you may be wondering how you could be impacted. In this guide we'll explain how vaping is assessed by insurers and how it can affect your potential insurance premiums.

Is vaping classed as smoking for life insurance?

Even though vaping is widely regarded as less harmful than smoking, most life insurance providers still treat it the same as tobacco use. In the eyes of many insurers, if you use e-cigarettes, whether they contain nicotine or not, you may still be classified as a smoker.

Nicotine-free vaping, however, could be considered less of a risk to insurers. Though this depends on the insurer and their guidelines.

Although many view vaping as a less harmful alternative to smoking, it is not without its risks. The NHS states that vaping has not been around for long enough to know the risks of long-term use.

Can I get life insurance if I vape?

You can still get life insurance cover regardless of whether you vape or smoke. However, you could face higher premiums, similar to those charged to cigarette smokers.

Insurers typically take a cautious approach when it comes to vaping. While e-cigarettes are often seen as a less harmful alternative to smoking, the long-term health effects are still uncertain, so many providers assess vapers in the same risk category as smokers.

How does vaping affect life insurance?

The biggest impact vaping has on your life insurance is cost. If you’re classed as a smoker due to vaping, your monthly premiums will be significantly higher than for someone who doesn’t use nicotine products.

In some cases, smokers and vapers could pay up to double, or more, for the same level of cover as a non-smoker.

When you apply, you may be asked questions like:

• Do you currently smoke or vape?
   

• Have you used any nicotine products (including patches, gum, or e-cigarettes) in the last 12 months?
   

• How often do you vape?
   

• Do your vapes contain nicotine?
   

• Have you ever smoked in the past?

Vaping may also affect your eligibility for certain policies. Some insurers offer exclusive low-risk policies that vapers may not qualify for. You may also be asked additional health questions or required to undergo a medical examination if you vape regularly.

If you stop vaping, you could apply to have your policy reviewed, but you’ll usually need to be vape-free for at least 12 months before being considered a non-smoker.

Do I have to disclose smoking or vaping to my insurer?

When you apply for life insurance, you’ll be asked whether you currently smoke or have used any nicotine products in the past 12 months, including e-cigarettes, vapes, patches, and gum.

It’s essential to answer all health and lifestyle questions honestly. Failing to disclose vaping could invalidate your policy, meaning your loved ones might not receive a payout if you pass away.

Can life insurance companies tell if you vape?

Most insurers won’t test you when you apply, but they could ask you to do a medical, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition.

In other cases, such as if you pass away from a smoking-related illness, the insurer may investigate your medical history. If it turns out you weren’t honest about your smoking status, they may not pay out. You should also inform your insurer if you start vaping after taking out a policy.

To keep your cover valid and protect your loved ones, it’s always best to be honest from the start.

Will quitting vaping lower my life insurance premiums?

Even if you are a smoker, it's still possible to lower your premiums. If you’ve quit vaping for at least 12 months and no longer use nicotine products, some insurers will consider you a non-smoker. As a result, they may choose to lower your monthly premium.

You may need to apply for a new policy or request a reassessment of your existing one, and some providers may require proof that you’ve remained vape-free.

Ready to get life insurance? We're here to help

Finding life insurance as a smoker or vaper doesn’t have to be stressful. At Cavendish Online, our expert life insurance advisers are on hand to guide you through the process, from understanding your needs to finding the right cover at a price that works for you.

Whether you’ve had medical conditions in the past, work in a risky job, or just want expert advice to help you choose the right policy, we’ve got you covered.

• Get personalised, expert advice
   

• Compare affordable options from trusted insurers
   

• Apply with confidence (many policies arranged in under 30 minutes)
   

• Ongoing support throughout your application

We’ll ask a few questions about your health, lifestyle, and what you’re looking for. Then we’ll search the market to recommend a policy that suits your circumstances. Speak to an adviser today to get started.