The cost of life insurance is heavily dependent on numerous factors. High-risk individuals can expect to pay more. Insurance companies see tobacco users as high-risk clients so that life insurance can be pricey.
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Unless you apply for a no medical exam life policy, this is mandatory to participate in nicotine tests for any regular life coverage such as a term policy.
If you’re a cigarette or a tobacco smoker, remember a few things when finding life insurance. Here are five essentials.
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Smoking and Chewing Tobacco Fall into the Same Category
Tobacco use can occur in several ways. As far as insurance companies are concerned, smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco come in the same high-risk category.
The category includes several types of behavior. These include tobacco smoking, chewing tobacco, smoking marijuana and using electronic cigarettes.
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Nicotine Patches and Gums Impact Insurance Quotes
In order to see an improvement in insurance conditions, you should quit cigarettes at least 12 months before asking for a quote.
You’re considered a risky client if you still use nicotine patches and gum. You’ll fall in the smokers category and typically be charged more than a non-smoker.
Cigars aren’t That Bad
People who smoke the occasional cigar aren’t going to have that many problems with an insurance company. Do you enjoy a cigar on a special occasion a few times yearly? If so, you have nothing to worry about. Other factors will be determining the cost of life insurance.
The frequency of smoking and lab results during a medical exam will determine whether cigar smoking can be considered a health risk. The exam tests for the presence of nicotine in the blood. Some insurance companies have a minimum amount of nicotine that’s permissible. Others don’t have such a threshold.
Providing Misleading Information is a Bad Idea
Many smokers are tempted to lie to get more affordable life insurance. This, however, is a dreadful idea.
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For a start, providing an insurance company with misleading information is illegal. In addition, you’ll have to pass the nicotine test. It will be tough to cheat on this one, and the truth will be revealed.
People who lie about tobacco use will get more expensive life insurance or be denied coverage altogether. Thus, attempting to lie is not worth it, and you will not get any benefit.
Quitting is Always a Good Idea
As already mentioned, you must quit cigarettes and wait 12 months before applying for more inexpensive life insurance. However, the benefits of giving up the bad habit are evident, and it’s not just about getting a better quote.
Many insurance companies are willing to re-evaluate their clients and offer them better conditions for decreased risk. Thus, even if you don’t qualify for inexpensive coverage right now, you should still do your best to quit and experience the benefits of the decision in the future.
Being a tobacco user, getting life insurance is not impossible. Just make sure you stop it and then apply for coverage. This way, you will obtain a cheaper rate compared to having tobacco products regularly.