Smoking leads to higher mortality rates due to severe lung diseases and cancer. This leads to the insurance premiums for smokers being higher. However, this also means that it is equally, if not more, important for smokers to get a term plan to ensure their loved ones are financially protected in case something happens to them.

How does the term policy work for smokers?

A term insurance applicant is categorized as a smoker if he/she has consumed tobacco in any form in the last 12 months. Compared to a non-smoker, the term insurance premiums for a person who smokes can be almost 30%-40% higher. Smokers might sometimes prefer not telling the insurer about their smoking habit to save on the extra charge. However, if you are a smoker, it is very important to reveal the same to the insurance company.

If the applicant provides incorrect or false information regarding the same, due to fear of the high premium, the insurance company can take the following actions against them:

1. Charging them with an insurance scam
2. The policy can be nullified or declared invalid
3. The policy benefits can be denied to the insurer

Conclusion

It is better to do your own research and select a plan that offers a range of options to choose from, if you are a smoker. This is apart from the option of choosing the mode of payment, premium payment terms, term of policy and sum assured. It is important to answer all questions pertaining to lifestyle and health honestly when applying for the policy.