Are you looking for affordable chewing tobacco life insurance options? You’re not alone. Many tobacco chewers face pay higher premiums, without knowing there are better options. Companies like Prudential and Lincoln offer non-smoker rates on term life insurance and permanent life insurance for chewing tobacco users.
Here are your absolute best options and tips on how you can save on life insurance premiums if you chew tobacco.
Life Insurance and Chewing Tobacco Rates
When applying for life insurance, most companies treat tobacco chewers the same as smokers, resulting in significantly higher premiums. This is because insurance companies view any form of tobacco use as a heightened risk for health complications, including heart disease, cancer, and other serious conditions. However, some companies make exceptions for chewing tobacco users, offering non-smoker rates even though tobacco is still being consumed. This is your opportunity to pay lower premiums if you know which companies to consider.
Why Smokers Pay More for Life Insurance
Smokers, whether they smoke cigarettes, smoke cigars, or use smokeless tobacco products like chewing tobacco, generally face much higher life insurance premiums. This is due to the direct correlation between tobacco use and serious health issues. For example:
- Smokers have a higher risk of lung, throat, and mouth cancer.
- Tobacco use increases the risk of heart disease, respiratory problems, and stroke.
- Long-term smokers also face an increased risk of chronic illnesses like emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Because of these risks, insurance companies categorize smokers into higher-risk groups, which leads to increased premiums. The price difference can be substantial, with smokers paying up to two or three times the rates that non-smokers pay for the same coverage.
How Chewing Tobacco Affects Life Insurance Premiums
Although chewing tobacco carries many of the same risks as smoking, including cancer of the mouth, throat, and pancreas, some insurance companies distinguish between the two. A handful of companies recognize that the risks of chewing tobacco are different from smoking and, therefore, offer non-smoker rates to users of smokeless tobacco products. This can result in significant savings for those who chew tobacco but are otherwise healthy.
Let’s take a closer look at how life insurance companies vary their rates. The quotes below are for a $1,000,000, 20 year term life policy on a 35 year old male that chews tobacco.
| Insurance Company | Non-Smoker Rate (Monthly) | Chewing Rate (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| $46 | $46 |
| $45 | $45 |
| Corebridge | $43 | $203 |
| Banner Life | $44 | $204 |
| Protective | $44 | $267 |
| Pacific Life | $44 | $224 |
This chart shows that smokers pay much more than non-smokers pay for a standard 20-year term life insurance policy. While most insurers automatically classify all tobacco chewers as smokers, Lincoln and Prudential can provide substantial savings to individuals who chew tobacco.
Why Do Tobacco Chewers Pay Higher Life Insurance Rates?
Using smokeless tobacco like chewing or dipping comes with significant health risks, according to the American Cancer Society. These risks include cancers of the mouth, esophagus, and pancreas, which directly affect life insurance premiums. Even though some insurers offer lower rates, many still classify chewing tobacco users similarly to smokers due to the nicotine and harmful chemicals involved.
Chewing tobacco users should understand these risks and how they influence insurance rates. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce premiums, like finding companies that specialize in insuring tobacco chewers.
How Prudential and Lincoln Offer Non-Smoker Rates for Chewing Tobacco Users
Prudential and Lincoln Financial are two of the top life insurance companies offering non-smoker rates to chewing tobacco users. Prudential even extends these rates to pipe and cigar smokers. This liberal underwriting policy can significantly reduce your life insurance rates, provided you meet other health criteria.
For accurate quotes, it’s essential to be upfront about your tobacco use. During the underwriting process, most insurers will require a medical exam that includes blood and urine tests to check for nicotine. If you don’t disclose your smokeless tobacco use, and the tests reveal nicotine, your application may be declined.
Ratings and Strengths of Prudential and Lincoln Financial
Both Prudential and Lincoln Financial are highly regarded in the insurance industry, offering strong financial stability and customer service. Their reputation makes them attractive options for anyone looking for life insurance, especially for tobacco users seeking non-smoker rates.
Prudential Financial Ratings and Strengths
Prudential has been a leader in the life insurance industry for over a century. It is one of the most financially secure life insurance companies, which gives policyholders confidence in the long-term stability of their coverage. Prudential’s liberal underwriting for tobacco chewers and non-smoker rates for cigar and pipe users make it an appealing choice for many.
- A.M. Best Rating: A+ (Superior)
- Standard & Poor’s Rating: AA- (Very Strong)
- Moody’s Rating: Aa3 (High Quality)
Prudential is known for its customer-focused policies and competitive pricing, making it an excellent option for individuals who use smokeless tobacco but want non-smoker rates. Its financial ratings reflect its ability to meet policyholders’ claims over the long term.
Lincoln Financial Ratings and Strengths
Lincoln Financial is another major player in the life insurance market with over 115 years of experience. Like Prudential, Lincoln also offers non-smoker rates to tobacco chewers, making it a competitive choice for those who qualify. Lincoln is well-regarded for its financial strength, stability, and comprehensive life insurance offerings.
- A.M. Best Rating: A+ (Superior)
- Standard & Poor’s Rating: AA- (Very Strong)
- Moody’s Rating: A1 (Upper Medium Grade)
Lincoln Financial is recognized for its robust portfolio of life insurance products, including term and universal life insurance policies. Its strong ratings from top financial rating agencies show that it has a solid financial foundation, ensuring policyholders that their claims will be honored.
Both Prudential and Lincoln Financial provide peace of mind through their exceptional financial strength, making them top contenders for anyone seeking life insurance. Their willingness to offer non-smoker rates to chewing tobacco users sets them apart from many other insurers in the market.
Ratings and Strengths of Prudential and Lincoln Financial
Both Prudential and Lincoln Financial are highly regarded in the insurance industry, offering strong financial stability and customer service. Their reputation makes them attractive options for anyone looking for life insurance, especially for tobacco users seeking non-smoker rates.
| Insurance Company | A.M. Best Rating | Standard & Poor’s Rating | Moody’s Rating | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prudential Financial | A+ (Superior) | AA- (Very Strong) | Aa3 (High Quality) |
|
| Lincoln Financial | A+ (Superior) | AA- (Very Strong) | A1 (Upper Medium Grade) |
|
Both Prudential and Lincoln Financial provide peace of mind through their exceptional financial strength, making them top contenders for anyone seeking life insurance. Their willingness to offer non-smoker rates to chewing tobacco users sets them apart from many other insurers in the market.
FAQs About Life Insurance for Chewing Tobacco Users
What is the best life insurance for chewing tobacco users?
Many companies, like Prudential and Lincoln, offer non-smoker rates for tobacco chewers. Shopping around can help you find the best policy for your needs.
Why do life insurance rates increase for tobacco users?
Tobacco use, including smokeless forms like chewing tobacco, is linked to serious health risks, prompting insurers to charge higher premiums.
Can I get a non-smoker rate if I use smokeless tobacco?
Yes, companies like Prudential offer non-smoker rates for smokeless tobacco users. However, not all insurers follow this policy. Compare rates using our life insurance calculator.
What health risks associated with chewing tobacco affect life insurance premiums?
Chewing tobacco increases the risk of cancers, such as mouth, esophagus, and pancreas cancers, which life insurers factor into premiums. Learn more about how life insurance companies assess health risks on our site.
How can I lower my life insurance premiums if I chew tobacco?
By selecting an insurer that offers non-smoker rates for tobacco chewers and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can lower your premiums. Start comparing quotes with our life insurance quoter on this page.
Conclusion
In summary, while the health risks associated with chewing tobacco can lead to higher life insurance premiums, there are ways to find more affordable options. By being informed and choosing the right insurer, such as Prudential or Lincoln, you can mitigate these costs and secure a policy that fits your needs.
If you’re ready to explore your options, start by comparing quotes from different insurers, and use our life insurance quoter to find the best rates for your specific situation. Don’t let tobacco use prevent you from getting the coverage you need to protect your family’s future.
