Alyssa Lane
Tobacco use is considered a health risk by insurance companies, and as a result, smokers are often required to pay higher premiums. However, cigar smokers are not always classified as smokers for insurance purposes. Many life insurance companies define an occasional cigar smoker as someone who smokes up to one cigar per month, with some extending this to four per month, and under these terms, the smoker is rated as a non-tobacco user. Nevertheless, insurance companies have different criteria for classifying tobacco users, and some may be stricter than others. It is important to note that providing false information on an insurance application is considered insurance fraud and can result in penalties or claim denials.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Occasional cigar smokers | Considered a non-tobacco user by some insurers |
| Cigar smoking frequency | Most insurers define this as one cigar per month, but some allow up to four per month |
| Cigar-friendly insurers | Prudential, Lincoln National, John Hancock, Corebridge Financial, Banner Life, AIG, and ING |
| Best rates for cigar smokers | Prudential's Non-Smoker Plus rate |
| Lab tests | Negative urine and blood tests are required by most insurers |
| Medical records | Must not contradict cigar frequency |
| Other tobacco use | May limit choice of insurers |
| Age | Over 40s and 50s can still get good rates |
| Health issues | Any health issues associated with smoking may factor into your health exam and life insurance rate |
| No medical exam | No-medical-exam life insurance for smokers is an option if you have trouble qualifying for standard insurance |
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What You'll Learn
Cigar smokers are rarely classified as smokers for insurance purposes
Insurance companies consider the frequency of cigar smoking, other tobacco use, and lab results from paramed exams and/or medical records. To qualify for non-smoker rates, most life insurance companies require the applicant to be tobacco-free for at least 12 months. Some companies may even offer non-smoker rates to cigar users as long as they admit to it on the application and their medical exam results come back negative for nicotine.
The right insurance company can save cigar smokers hundreds of dollars a year. For example, a 40-year-old male who smokes one cigar per month might be classified as Preferred Plus by one company but only get a Preferred Tobacco rate from another, making a difference of nearly $93 per month.
It is important to note that different insurance companies have different criteria for categorizing tobacco users and setting their rates. Some might be more lenient with cigar smokers because they have different underwriting guidelines or because they are targeting a specific market niche. Choosing an insurer that is cool about celebratory cigars can help cigar smokers find the best rates.
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Cigar smoking frequency and insurance rates
Cigar smoking is considered a risk factor by insurance companies, and it can impact life insurance rates. However, the impact of cigar smoking on insurance rates depends on several factors, including the frequency of cigar smoking, the insurance company's criteria, and the individual's health status.
Most life insurance companies define an occasional cigar smoker as someone who smokes one cigar per month. Some carriers have liberalized their rules to allow up to four cigars per month, classifying these individuals as non-tobacco users for insurance purposes. It is important to note that different insurance companies have different criteria for categorizing tobacco users and setting their rates. Some companies might be more lenient with cigar smokers due to their underwriting guidelines or target market niche.
The rate class assigned to a cigar smoker depends on the chosen insurance company and the frequency of cigar smoking. For example, smoking one cigar per month could result in different risk classifications, ranging from Preferred Plus to a Standard rate. If an individual smokes one cigar per week, has no positive lab results in the past 12 months, and has no other type of tobacco use in the past five years, they may be eligible for cheap life insurance rates from cigar-friendly companies.
To obtain non-smoker life insurance rates as a cigar smoker, it is recommended to work with an independent agent specializing in life insurance for cigar smokers. These agents understand the nuances of different companies' underwriting guidelines and can match individuals with the most favourable rates based on their cigar usage. It is crucial to be honest and upfront about cigar smoking frequency and to provide consistent information in medical records and lab results.
In summary, cigar smoking frequency plays a significant role in determining life insurance rates. Occasional cigar smoking, typically defined as one to four cigars per month, may qualify individuals for non-tobacco user rates with certain insurance companies. However, it is important to shop around, disclose cigar smoking habits, and work with independent agents to find the most suitable and affordable coverage.
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Health risks of cigar smoking
Cigar smoking is associated with various health risks. Cigars contain the same toxic, addictive, and carcinogenic compounds as cigarettes, making them an unsafe alternative. Even without inhalation, cigar smokers expose their lips, mouth, tongue, throat, and larynx to smoke and carcinogens, leading to similar oral and oesophageal cancer risks as cigarette smokers. Additionally, swallowing saliva containing tobacco smoke exposes the oesophagus to carcinogens. A single cigar can contain as much nicotine as a pack of cigarettes, and this nicotine can be absorbed through the lining of the mouth, leading to addiction.
Cigar smoke has higher levels of cancer-causing substances than cigarette smoke due to the fermentation process, which produces high concentrations of nitrosamines. As a result, regular cigar smokers have a significantly higher risk of cancers of the mouth, larynx, and oesophagus than non-smokers.
The health risks of cigar smoking are not limited to cancer. Similar to cigarette smokers, cigar smokers are at risk of developing respiratory problems and heart disease. The toxic and cancer-causing chemicals in cigar smoke are harmful to both smokers and non-smokers, with cigar smoke possibly being more toxic than cigarette smoke.
While life insurance companies typically classify applicants as tobacco or non-tobacco risks, cigar smokers may receive more lenient treatment. Some companies consider occasional cigar smoking, defined as up to four cigars per month, as non-tobacco use. However, this classification depends on various factors, including lab results, medical records, and the frequency of cigar smoking. To obtain non-smoker rates, most life insurance companies require applicants to be tobacco-free for at least 12 months.
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Insurance fraud and cigar smoking
Cigar smokers are typically offered non-smoker life insurance rates, provided they smoke infrequently. Most insurance companies define "occasional" cigar smoking as once per month, though some have relaxed their rules to allow up to four per month. To be considered a non-smoker, one must also not have used any tobacco products in the last five years and test negative for nicotine in blood and urine samples.
However, insurance fraud can occur when cigar smokers misrepresent their tobacco use or provide false information on their insurance applications. For example, lying about smoking history or providing inaccurate information about tobacco use can result in claim denials or legal consequences due to insurance fraud. It is important to note that nicotine can remain detectable in urine tests for up to four days and up to 12 months in hair tests.
A well-known urban legend illustrates the potential consequences of insurance fraud involving cigar smoking. In this tale, a man insures his cigars against fire and then attempts to collect on the policy after smoking them. While the man initially succeeds in his scheme, he is eventually arrested and charged with arson. This story has circulated online and in various media forms, serving as a cautionary tale about the risks of insurance fraud.
To avoid insurance fraud, it is crucial to be honest and accurate when providing information to insurance companies. Working with an independent agent specializing in life insurance for cigar smokers can help individuals navigate the nuances of different companies' underwriting guidelines and find the most favourable rates based on their cigar usage.
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Cigar-friendly insurance companies
Life insurance companies often classify applicants as either smokers or non-smokers based on their tobacco use. While many insurance companies do not differentiate between a casual cigar smoker and a daily user, some cigar-friendly insurers recognize that infrequent cigar use carries a lower health risk than daily cigarette smoking. These insurers may allow occasional cigar smokers to qualify for non-smoker rates, provided they meet certain conditions.
To find the best life insurance policy, it is recommended to work with an independent insurance broker who has access to multiple insurers and can help match your smoking habits, health profile, and financial needs with a policy that offers the most favourable rates.
Some cigar-friendly insurance companies include:
- Prudential
- Lincoln National
- John Hancock
- Corebridge Financial
- Banner Life
- Metropolitan Life
- Equitable Life
- AIG
- ING
These companies may offer non-smoker rates to cigar smokers, provided they meet certain conditions, such as not testing positive for cotinine (metabolized nicotine) in a urinalysis test or having no other type of tobacco use in the past five years.
It is important to note that the classification process varies by insurer and can significantly affect premiums. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how life insurance companies define smoking habits when seeking cigar-friendly insurance.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cigars are considered tobacco on insurance.
Insurance providers will typically ask you to disclose your tobacco use habits when applying for insurance. They may also require you to undergo a medical examination, including blood and urine tests, which can detect nicotine.
Cigar smoking is generally considered a lifestyle risk factor, which can result in higher insurance premiums. However, the impact on your rates may depend on the frequency of cigar smoking and the specific policies of your insurance company. Some insurers may offer non-tobacco rates to occasional cigar smokers.
The definition of occasional cigar smoking varies among insurance companies. Some consider it as smoking one cigar per month, while others allow up to four per month to qualify as a non-tobacco user.
To find the best insurance rates, it is recommended to shop around and compare rates from different insurance providers. Working with an independent agent specializing in life insurance for cigar smokers can help you find the most favorable rates based on your cigar usage.
