Burial Insurance for Smokers
Burial Insurance for Smokers
If you smoke cigarettes, cigars, or use tobacco in other forms, you may wonder whether affordable burial insurance is still possible. The answer is yes. At Diversified Insurance Brokers, we help clients every day secure coverage—even at non-smoker rates in some cases. Unlike traditional life insurance, burial insurance is designed to approve more people with health or lifestyle risks, including smoking.
We know which carriers will be more lenient depending on whether you smoke cigarettes daily, only have an occasional cigar, or use alternatives like chew or vaping. In fact, many burial insurance providers offer high-risk life insurance options for those who have been declined elsewhere, but burial insurance often does not require exams or lab work at all.
Instant Burial Insurance Quotes
See how much burial insurance costs as a smoker. Enter your details, compare plans, and lock in day-one protection today.
How Carriers Classify Smokers
Each burial insurance company has its own definition of “smoker.” Some consider any nicotine use as smoker status, while others separate cigarettes from cigars, chew, or vaping. A few carriers even offer non-smoker rates if your use is limited to cigars, chewing tobacco, or occasional vaping.
For cigarette users, premiums may be higher, but coverage is still available with day-one benefits. If you’ve been told that smoking automatically means declines, that’s not the case in the burial insurance market.
Why Burial Insurance Works for Smokers
Burial insurance is built to be simple. No exams, no labs—just health questions. Carriers expect to insure people with risk factors, including tobacco use. That’s why most applicants, even daily smokers, can still get approved. Premiums may be slightly higher, but the peace of mind is worth it knowing final expenses are covered.
Clients managing other health conditions—like diabetes with complications or high blood pressure—often find burial insurance to be the most realistic and affordable option.
Case Study: Smoker Approved with Day-One Coverage
Client Profile: A 59-year-old woman who smoked half a pack per day wanted $15,000 in burial insurance. She had been denied standard life insurance due to her smoking history.
Outcome: We found a burial insurance carrier that approved her immediately with no waiting period. Premiums were slightly higher than for a non-smoker, but she secured permanent coverage and locked in her rates for life. Her family will never have to worry about final expenses.
Other Lifestyle Factors Carriers Consider
- Type of Tobacco: Cigarettes are rated differently than cigars, chew, or vaping.
- Frequency of Use: Occasional users may qualify for non-smoker rates.
- Age: Older applicants pay more, but smoking doesn’t always add large surcharges.
- Other Health Conditions: Issues like COPD or emphysema will weigh more heavily than smoking alone.
Even if you use multiple forms of tobacco, we can match you to the most lenient carrier available. Our access to 75+ carriers ensures that we don’t just rely on one option.
FAQs: Burial Insurance for Smokers
Can smokers get burial insurance?
Yes. Most smokers can qualify for burial insurance, often with day-one coverage.
Do smokers pay more for burial insurance?
Yes, cigarette smokers often pay higher premiums, but rates are still affordable.
Can cigar or vape users get non-smoker rates?
Yes. Many carriers classify occasional cigars, chew, or vaping as non-smoker.
Is there a waiting period for smokers?
Not always. Many carriers offer immediate day-one coverage for smokers.
Do smokers need a medical exam?
No. Burial insurance is simplified issue—no exams, just health questions.
What if I quit smoking recently?
Some carriers require you to be tobacco-free for 12+ months to qualify as a non-smoker.
Can smokers with COPD get approved?
Yes, but options are limited and premiums may be higher. We’ll find the best-fit carrier.
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About the Author:
Jason Stolz, CLTC, CRPC, is a senior insurance and retirement professional with more than two decades of real-world experience helping individuals, families, and business owners protect their income, assets, and long-term financial stability. As a long-time partner of the nationally licensed independent agency Diversified Insurance Brokers, Jason provides trusted guidance across multiple specialties—including fixed and indexed annuities, long-term care planning, personal and business disability insurance, life insurance solutions, and short-term health coverage. Diversified Insurance Brokers maintains active contracts with over 100 highly rated insurance carriers, ensuring clients have access to a broad and competitive marketplace.
His practical, education-first approach has earned recognition in publications such as VoyageATL, highlighting his commitment to financial clarity and client-focused planning. Drawing on deep product knowledge and years of hands-on field experience, Jason helps clients evaluate carriers, compare strategies, and build retirement and protection plans that are both secure and cost-efficient.
