How much does life insurance cost in North Carolina for smokers?

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While life insurance rates vary across different age groups, smoking also has a significant impact on the cost of your premiums. Smokers typically pay much higher premiums than non-smokers because insurers consider them a higher risk to insure due to the health complications associated with smoking. Smoking is linked to serious medical conditions such as heart disease, cancer and respiratory issues, all of which can significantly shorten life expectancy.

“Being a smoker raises a red flag during the life insurance underwriting process. Actuarial data shows that tobacco use is a major health risk that can cause cancer and other serious medical issues. With all other policy rating factors being equal, smokers will pay a much higher average rate for life insurance than non-smokers – potentially two to three times the rates for a non-smoker,” says Mark Friedlander, director of corporate communications at the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I).

There are still ways to find affordable coverage by exploring different options and providers – and, over the long term, by quitting smoking. Understanding the average rates for your age group allows you to evaluate options and choose the provider and pricing that best fits your needs and budget.

Life insurance rates for smokers across different age groups in North Carolina

Regardless of your smoking status, the cost of buying life insurance increases as you age. Generally, the younger you are when you purchase coverage, the lower your premiums will be due to lower health risks and a longer expected lifespan. Getting life insurance as soon as possible can lead to significant long-term savings on coverage.

For instance, our data shows that when purchasing a $500,000 policy for a 20-year term, 35-year-old male smokers in North Carolina pay $1,706, while 65-year-old male smokers in North Carolina pay $19,768. Meanwhile, healthy 35-year-old female smokers purchasing the same policy in the same state pay $1,363 and 65-year-old female smokers pay $15,264.

While the exact amount you’ll pay for coverage will vary depending on your profile, such as your health and lifestyle choices, the tables below give you an idea of how much you can expect to pay as a smoker. Rates are based on smokers receiving a Regular health rating.

How much life insurance in North Carolina costs for $500,000 in coverage

45-year-old female smokers pay $2,965 for coverage, while 45-year-old male smokers pay $3,900

Age	Gender	$500,000 in coverage
25	Female	$917
25	Male	$1,240
30	Female	$1,061
30	Male	$1,374
35	Female	$1,363
35	Male	$1,706
40	Female	$1,962
40	Male	$2,525
45	Female	$2,965
45	Male	$3,900
50	Female	$4,283
50	Male	$5,744
55	Female	$6,468
55	Male	$8,857
60	Female	$9,882
60	Male	$13,644
65	Female	$15,264
65	Male	$19,768

How much life insurance in North Carolina costs for $750,000 in coverage

45-year-old female smokers pay $4,225 for coverage, while 45-year-old male smokers pay $5,571

Age	Gender	$750,000 in coverage
25	Female	$1,269
25	Male	$1,734
30	Female	$1,466
30	Male	$1,929
35	Female	$1,908
35	Male	$2,398
40	Female	$2,761
40	Male	$3,588
45	Female	$4,225
45	Male	$5,571
50	Female	$6,272
50	Male	$8,430
55	Female	$9,555
55	Male	$13,133
60	Female	$14,597
60	Male	$20,209
65	Female	$22,756
65	Male	$29,270

How much life insurance in North Carolina costs for $1 million in coverage

45-year-old female smokers pay $5,456 for coverage, while 45-year-old male smokers pay $7,168

Age	Gender	$1 million in coverage
25	Female	$1,594
25	Male	$2,163
30	Female	$1,862
30	Male	$2,434
35	Female	$2,430
35	Male	$3,055
40	Female	$3,540
40	Male	$4,593
45	Female	$5,456
45	Male	$7,168
50	Female	$8,069
50	Male	$10,900
55	Female	$12,235
55	Male	$16,978
60	Female	$18,256
60	Male	$25,976
65	Female	$28,643
65	Male	$37,741

How smoking impacts life insurance costs in North Carolina

Smoking has a significant impact on life insurance costs in North Carolina; insurers view smokers as a higher risk due to the health issues associated with tobacco use. As a result, smokers in North Carolina typically pay substantially higher premiums than non-smokers. Depending on the policy type and coverage amount, smokers may see rates that are double or even triple those of non-smokers in the same age group.

Insurers in North Carolina assess applicants’ smoking habits during the underwriting process, often asking about tobacco use in the past 12 months. Some companies may also require medical exams or nicotine tests to verify smoking status.

Finding affordable life insurance for smokers in North Carolina

While life insurance is often more expensive for smokers in North Carolina, there are strategies to help you find a policy that fits your budget. Start by comparing quotes from multiple insurers, as rates can vary significantly between companies. Some insurers specialize in providing competitive options for smokers, so shopping around is crucial. Additionally, consider term life insurance, which generally offers lower premiums than whole life insurance while still providing valuable coverage. Adjusting your coverage amount or term length can also help you secure a policy that aligns with your financial goals.

Tips for smokers in North Carolina to save on life insurance

For smokers looking to lower their premiums, quitting can make a significant difference. After a year or more of being smoke-free, many insurers may reclassify you as a non-smoker, potentially leading to substantial savings on your policy.

You can do this through a process called reconsideration. The reconsideration process is when you request your insurer to review your policy to see if you qualify for reduced premiums. If you’ve quit smoking for at least 12 months, many insurers will determine that you qualify for non-smoker rates. This process typically involves providing updated health information or undergoing a medical exam to verify your tobacco-free status.

This change can lead to significantly reduced rates, often making life insurance far more affordable in the long run.

Additionally, adopting healthier lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise and maintaining a balanced diet, can also positively impact your overall risk profile.

Other factors that affect the cost of life insurance in North Carolina

Age and gender: Your age plays a significant role in determining life insurance premiums, with younger individuals typically paying less due to their lower risk. Women often enjoy slightly lower rates than men because of their longer life expectancy.
Health and medical history: Insurers evaluate your current health and medical history to assess your risk. Pre-existing conditions like heart disease or diabetes can lead to higher premiums, and a family history of serious illnesses may also impact your rates.
Policy type (term vs. whole life): The type of life insurance you select affects the cost. Term life insurance is generally more affordable since it provides coverage for a specific period. Whole life insurance, offering lifelong coverage and a cash value component, tends to be more expensive.
Coverage amount and length: The cost of your policy depends on how much coverage you need and how long it lasts, as higher coverage amounts and longer terms usually result in higher premiums.
Occupation and hobbies: Your job and leisure activities can influence your rates, with high-risk occupations like firefighting or construction and hobbies like skydiving or scuba diving often leading to increased premiums.

Although life insurance rates may differ by state, factors like environmental risks or natural disasters don’t directly impact premiums. Insurers prioritize personal risk factors such as age, health, and lifestyle over regional conditions, meaning your location within North Carolina is less likely to affect your rates than your individual circumstances.

The benefits of buying life insurance early

Purchasing life insurance at a younger age often results in lower premiums, as insurers consider younger individuals healthier and less risky to insure. Locking in these lower rates early can lead to significant savings over time, making it a smart financial decision.

Another key benefit of buying life insurance early is that it offers greater flexibility. Younger applicants typically see more affordable rates on longer-term or more comprehensive policies, like whole life insurance. Starting early also allows you to adjust your coverage as your needs evolve – whether you’re growing your family, buying a home, or planning for retirement – without worrying about rising costs due to age or health changes.

Methodology

The average monthly rates presented are based CompuLife data of female and male smokers in a Regular health category purchasing a 20-year term life insurance policy with coverage amounts of $500,000, $750,000 and $1 million. Rates differ by insurer, policy term, coverage amount, health classification, and state. Note that not all policies are available in every state.

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Nupur Gambhir

Managing Editor

Nupur is a licensed life, health, and disability insurance agent and an auto and home insurance expert. She has written extensively on insurance topics for QuinStreet’s CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com as well as for Bloomberg News, Forbes Advisor, CNET, Fortune, Slate, Real Simple, Lifehacker and The Financial Gym.