Is life insurance more expensive for smokers in Ontario?

Yes. Smokers are quoted a higher premium than non-smokers for identical coverage, age and term. The exact uplift varies by insurer, which is why comparing all carriers on the same profile matters. Sample rates are subject to underwriting.

Does vaping count as smoking for life insurance?

At many insurers, yes — nicotine use including most vaping is often rated in the smoker class. The underwriting question differs by carrier, so answer each insurer's exact question honestly and compare the resulting rate class.

Can I get non-smoker rates if I quit?

Most carriers allow re-application for the non-smoker class after 12 continuous months without nicotine. The new premium is set at your current age. Confirming each carrier's look-back window before you apply is the reliable way to know.

Can a smoker get no-medical life insurance in Ontario?

Yes. Simplified-issue products, such as Canada Protection Plan's, ask fewer health questions and are underwritten separately. They usually cost more than medically underwritten coverage for the same benefit, but they remain an option when smoking or other health factors make full underwriting difficult.

Should I wait to buy until I quit?

Generally no. Buying now locks coverage at your current age and your family is protected immediately. You can re-apply for the non-smoker rate later once you qualify, at your then-current age. Waiting leaves a gap with no coverage in the meantime.

What term should a smoker choose in Ontario?

The term should match the number of years you need the coverage — a mortgage or income-replacement window — not your smoking status. Smoking affects the price, not the right length. Compare sample rates, subject to underwriting.

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Life insurance for smokers in Ontario

By Habib Ur Rehman Bhatti, Ontario life insurance advisor · Published 2026-09-12 · Last updated 2026-09-12

Smokers are quoted a higher premium than non-smokers for the same coverage, because smoking is one of the strongest mortality predictors an insurer prices on. But the spread between insurers is wide, and comparing all seven carriers on one profile matters more for smokers than for almost anyone else.

See every coverage amount side by side in life insurance in Ontario — sample rates by age.

How smoking changes your premium

Insurers place each applicant in a smoker or non-smoker rate class based on tobacco or nicotine use. The smoker class carries a meaningfully higher premium for the same age, coverage and term. The exact uplift varies by insurer and by how recent the nicotine use is — some carriers also ask about cigars, chewing tobacco, vaping and nicotine replacement.

What counts as a smoker to an insurer

Most carriers define a smoker as any use of tobacco or nicotine in the past 12 months, including cigarettes, cigars, chew and many vaping products. Each insurer's underwriting question is slightly different, so the same applicant can land in a different rate class at different carriers. That difference is exactly why comparison matters.

When a smoker can get non-smoker rates

Most carriers let you re-apply for the non-smoker class after 12 continuous months without nicotine. The premium drops at that point, but the new rate is set at your current age — so quitting earlier locks the saving sooner. A few carriers use a shorter look-back window, so confirm the exact question before you apply.

What smokers should compare

Compare all seven insurers on the same profile rather than taking the first quote. Compare term length too, and consider the no-medical route: if health is a concern alongside smoking, Canada Protection Plan's simplified products are underwritten separately and are shown on their own page. Every figure on this site is a sample rate, subject to underwriting.

Questions

Is life insurance more expensive for smokers in Ontario?: Yes. Smokers are quoted a higher premium than non-smokers for identical coverage, age and term. The exact uplift varies by insurer, which is why comparing all carriers on the same profile matters. Sample rates are subject to underwriting.
Does vaping count as smoking for life insurance?: At many insurers, yes — nicotine use including most vaping is often rated in the smoker class. The underwriting question differs by carrier, so answer each insurer's exact question honestly and compare the resulting rate class.
Can I get non-smoker rates if I quit?: Most carriers allow re-application for the non-smoker class after 12 continuous months without nicotine. The new premium is set at your current age. Confirming each carrier's look-back window before you apply is the reliable way to know.
Can a smoker get no-medical life insurance in Ontario?: Yes. Simplified-issue products, such as Canada Protection Plan's, ask fewer health questions and are underwritten separately. They usually cost more than medically underwritten coverage for the same benefit, but they remain an option when smoking or other health factors make full underwriting difficult.
Should I wait to buy until I quit?: Generally no. Buying now locks coverage at your current age and your family is protected immediately. You can re-apply for the non-smoker rate later once you qualify, at your then-current age. Waiting leaves a gap with no coverage in the meantime.
What term should a smoker choose in Ontario?: The term should match the number of years you need the coverage — a mortgage or income-replacement window — not your smoking status. Smoking affects the price, not the right length. Compare sample rates, subject to underwriting.

See our rate sources and methodology and FSRA consumer resources. Browse sample profiles or all insurance guides.

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