Clearing the Air: A Guide to Life Cover for Smokers in South Africa

If you smoke, vape, or occasionally enjoy a social cigarette, you have probably noticed that life insurance feels more expensive. You are not imagining things, and you are certainly not alone. In South Africa, where smoking remains prevalent despite public health campaigns, insurers take a decidedly different view of applicants who use tobacco products . Understanding why this happens, how much more you can expect to pay, and what you can do about it is essential for securing the right cover without blowing your budget.

Why Smoking Matters So Much to Insurers

Life insurance is fundamentally about assessing risk. When you apply for cover, the insurer evaluates how likely you are to claim sooner rather than later. This process, called underwriting, looks at a range of factors including your age, occupation, medical history, and lifestyle habits . Among these, smoking is one of the most significant because the statistical evidence is overwhelming. Smokers have a shorter life expectancy—by as much as 10 years compared to non-smokers—and are at a much higher risk of developing serious health conditions like cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses . This elevated risk translates directly into higher premiums.

The financial impact is substantial. Industry experts indicate that smokers can pay between 50% and 100% more for life cover than non-smokers . Some sources put the figure even higher, with smokers facing premiums 50% to 80% more expensive than their tobacco-free counterparts . To put this in perspective, a non-smoker paying R500 per month for life cover could see their premium jump to R1,000 or more if they smoke. That is an additional R6,000 per year simply because of a single lifestyle choice . This loading reflects the reality that insurers expect to pay out claims on smoker policies sooner, and they price that risk into every premium.

What Counts as Smoking in the Eyes of Insurers

This is where many South Africans get caught out. The insurance industry’s definition of smoking is broad and unforgiving. It is not limited to daily cigarette consumption. If you use any nicotine delivery device—including e-cigarettes, vapes, hookah pipes, or cigars—you are classified as a smoker . Even social smoking, where you only have a cigarette on weekends or at social gatherings, places you in the smoker category. There is no distinction between a pack-a-day habit and a once-a-month indulgence . From an underwriting perspective, any tobacco or nicotine use increases your health risk, and premiums reflect that accordingly.

The rise of vaping and cannabis products has added further complexity. Many people assume that because vaping is marketed as a healthier alternative or because cannabis products are now legal, they do not need to disclose this usage. This is dangerously incorrect. According to Dr Friedel Kerchhoff, Medical Officer at Sanlam, even low-dose CBD edibles can affect how insurers assess risk . If you use CBD gummies for sleep or THC products recreationally, that information is material to your application. South African insurance law requires you to share any information that might influence the insurer’s decision. Failure to disclose these habits can have serious consequences.

The Real Cost of Non-Disclosure

It is tempting to omit your smoking or vaping habits when applying for life cover, especially if you only indulge occasionally. After all, how would they know? The answer is that insurers have ways of finding out, and the consequences of non-disclosure can be devastating for your family. If you die and a claim is submitted, the insurer will investigate. They may request medical records, conduct interviews, or even perform post-mortem toxicology tests. If traces of nicotine or cotinine (a nicotine byproduct) are found, and you applied as a non-smoker, the insurer has grounds to question the validity of your policy .

The outcomes of non-disclosure range from unpleasant to catastrophic. Your claim could be delayed while investigations take place, your premium could be adjusted retrospectively, or in the worst-case scenario, the claim could be declined entirely . Imagine your grieving family being told they will not receive the payout you promised them because of an omission on your application. This places additional stress on loved ones during an already painful time and can lead to legal disputes that drain the estate you worked so hard to build. As Sanlam’s Dr Kerchhoff puts it, “It may cost a little more now, but it could save everything in the long run” .

Beyond Life Cover: The Case for Dread Disease Insurance

For smokers, life cover is essential, but it should not be the only consideration. Given the elevated risk of serious illnesses like lung cancer, dread disease cover (also called critical illness cover) becomes particularly important. Lung cancer is among the deadliest forms of cancer in South Africa and is the leading cause of cancer deaths globally . It is often diagnosed in later stages, progresses rapidly, and is expensive to treat .

Dread disease cover pays out a lump sum upon diagnosis of a specified illness, such as cancer, heart attack, or stroke. This money can be used for private treatment, alternative therapies, travel and accommodation if treatment is far from home, or simply to replace lost income while you focus on recovery . For smokers, this type of cover provides a financial safety net that life insurance alone cannot offer. It ensures that if the worst happens, you have the resources to fight for your health without depleting your savings or burdening your family. Critical illness claims data from PPS shows that cancer is a leading cause of claims, with breast cancer and prostate cancer being the most common, but oesophageal cancer—strongly linked to tobacco use—is also a significant concern in South Africa .

What Happens When You Quit

Here is the good news: your smoking status is not permanently fixed in the eyes of insurers. If you quit smoking, you can eventually qualify for non-smoker premiums. Most insurers require that you have been smoke-free for a minimum of 12 months before they will reconsider your classification . After this period, you can contact your insurer and request a review of your premium. Be prepared to sign a non-smoker declaration, and note that the insurer reserves the right to insist on nicotine tests to verify your status . If you pass, your premiums could drop by as much as 50%, reflecting your new, lower-risk profile .

This potential saving is a powerful motivator. Quitting smoking is not just about improving your health, adding years to your life, and reducing your risk of disease. It is also about putting money back in your pocket every single month. That R6,000 per year you save on premiums could go towards a family holiday, paying off debt, or building an education fund for your children. The financial benefits compound over time, making the effort to quit one of the best investments you can make.

Practical Steps for Smokers Seeking Cover

If you are a smoker looking for life cover in South Africa, the most important step is to be honest. Disclose your smoking status fully and accurately when you apply. Yes, your premiums will be higher, but you will have the peace of mind that comes from knowing your family will be protected. Attempting to hide your habit is a gamble with stakes that are simply too high.

Next, shop around. Different insurers have different approaches to underwriting, and premiums can vary. Use comparison tools and speak to independent financial advisers who can guide you towards providers that offer competitive rates for smokers. Consider whether you need additional products like dread disease cover to address your specific risk profile. Providers like 1Life, Sanlam, PPS, and others have experience underwriting smokers and can offer tailored solutions .

Finally, if you are struggling with premium affordability, explore your options. You may be able to reduce your cover amount temporarily to lower the monthly cost, with the option to increase it again when your budget allows . Some insurers also offer wellness programmes that reward healthy behaviours with premium discounts or cashbacks, providing an incentive to make positive changes .

A Final Word

Being a smoker does not mean you cannot get quality life cover in South Africa. It simply means you will pay more for it, reflecting the very real health risks associated with tobacco and nicotine use. The key is to approach the process with honesty, understand the true cost of your habit, and recognise that quitting is not just a health decision—it is a financial one too. Whether you continue to smoke or decide to quit, ensuring that your family has financial protection should remain a priority. After all, life cover is ultimately about the people you love, and giving them security regardless of what the future holds.