How Do UK Insurers Treat Vapers?
The majority of UK life insurers treat vapers – including e-cigarette and disposable vape users – as smokers for underwriting purposes. This means you pay smoker rates, which are typically 50%–100% higher than non-smoker premiums.
| Insurer | Vaping Classification |
|---|---|
| Aviva | Smoker |
| Legal & General | Smoker |
| Royal London | Smoker |
| AIG | Smoker |
| Vitality | Smoker |
When Can You Get Non-Smoker Rates?
Most insurers require you to be nicotine-free for 12 months before classifying you as a non-smoker. This includes:
- No cigarettes, cigars, or tobacco
- No vaping (including nicotine-free vapes at most insurers)
- No nicotine patches, gum, or other NRT products
How Much Does It Cost?
Example: 35-year-old, £200,000 level term, 25 years:
- Non-smoker rate: ~£14/month
- Smoker rate (including vaper): ~£28/month
Over 25 years, that’s approximately £4,200 more in premiums.
What If You Stop Vaping?
After 12 months nicotine-free, you can apply for a new policy at non-smoker rates – or ask your existing insurer to re-evaluate your classification. You cannot amend an existing policy retroactively, so timing your application after 12 months clean saves the most money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Most UK insurers class vapers as smokers. 12 months nicotine-free needed for non-smoker rates.
Most insurers still class nicotine-free vapers as smokers. Always declare it.