How Smoking Affects your Term Insurance Premium
Smoking is not just harmful to your health — it can also burn a hole in your pocket when it comes to life insurance. In the UAE, where term insurance is a preferred way to protect your family’s future, smoking impact on term insurance premium UAE typically leads to higher costs than non-smokers.
35+ Critical Illnesses
Issuance
Coverage
4.6/5
34,867
ReviewsInsurance Partners
Trusted Customers
Policies Sold
PB Promise Best
Price Guarantee
Qualified Policybazaar expert will assist you Best Term Insurance Plans in UAE
Some of the best Term Insurance quotes in UAE & Dubai are:
Why Term Insurance Premiums Increase Due to Smoking in UAE?
Smoking isn’t just a health hazard — it’s a financial one too. In the UAE and across the globe, insurance companies carefully evaluate lifestyle risks when calculating your term insurance premium.
As you can expect, smoking is one of the biggest red flags.
Smoking, by default, increases that risk because it’s closely associated with life-threatening diseases such as cancer, heart attacks, and respiratory illnesses.
Did You Know?
|
|---|
Here’s an overview of smoking’s impact on term insurance premium UAE —
| Factor | Non-Smoker | Smoker |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Premium (AED) | AED 667 - 1,370* | AED 824 – 1,720* |
| Health Risk Assessment | Standard | High-Risk |
| Medical Exam Requirement | Basic | Extensive (Lung/Heart screening) |
| Claim Scrutiny | Moderate | More Thorough |
* The premium shown is for reference only and is based on a comparison between a 31-year-old male smoker and a non-smoker for AED 1 million coverage with a 5-year policy term.
Who is Considered a Smoker in the UAE?
In the UAE, insurers take a broad view of what qualifies as ‘smoking’.
Generally, you’re considered a high-risk individual if you —
- Smoke cigarettes, cigars, or shisha
- Use vapes or e-cigarettes
- Consume chewing tobacco or pan masala
- Use nicotine patches or gums
Did You Know?
|
|---|
Additionally, insurance companies may ask you —
- Have you used any tobacco or nicotine products in the last 12 months?
- Have you ever consumed tobacco or nicotine in any form?
Answering ‘yes’ usually means you will be placed in a smoker category, based on your health and smoking intensity.
Types of Smokers
|
Category |
Description |
Premium Impact |
|---|---|---|
|
Preferred Smoker |
Smokes but otherwise fit |
Slightly higher than a non-smoker |
|
Typical Smoker |
Smokes and has minor health concerns |
Moderately high premium |
|
Table-Rated Smoker |
Heavy smoker with evident medical issues |
Very high premium |
Life Insurance Options for Smokers in UAE
Even if you smoke, don’t worry — you can still find term insurance for smokers in UAE —
1. Life Guard – Sukoon Insurance
Annual Premium: AED 1,138**
Key Features
✅ Worldwide Coverage
✅ Multiple Payment Modes & Currency Options
✅ Critical Illness Cover Available
🔁 Regular Pay Plan
Available Add-ons
- Accelerated Critical Illness
- Premium Waiver (on Permanent & Total Disability)
- Accidental Death Benefit
- Critical Illness (Accelerated/Additional)
- Permanent Total Disability (Accident only / Accident or Sickness)
- Waiver of Premium due to Disability
- Hospital Indemnity
2. Term Life – Arabia Insurance
Annual Premium: AED 1,350**
Key Features
✅ Worldwide Coverage
✅ Life Cover up to AED 1.84 Million
✅ Entry Age: 15–65 years
🔁 Regular Pay Plan
⏳ Policy Term: 15 Years or Until Age 65
Available Add-ons (Optional Riders)
- Critical Illness (Accelerated/Additional) – Costing AED 345 / AED 405**
- Accidental Death & Dismemberment – Cover of up to AED 100,000 (20-year term)
- Permanent Total Disability (Various Occupations / Cover Types) – Price range between AED 46 to AED 54**
- Waiver of Premium (Own/Any Occupation) – Cover of up to AED 100,000
3. Term Life Protect – HAYAH Insurance (formerly AXA GCIC)
Annual Premium: AED 1,478**
Key Features:
✅ Worldwide Coverage
✅ Pre-existing Disease Coverage (on approval)
✅ Medical Checkup: Based on age, cover, and health
✅ AED 1,000,000 cover from Day 1 (Accident & Sickness)
🔁 Level Term Plan
Included Riders
- Temporary Life Cover (AED 900,000)
- Passive War Risk (AED 1,000,000)
- Terminal Illness (AED 500,000)
Optional Riders
- Critical Illness (Accelerated) – AED 100,000 for AED 258.12**
- Permanent Total Disability – AED 1,000,000 for AED 147.73**
4. Live Life Now – MetLife
Annual Premium: AED 1,750**
Key Features
✅ Worldwide Coverage
✅ AED 1,000,000 cover from Day 1 (Accident & Sickness)
🔁 Level Term Plan
Included Riders
- Terminal Illness
- Medical Discount Card
- Second Medical Opinion
Optional Riders
- Critical Illness (Accelerated) – AED 183,500 for AED 339.47**
- Accidental Death Benefit – AED 1,000,000 for AED 1,150**
Did You Know?Insurers may allow premium reconsideration or allow you to apply for a fresh term plan at non-smoker rates after 12–60 months of being smoking-free. |
|---|
**For reference only — calculated for a 31-year individual who smokes. Actual costs may vary.
What Happens if You Lie About Smoking?
Lying about your smoking habits is a big red flag in insurance and can highly impact life or term insurance for smokers in UAE.
If your insurer finds out during a claim that you were dishonest —
- Your policy may be voided
- Your family’s claim could be denied
- You may face insurance fraud allegations
UAE insurers often run detailed health and medical checks when reviewing claims. Thus, you should always be transparent about your smoking habits and health conditions.
What if You Start Smoking After Buying a Plan?
If you become a smoker after buying a term plan, it’s advisable to —
- Inform your insurer to avoid future claim issues
- Understand if your premium will change
- Get a health reassessment if you're switching coverage types
Key Takeaways for Smokers in UAE
- Smoking increases your term insurance premium due to high health risks
- Disclosing your smoking status is crucial for valid claims
- You can still buy term insurance for smokers in UAE, although premiums are higher
- Quitting smoking helps reduce long-term costs and improves coverage eligibility
- Consider buying a critical illness rider to protect against tobacco-related diseases
Final Word
Choosing term insurance as a smoker is still a wise decision. The cost might be higher, but the financial protection it offers your loved ones is invaluable. Always disclose your habits truthfully and consider lifestyle changes like quitting smoking to benefit in the long run.
In the UAE, more insurers now support wellness-based policies where healthy lifestyle habits (like quitting smoking) can provide you premium discounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is term life insurance more expensive for smokers?
Smokers are at higher risk of serious illnesses like cancer and heart disease, making them riskier to insure. As a result, insurers charge higher premiums to cover potential claims.
If someone quit smoking years ago, will it still affect their premium?
If you're buying a new plan, past smoking habits may still influence the premium, depending on the insurer’s rules. Always disclose your full medical history for accurate pricing.
What if a non-smoker becomes a smoker after buying term insurance?
It’s best to inform your insurer about lifestyle changes. If you hide it and a claim arises, the insurer may deny the payout due to non-disclosure.
What happens if I lie on the insurance application?
Lying about smoking or health habits can lead to claim rejection later. Insurers verify facts during claim settlement — dishonesty may leave your family without any financial support.
Know More About Term Insurance
Know More About Other Investment Option
Other Insurance Products
Motor Insurance Dubai | Best Motor Insurance in UAE | Medical Insurance | Medical Insurance Cost | Best Investment in UAE | Life Insurance Companies in UAE | Short Term Investment in UAE
Tanvi Pathak
More From Term Insurance
- Recent Articles
- Popular Articles
Last Updated : 10 Feb 2026Term Insurance Comparison in UAE 2026: Compare Term Life Insurance Plans & RatesCompare term insurance plans in the UAE. Check term life insurance rates, riders, claim settlement ratios, and coverage to choose the right plan for your family.
Last Updated : 03 Feb 2026Top 10 Life Insurance Companies in India 2026: Best Term & Life Policies ComparedDiscover the top 10 life insurance companies in India. Compare claim settlement ratio, solvency, and the best term & life insurance policies for residents and NRIs..jpg)
Last Updated : 23 Dec 2025MetLife Insurance vs HAYAH Insurance UAE 2026: Premiums, Benefits & Coverage ComparedCompare MetLife vs HAYAH life insurance in UAE. Explore term plans, benefits, costs, coverage limits, eligibility & claims to choose the right policy.
Last Updated : 16 Dec 2025Zurich vs HAYAH Insurance UAE 2026: Premiums, Benefits & Coverage ComparedCompare Zurich vs HAYAH Insurance UAE on premiums, benefits, coverage, claims, and suitability. Find out which life insurance is better for UAE residents.
Last Updated : 11 Dec 2025Mandatory Mortgage Life Insurance in UAE: Cost, RequirementsBuying a property in the UAE? Mortgage life insurance is mandatory. Learn how it works, eligibility, cost, coverage types, benefits, and how to apply for life insurance for a home loan in the UAE.
Last Updated : 11 Dec 2025Best Term Insurance for High Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs) in UAE | High Sum Assured PlansExplore the best term insurance plans for high-net-worth individuals in the UAE. Get high sum assured coverage, legacy protection, and exclusive benefits with HNI term insurance designed for wealth preservation and family security.
Last Updated : 24 Dec 2025Best Life Insurance Companies in Dubai, UAE (2026 Updated List) Find out more about life insurance companies in the UAE and compare features and benefits offered. Buy best life insurance plan now!
Last Updated : 12 Dec 2025Best Self Employed Insurance Plans Online in UAETerm Insurance Plans for Self Employed - Know how to select the best term plan for self-employed individuals & why it is required and who needs it only at Policybazaar.ae
Last Updated : 02 Jan 2026Term Insurance for NRI | Best Term Insurance Plan for NRI in UAETerm Insurance for NRI - Compare and Buy best term insurance policies for NRI in UAE & know important things before buying the term plan for NRI in UAE.
Last Updated : 28 Oct 2025Term Insurance for Spouse in UAE - Features & BenefitsTerm Insurance for Spouse - Choose the best term insurance plan for your spouse in UAE with features & Benefits. Also, know who can buy a spouse term insurance plan.
Last Updated : 19 Sep 2025Short Term Disability Insurance | Benefits & How It WorksDiscover short term disability insurance options to safeguard your income during challenging times. Get affordable coverage tailored to your needs!
Last Updated : 12 Dec 2025Top Life Insurance Plans for Expats in the UAE: Protect Your Family's FutureDiscover the best life insurance options for expatriates in the UAE. Learn about key benefits, top plans, and essential tips to secure financial protection for your loved ones.
