If you use an e-cigarette — whether daily, occasionally, or socially — and you’re considering life insurance, mortgage protection, or income protection in Ireland, you may wonder:
“Is vaping treated differently from smoking when it comes to insurance?”
The reality is that most Irish insurers treat vaping the same way they treat smoking, and this classification can significantly impact the cost of your cover. This article explains how insurers typically define a smoker, why vaping counts, and what that might mean for your premiums.
1. How Insurers Commonly Define a Smoker
Most life insurance providers in Ireland use a 12-month nicotine-free definition for non-smoker status. This means that if you have used any nicotine in the last 12 months — even once — you are generally considered a smoker.
This includes:
- Cigarettes, cigars, rolling tobacco
- E-cigarettes and vape pens (including those marketed as “nicotine-free” if traces are possible)
- Nicotine replacement therapies such as patches, gum, or sprays
- Heated tobacco devices such as IQOS or glo
The classification is based on any use within the last year, regardless of frequency.
2. Why Vaping Is Treated the Same as Smoking
While research suggests e-cigarettes may be less harmful than traditional cigarettes, insurers rely on broad population risk data, not individual habits. Factors that influence their approach include:
- Nicotine’s impact on blood pressure and cardiovascular strain
- Limited long-term data on inhaled vapour risks
- The prevalence of dual use (vaping alongside occasional or past smoking)
From an underwriting perspective, the safest approach for insurers is to group all nicotine use into the same risk category.
3. Potential Premium Differences
Here is an example of the difference in typical monthly premiums for Level Term Life Cover in Ireland (age 35, €250,000 cover, 20-year term, non-smoker vs smoker rates):
| Provider | Non-Smoker Premium | Smoker Premium | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal London | €15.20 | €27.90 | +83% |
| Irish Life | €15.90 | €28.50 | +79% |
| Zurich Life | €15.50 | €27.20 | +75% |
| Aviva | €15.40 | €26.80 | +74% |
Over the lifetime of a policy, this cost difference can amount to several thousand euro.
4. The 12-Month Nicotine-Free Rule
If you have been completely nicotine-free for at least 12 months, insurers may reclassify you as a non-smoker.
Some providers require a new application at that point, while others — such as Royal London — allow eligible customers to sign a non-smoker declaration without reapplying. Terms and eligibility criteria vary by insurer.
5. The Importance of Accuracy in Applications
If you indicate you are a non-smoker while having used nicotine in the past 12 months, you risk invalidating your cover. Insurers may check medical records, prescription history, or use nicotine detection tests in the event of a claim. If nicotine use is confirmed, a claim could be reduced or declined.
6. Key Points for Consumers to Consider
- In most cases, vaping is treated the same as smoking for life insurance purposes in Ireland
- Premiums for smokers are typically higher than for non-smokers
- A 12-month nicotine-free period is generally required to qualify for non-smoker rates
- Eligibility criteria and reclassification processes vary between insurers
7. Final Thoughts
Understanding how insurers view e-cigarette use is important when reviewing or applying for cover. While vaping and smoking are often treated the same in underwriting, the specifics can vary between providers. This article is intended to provide general information to help you understand common industry practices, but your own situation may differ.
If you are considering applying for or reviewing a policy, speak with a qualified financial adviser or insurance broker who can review your circumstances and provide regulated advice.
Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, insurance advice, or a recommendation to purchase or change any insurance product. You should seek personalised advice from a qualified financial adviser or insurance broker before making any decisions.