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Smokers urged to invest in life insurance

Date: Mon, 13 Mar 2006

Smokers are being urged to consider life insurance cover if they wish to continue the habit.

Research from PruHealth discovered that smoking is the single largest cause of illness and premature death in England. The habit has been linked to the deaths of around 83,200 people a year and can also increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

However, deciding to cut back on cigarettes could help to not only improve health but also reduce life insurance premiums. Quitting could save smokers a collective £11.9 billion. Price comparison website insuresupermarket.com estimates that it could also help to lower life insurance cover by around 51 per cent.

The average life insurance policy for a male smoker aged 35 is around £98.40 higher a year than cover for a male of the same age who does not smoke.

"Smoking seriously damages your health and wellbeing, as well as your wallet," said PruHealth medical director Chris Dark.


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Endsleigh Insurance Services Limited. Company No: 856706 registered in England at Shurdington Road, Cheltenham Spa, Gloucestershire GL51 4UE.