31 January 2020

Smoking’s well documented risks mean smokers face higher premiums than non-smokers, but did you know vaping could cost you the same?

Vaping devices, which are growing in popularity, heat a liquid creating an aerosol (vapour) that users can inhale.

Vaping is often viewed as a less harmful alternative to smoking tobacco, and as a way to help smokers quit.

However, the long-term health effects aren’t well documented, and odds are vaping won’t work in your favour when it comes to life insurance premiums.

Most insurance companies view vaping and vaporiser use and smoking as one and the same.

In New Zealand, you are still considered a smoker if you use electronic cigarettes and vaping devices, even if you don’t use traditional tobacco products at all.

You’ll often find vaping is now specifically referenced in the ‘Do you smoke?’ question on your application.

But that’s not to say you are stuck with higher premiums forever.

If you have stopped vaping and/or smoking tobacco for more than 12 months, you can apply for a non-smokers rate, potentially saving yourself thousands in premiums if you are accepted as a non-smoker.

If you were thinking of quitting smoking, e-cigarettes or vaping you can visit SmokeFree.org.nz for some helpful advice on where to start.

If you want to talk to an adviser about your life insurance policy, you can find one here.