Is Vaping Considered Smoking for Insurance Purposes?

What is Vaping?

Vapes, vaporizers, vape pens, hookah pens, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes or e-cigs), and e-pipes are some of the many terms used to describe electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). ENDS are noncombustible tobacco products, according to U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

Is Vaping Considered Smoking for Insurance Purposes?

Many smokers often use vaping devices as a transition away from smoking. However, some studies show that smokers who use them are actually less likely to quit. Hence the question: is vaping considered smoking for insurance purposes, given electronic alternatives contain lower toxins than traditional tobacco cigarettes?

Based on the FDA’s definition, traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes are in the same category. Insurance companies also take that into consideration and treat you the same as traditional smokers. This typically translates into you receiving higher insurance rates than non-smokers for your health and life insurance policies.

Many e-cigarette users don’t know what to put on their insurance applications and often end up identifying themselves as non-smokers, and risk being accused of fraud.

Although most insurance companies will raise your insurance premium regardless of if you are smoking or vaping, there are some carriers that provide rate relief for vaping. Check your state insurance department to find out which carriers view vaping favorably.

EINSURANCE.com is an online insurance comparison website. We provide you with the latest insurance news and free life insurance coverage quotes to compare.

About Dale Williams

Dale Q. Williams, MBA, is a well-respected financial executive whose experience spans from insurance to investment banking. Dale has first hand underwriting experience through working for one of the largest U.S. based insurance carriers, and advisory experience from working for several bulge-bracket and middle-market investment banks. Dale also received his MBA from University of Chicago Booth School of Business, with concentrations in finance and accounting.