Why Do Smokers Pay More For Life Insurance? 
Smokers , and other forms of tobacco use , are detrimental to your health . It is not unusual for long term smokers to develop cancer of the lungs , mouth or throat . Many develop emphysema or COPD . Any of these conditions will shorten your lifespan . If the insurance carrier believes your tobacco habit will cause you to die sooner than `` normal '' they will charge a higher rate to compensate for the additional risk . 