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Smoking and life insurance: What you need to know

Many people probably wonder whether they can still get life insurance if they smoke. Generally speaking, smokers may still qualify for coverage, but their premiums tend to be higher than those of a non-smoker.

There is good news, Foresters FinancialTM offers a compelling incentive to quit smoking and never look back.

Benefits of quitting smoking

The potential benefits to quitting smoking can be enormous. From a health standpoint, a person may see immediate results, as they cough less and their blood pressure returns to normal. In addition, as the years go by, quitting smoking reduces the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Smoking cessation may also save an individual a significant amount of money, both on tobacco products as well as on home and life insurance premiums.

Latest tools for smoking cessation

There are a number of possible methods for quitting smoking, varying in cost as well as potential side effects. Some of the most effective tools currently are:

  • A combination of counselling (in-person or by telephone) plus medication
  • Varenicline
  • Nicotine patch
  • Nicotine gum
Other potential smoking cessation aids include self-help books, a nicotine inhaler, as well as nicotine lozenges.

Challenges associated with quitting smoking

Many smokers find quitting smoking to be difficult on a number of levels. Common challenges include:

  • Stress
  • Nicotine withdrawal
  • Weight gain and increased appetite
  • Cravings and triggers
  • Mood swings

Fortunately, these obstacles can be overcome. Depending on the challenges a person is experiencing, they may wish to consult a healthcare professional, join a support group, or engage in physical exercise.

Foresters offers a powerful incentive to quit

As a fraternal organization focused on the wellness of our members, Foresters is proud to offer a Quit Smoking Incentive Plan on our Advantage Plus1 and Non-participating whole life products.2 Smokers automatically receive lower rates for the first two years of their certificate. And if they quit within this time period, those lower premiums can continue. It’s a powerful incentive to stop smoking, giving someone the chance to live as healthier lifestyle as well as potentially save thousands of dollars.

Foresters Financial and Foresters are trade names and trademarks of The Independent Order of Foresters (a fraternal benefit society, 789 Don Mills Road, Toronto, Canada M3C 1T9) and its subsidiaries.

1Underwritten by The Independent Order of Foresters.

2Underwritten by Foresters Life Insurance Company.