Amending Life Assurance for smoker?

LeadFarmer

My wife has stated smoking (long story that I'm not going into here) and I'm now wondering about her life assurance cover. 
Should the worst happen, I anticipate the insurers might find out about the smoking from doctors/hospital reports, giving them reason to not pay out.
Would you agree it's worth informing the insurer and paying any increase in premiums?

TELLIT01

Assuming she was declared as a non-smoker on the original application then I would certainly inform the insurer for the reason you state.

LeadFarmer

TELLIT01 said:

Assuming she was declared as a non-smoker on the original application then I would certainly inform the insurer for the reason you state.

Yes, she was a non smoker at the time of taking out the policy.

user1977

TELLIT01 said:

Assuming she was declared as a non-smoker on the original application then I would certainly inform the insurer for the reason you state.

Surely with most policies all that matters is the information was correct at the time the policy was taken out? The policy isn't rendered invalid by you later taking up bad habits or developing illnesses, changing your job etc

maisie_cat

user1977 said:

TELLIT01 said:

Assuming she was declared as a non-smoker on the original application then I would certainly inform the insurer for the reason you state.

Surely with most policies all that matters is the information was correct at the time the policy was taken out? The policy isn't rendered invalid by you later taking up bad habits or developing illnesses, changing your job etc

Material changes always need to be disclosed, and as smoking is a primary status in life insurance it will be material.

csgohan4

maisie_cat said:

user1977 said:

TELLIT01 said:

Assuming she was declared as a non-smoker on the original application then I would certainly inform the insurer for the reason you state.

Surely with most policies all that matters is the information was correct at the time the policy was taken out? The policy isn't rendered invalid by you later taking up bad habits or developing illnesses, changing your job etc

Material changes always need to be disclosed, and as smoking is a primary status in life insurance it will be material.

New conditions or lifestyle changes  do not need to be declared for life assurance/ income protection when the policy was started before said conditions or changes happened

They would however need to be declared if you have health insurance on renewal or claim

LeadFarmer

I'm thinking worst case scenario, where I'm sure the insurance company will want to see any reports related to the death, including post mortem, especially if someone died of lung cancer caused through smoking. I would assume the insurers would refuse a payout in those circumstances, just at a time when you are most in need of financial support?

If I inform them then the premiums will no doubt increase, which is fine, or they could terminate cover. If I don't tell them could there be a chance they refuse to pay out upon death, where I will receive nothing and will have been paying the premiums for nothing?

csgohan4

LeadFarmer said:

I'm thinking worst case scenario, where I'm sure the insurance company will want to see any reports related to the death, including post mortem, especially if someone died of lung cancer caused through smoking. I would assume the insurers would refuse a payout in those circumstances, just at a time when you are most in need of financial support?

If I inform them then the premiums will no doubt increase, which is fine, or they could terminate cover. If I don't tell them could there be a chance they refuse to pay out upon death, where I will receive nothing and will have been paying the premiums for nothing?

As long as smoking Status was declared at time of application. I assume it was ex smoker status on application?

They cannot decline if you started smoking AFTER application and you were not a smoker at the time. However if you were classed as an ex smoker, they may at the time want a Cotinine test from a urine or blood sample, depending on underwriter. 

LeadFarmer

She was declared as a non smoker at time of taking out the policy. I have recently discovered she has been a bit of a secret occasional smoker for some years, how long for I don't know, an occasional menthol cigarette when stressed, followed by mouthwash has kept it secret from me.

If she was smoking at the time of taking out the policy back in 2007 then I wasn't aware. Maybe she smokes more than she lets on? Doubt she'll tell me if so. Which creates the conundrum I find myself in.

csgohan4

what matters is what is recorded on her gp notes

dunstonh

Once a life assurance policy has commenced, it doesn't matter what happens in terms of occupation, hobbies, health or whatever.  The insurer does not need to know.

However, the more common trend is for smokers to become non-smokers.  It is not that common for non smokers to take up smoking if they get through their teens to mid 20s not smoking.    So, I would not be surprised, in the event of death through a smoking-related disease for the insurer checked a bit harder as to whether she was a smoker before she applied for the insurance.

The insurer would likely invalidate the policy and refuse to pay out based on what you have said.