How do smoking and lifestyle choices affect my life insurance premiums?

Smoking and lifestyle choices dramatically impact life insurance premiums in Australia. Smokers typically pay 2-3 times more than non-smokers for the same coverage due to significantly higher health risks. Australian insurers define 'smoker' broadly: regular cigarette smoking, cigar or pipe smoking, vaping or e-cigarettes (treated the same as smoking by most insurers), use of nicotine patches or gum (some insurers classify this as smoking), and marijuana smoking (treated as smoking even if tobacco isn't involved). To qualify for non-smoker rates, you typically must not have used any tobacco or nicotine products for 12 months, and insurers may require nicotine testing. Other lifestyle factors affecting premiums include dangerous hobbies like skydiving, rock climbing, scuba diving, motor racing, cave diving, and BASE jumping, which can increase premiums by 25-200% or be excluded entirely. High-risk occupations such as mining, commercial fishing, police work, firefighting, and military service result in premium loadings. Excessive alcohol consumption increases premiums or leads to coverage restrictions. Obesity (BMI over 35) can increase premiums by 50-100% or more. Foreign travel to high-risk countries might require additional premiums or temporary coverage exclusions. However, positive lifestyle changes can reduce your premiums: if you quit smoking for 12+ months, you can request reclassification to non-smoker rates (may require medical testing), weight loss that brings BMI into healthy ranges may qualify for premium reductions, and giving up dangerous hobbies can remove loadings. Always disclose lifestyle factors honestly – non-disclosure can void your policy. Some Australian insurers offer discounts for particularly healthy lifestyles, gym memberships, or annual health check participation.