Cigarette smoking

Tobacco is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity, particularly due to cancer, heart and respiratory disease. Cigarette smoking is particularly implicated, although pipe and cigar smokers are also at risk. In Ireland, more than 7,000 people die every year from disease related to smoking and thousands more become ill from the effects of smoking. Research conducted by the Office of Tobacco Control in Ireland (2005) showed that smoking prevalence in Ireland is 24%. There is an equal number of men and women smoking in Ireland. 

There are 4,000 chemicals in a cigarette including tar - a sticky brown substance that forms when tobacco cools - this collects in the lungs and can cause cancer. Nicotine, the addictive component of the cigarette, stimulates the body to produce adrenaline, which causes an increase in both heart rate and blood pressure. Smoking affects the clotting system in the blood causing it to clot more easily and become stickier. Carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas found in tobacco, reduces the amount of oxygen available in the cells and thus makes the heart work even harder. Prognostic factors can include age, smoking history, type and current consumption levels, and the presence of any associated risk factors or complications including family history of cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, vascular or respiratory disease.

Likely acceptance terms

Life cover
Generally normal rates for up to 30 cigarettes daily. Greater than 30 cigarettes daily, +50% up.

Specified illness cover, income protection
Generally normal rates for up to 20 cigarettes a day. Greater than 20 cigarettes a day, +50% up. Terms are unlikely to be available where the applicant smokes more than 40 cigarettes a day.

Hospital cash cover, accident cover, contribution cover
Normal rates for up to 30 cigarettes per day. Otherwise cover will be declined.

Please note that likely acceptance terms are indicative only and cases are subject to full underwriting.