Paying for More than that Carton – The Often-Overlooked Costs of Cigarette Smoking

Walking into a convenience store and purchasing a pack (or carton) of cigarettes and a new pack of lighters are the obvious costs associated with smoking cigarettes. However, there are other costs that people do not always think of (or immediately link to) when they ask themselves what smoking costs them. Health costs and insurance premiums are just two of the most obvious.

Life and health insurance premiums

One area where smokers pay more is more life and health insurance. For example, a smoker who is 30 years old can pay anywhere from 16 to 41% higher insurance premiums that a non-smoker according to data from Assurant Health.

That can add up to substantial out of pocket expenses. In addition to health insurance premiums being higher, a smoker's lifespan tends to be shorter, which is why life insurance costs can be nearly double that of a non-smoker's. This rate increase could mean thousands more dollars per year.

Health care costs

It's also true that smokers are at a higher risk for catching colds and sinus infections, which of course leads to more expenses for medication and doctors' visits. Of course, cigarette smoking can put someone at a higher risk for cancer, cardiovascular disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, which carry a high cost, even with good health insurance.

Smokers also tend to have higher dental costs as smoking cigarettes has been linked to gum disease (periodontitis).

Other insurance premium costs

While not typically thought of as being connected to smoking, other insurance premiums can be increased as well. Homeowner's insurance can be higher because some may see smoking in the home as higher risk of house fire. In addition, car insurance can be higher. Statistics show that smokers get into more accidents, resulting in higher insurance rates. This higher risk of a car accident is caused by distractions such as lighting the cigarette, dropping lit cigarettes, or scrambling around looking for a lighter.

Loss of income

As already mentioned, smokers have a higher likelihood of illness, and as such, may miss more days of work. This of course means less income. Various statistics also show that a smoker's Social Security and pension contributions are much less than a non-smoker's, which of course means less income during retirement.

 Moreover, statistics show that, on average, smokers pay less into Social Security and pensions because they work less than non-smokers do. As a result, when they retire, they will receive less money.

Benefits of stopping smoking

If you are currently a smoker, then trying to stop smoking can benefit you in several ways. First, your budget will appreciate it. More importantly, you can greatly reduce your chances of developing any of the conditions linked to smoking.

Smokeless cigarettes provide an alternative way to get the nicotine your body craves at a much lower cost. Although there are upfront costs to get started, they do level out over time.

SouthBeach offers several kinds of smokeless cigarette starter kits that provide you with all the tools you need. In addition to offering starter kits and other accessories, you can browse our blog and knowledge center to learn more about the world of vaping and smokeless cigarettes.