Life insurance - smoking

[chattykathy]

My OH has started smoking again. Am I right in assuming that if he died suddenly and there was an autopsy the insurance company would void the policy as when we took it out he wasn't smoking and pay the appropriate premiums. I've asked him to stop and I've threatened to tell the insurance company and he can pay the increased premium!
It's not fair as I'm the one who would be left to pay the mortgage etc if they refused to pay but he would get the money if I died!!!
Anyone have any advice on this?

[hc4361]

Now this is not straightforward. There is clear cases of insurers having to pay out if a non smoker took out life insurance then started smoking some time after:

Ian Williams of Cavendish Online says: 'Once the policy is up and running, the price will not change. The policy will only be invalidated if it could be proven by the insurer that the client had smoked within the 12 months prior to the application.'

As long as the medical records show the policy-holder had taken up smoking after the plan started, the insurer should pay out as usual.

Read more: http://www.thisismone...e_id=36#ixzz1GoIu2kjV

You will need to scrutinise the small print and if it gives any indication that any changes in circumstances should be notified, it is highly likely resuming smoking will affect the pay out.

For your peace of mind, persuade him to talk to the insurers bearing in mind the payment may be increased.

[R1Geezer]

hc4361 is correct above, the one thing that worries me though is the word "again". If they can show he was in fact a smoker at the time the policy was started then they may well refuse to payout.

[chattykathy]

No, he wasn't smoking at the time and hadn't for about two years!!! Any ex smoker will tell you they are tempted for years after and he succumbed!!! I could kill him myself but the insurance wouldn't pay out for that either!!
Thanks for your help and advice, it's reassured me but I'll check the small print!

[beau123]

This happened to me I would definately let your insurance company know, my partner died he ticked he hadnt smoked in what he believed to be 12 months but was actually about 6 months on his medical records and the insurance company didnt pay out, I have two small children and im now struggling to pay my mortgage.