Do smokers pay more for life insurance in Ireland?

Yes. Smokers usually pay significantly higher premiums than non-smokers, often up to twice as much depending on age, health and the insurer.

How long do you have to stop smoking to get non-smoker life insurance?

Most insurers require you to be nicotine-free for at least 12 months before you can qualify for non-smoker rates.

Does vaping count as smoking for life insurance?

Yes. Irish insurers treat vaping the same as smoking, even if the vape contains no nicotine.

Can you change your life insurance to non-smoker rates after quitting?

Yes. Once you have been nicotine-free for 12 months you can usually apply to switch to non-smoker rates, although the process varies between insurers.

What happens if you lie about smoking on a life insurance application?

If an insurer discovers you used nicotine within the previous 12 months when the policy started, they can refuse to pay a claim or cancel the policy.

Mortgage Protection Insurance Archives

Smoking & Life Insurance in Ireland

If you smoke or vape, life insurance in Ireland can cost up to twice as much as non-smoker cover.

This guide explains how insurers define a smoker, how vaping affects premiums, and how you can switch to cheaper non-smoker rates after quitting.

Nick McGowan - QFA RPA APA Qualified Life Insurance Advisor

March 13 2026 4 min read Life Insurance Mortgage Protection Insurance

Mortgage Protection Insurance Cost in Ireland (Average Prices for 2026)

Mortgage protection in Ireland costs about €33 per month for the average first-time buyer couple.

But the real price depends on your age, mortgage size, health and which insurer you apply to.

Nick McGowan - QFA RPA APA Qualified Life Insurance Advisor

March 12 2026 Blog Mortgage Protection Insurance

Do You Need Life Insurance When Renting?

Do you need life insurance when renting?

Learn when life cover makes sense for renters and why income protection is often the bigger financial risk.

Nick McGowan - QFA RPA APA Qualified Life Insurance Advisor

March 6 2026 3 min read Mortgage Protection Insurance

What is a Loan Clause When Buying a Home in Ireland?

A subject to loan clause protects you when buying a home by allowing you to withdraw if your mortgage approval falls through before contracts are binding.

Nick McGowan - QFA RPA APA Qualified Life Insurance Advisor

5 min read Mortgage Protection Insurance

What Is Dual Life Mortgage Protection in Ireland?

Dual life mortgage protection covers two people as linked policies.

It clears the mortgage on first death and can still pay out later if the second person dies during the term.

Here’s how it works in Ireland.

Nick McGowan - QFA RPA APA Qualified Life Insurance Advisor

February 27 2026 4 min read Mortgage Protection Insurance

Life Insurance and Cannabis Use in Ireland

If you use cannabis and are applying for life insurance or mortgage protection in Ireland, disclosure is required.

Most people are accepted.

The final decision depends on frequency and which insurer reviews the application first.

Nick McGowan - QFA RPA APA Qualified Life Insurance Advisor

February 25 2026 3 or maybe 60 (depending on your state) min read Mortgage Protection Insurance

Best Mortgage Protection in Ireland (2026 Comparison Guide)

Side-by-side comparison of Ireland’s main mortgage protection insurers.

Understand underwriting differences, increase options and added benefits before you apply.

Nick McGowan - QFA RPA APA Qualified Life Insurance Advisor

7 min read Mortgage Protection Insurance

Switching Banks? Here’s What Happens to Your Mortgage Protection

If you’re switching mortgage lenders, your mortgage protection may still work but increasing the loan or extending the term can trigger new underwriting.

Here’s what to check before cancelling anything.

Nick McGowan - QFA RPA APA Qualified Life Insurance Advisor

February 19 2026 Mortgage Protection Insurance

First Time Buyer Mortgage Protection Insurance Ireland (2026 Guide)

First-time buyer and feeling overwhelmed? Let’s simplify the insurance part - what’s legally required, what’s optional, and how to avoid last-minute mortgage stress.

Nick McGowan - QFA RPA APA Qualified Life Insurance Advisor

February 17 2026 5 min read Mortgage Protection Insurance

Where Can I Get Mortgage Protection Quickly?

If you need mortgage protection urgently, it may still be possible to get cover issued quickly.

The real risk isn’t speed.

It’s rushing the application and triggering delays or underwriting issues at the worst possible moment.

Nick McGowan - QFA RPA APA Qualified Life Insurance Advisor

February 10 2026 3 min read Mortgage Protection Insurance

Life Insurance Quotes - Free and Easy!

As Ireland's leading life insurance broker, we specialise in comparing the rates and policies from the top five Irish life insurance providers and offering the very best value quotes to suit the individual needs of our clients. Our expertise lies in finding a suitable insurance plan for those with specific needs, be it a particular illness, occupation or claim history, we've got you covered in every sense!

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