Smoking, and other forms of tobacco use, are harmful to your health, and may shorten your life span. Smoking can reduce your life expectancy, which is the main reason rates for smokers are higher when it comes to life insurance.

It is not unusual for long term smokers to develop cancer of the lungs, throat or mouth. Many smokers also develop COPD or emphysema. 

Any of these chronic health conditions will shorten your life expectancy by years.

If the life insurance company ...