In recent years, more young people in Ireland have started using e-cigarettes (vapes). This trend carries not only health consequences but also financial ones — particularly when it comes to life and health insurance.
In this blog, we want to highlight how serious this issue has become, what the risks are, and why it’s worth thinking carefully before choosing this “smoke-free” hobby.

1. The Scale of the Problem in Ireland.

• Data shows that among Irish teenagers, the percentage who have ever used an e-cigarette increased from around 23% in 2014 to about 37% in 2019.
• Regular vaping in this group rose from about 3% in 2014 to around 18% in 2019.
• Among people aged 15–24, 2022 data indicates that over 10% use e-cigarettes regularly, significantly higher than the EU average.
• According to the Irish Heart Foundation, a teenager who vapes is three to five times more likely to start smoking traditional cigarettes compared to a peer who has never used an e-cigarette.

2. Health Consequences of E-Cigarette Use.

Although e-cigarettes are sometimes promoted as a less harmful alternative to smoking, that doesn’t mean they are safe — especially for young people.

• They contain nicotine, which can negatively affect brain development in young people, leading to problems with learning and concentration.
• E-cigarette users report symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, reduced lung capacity, heart issues, and circulatory problems.
• Research confirms that people who vape are significantly more likely to switch to smoking traditional cigarettes.

As a result, young people who use e-cigarettes may already be increasing their long-term health risks, leading to a higher likelihood of chronic diseases, reduced physical fitness, and a shorter average lifespan.

3. How It Affects Life and Health Insurance Availability and Costs?

When it comes to life or health insurance, insurers take lifestyle factors into account — including the use of tobacco or nicotine products.

• In Ireland, smokers can pay around 50% more for life insurance than non-smokers.
• Example: for a 30-year-old couple with €300,000 life cover over 35 years, non-smokers might pay about €43 per month, while smokers would pay around €80 per month — nearly double.
• Insurers are increasingly treating vaping the same way as smoking, meaning that young people who vape will be classified as “smokers” when premiums are calculated.

In practice, this means that those who vape — especially young people — may:

• have more limited access to favourable insurance terms,
• pay higher premiums,
• or even be excluded from certain insurance options.

4. Why Acting Early Matters — and What You Can Do?

• The earlier you take out insurance, the lower your premium can be, since you’re younger and generally healthier. Using e-cigarettes at a young age can increase the risk of early health issues, so securing coverage early is a smart long-term decision.
• Avoiding or eliminating nicotine use (including vaping) can have real benefits — both for your health and your wallet.
• Your health is your capital — the less risk you expose your body to, the longer and more actively you can enjoy life. Your loved ones are also less likely to face financial strain caused by illness or loss of income.
• Being aware and responsible about your lifestyle choices sends a positive message — to your insurer and to yourself — that you’re proactive about your well-being.

It’s worth thinking twice before reaching for an e-cigarette, which might seem “light,” “trendy,” or “safer than a regular cigarette.” For young people in particular, vaping carries real long-term consequences — not just health-related but also financial, through higher insurance costs and reduced access to coverage.

If you currently use nicotine (in any form) and have young people around you, it’s worth reconsidering that choice.
Good health, smart habits, and thoughtful financial protection are investments in your future — not just a passing fashion.