I can see where you're coming from, but don't forget we've known about the issues and side effects of smoking for years. COVID is still brand new. There is also the fact that if you don't have the vaccine you're potentially leaving yourself open to a serious illness which you probably won't suffer, however if you continue to smoke regularly you know with some certainty that you're increasing your chances of several cancers, heart disease, stroke etc.
Life Insurance evolves, 20 to 25 years ago you got an increase in your premiums if you were gay or bisexual. The question of your sexuality doesn't even get asked anymore (and rightly so)
Those who are HIV positive wouldn't have got any cover 10-15 years ago, now they can get Life cover (although admittedly with a higher premium).
Also now a lot of policies are sold on gender neutral rates (following EU legislation). Before you would have paid more for Life cover and critical illness cover if you were a man and more for PHI cover if you were a woman. Same rates now.