Does Nicotine Use Affect Life Insurance Rates?
- mattmims
- Mar 10
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 10
Quick Answer: Yes! Nicotine use almost always results in higher life insurance rates. But some companies treat different forms of nicotine use differently. LifeStein.com helps nicotine users find the best life insurance rates—Get a Quote Now.
How Does Nicotine Impact Life Insurance Rates?
Life insurance companies classify applicants based on their health and lifestyle risks. Since nicotine is linked to higher health risks like heart disease, stroke, and cancer, insurers generally charge higher premiums to users. LifeStein.com makes that impact less significant.
How Much More Do Nicotine Users Pay for Life Insurance?
Non-Smoker Rates: A healthy 40-year-old male can pay $30/month for a 20-year, $500,000 term policy.
Smoker Rates: The same person as a cigarette smoker may pay $150/month or more—about 5 times higher! LifeStein helps minimize this increase.
Other Nicotine Products: Rates vary widely based on the insurer. Some are more lenient toward cigars, vaping, or nicotine pouches. LifeStein knows who is more lenient than others.
Types of Nicotine Products and Their Impact on Life Insurance
1. Cigarettes
Nearly all insurers classify cigarette smokers as "tobacco users," leading to significantly higher premiums.
Some insurers offer non-smoker rates if you’ve quit smoking for 12-24 months.
Apply Now: Cigarette Smoker Life Insurance
2. Cigars
Occasional cigar smokers can sometimes qualify for non-smoker rates if they don’t use other nicotine products.
Insurers may require a negative nicotine test.
Apply Now: Cigar Smoker Life Insurance
3. Vaping & E-Cigarettes
Most insurers classify vapers as tobacco users, even if they only use nicotine-free vape juice.
Some companies may offer better rates if no other tobacco use is present.
Apply Now: Vape Life Insurance
4. Chewing Tobacco & Dip
Some insurers distinguish between smoking and smokeless tobacco.
A few companies offer non-smoker rates for dip users.
Apply Now: Dip User Life Insurance
5. Nicotine Pouches (Zyn, On!)
Many insurers still categorize these as tobacco products, but some offer better rates.
Some Zyn users can qualify for non-smoker rates depending on the insurer.
Apply Now: Zyn Life Insurance
6. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (Patches, Gum, Lozenges)
Insurers may classify you as a tobacco user if you're using these to quit smoking.
Some companies provide non-smoker rates if you've been smoke-free for over 12 months.
Apply Now: Nicotine Replacement Life Insurance
Which Life Insurance Companies Are Best for Nicotine Users?
Not all insurers treat nicotine use the same way. Here are some of the best companies for nicotine users:
Legal & General (Banner Life) – Sometimes offers non-smoker rates for occasional cigar users.
Protective Life – May offer better rates for chewing tobacco users.
Symetra – Competitive rates for vapers and occasional nicotine users.
Corebridge, Penn Mutual, and Pacific Life – Vary by case but may be lenient for some nicotine users.
Mutual of Omaha & Lincoln Financial – Good options for former smokers who have quit for 12+ months.
How to Get the Best Life Insurance Rates as a Nicotine User
Shop Around – Rates vary between insurers. LifeStein.com helps you compare policies quickly. LifeStein has access to every major life insurance company and can hep you secure the best rate in the market.
Consider a Medical Exam – If you're otherwise healthy, a medical exam could lower your rates.
Quit Nicotine (If Possible) – Many companies lower rates if you’ve been nicotine-free for 12-24 months.
Be Honest – Insurers test for nicotine. Lying on your application could result in denial of coverage or policy cancellation.
Get a Life Insurance Quote Today
Nicotine use doesn’t mean you can’t get affordable life insurance. At LifeStein.com, we specialize in helping nicotine users find the best rates. Get started today: Get a Quote.
Owner of LifeStein.com, Matt Mims: (601)-218-7854 - Call or Text
FAQs About Nicotine & Life Insurance
Can I Get Non-Smoker Rates as a Vaper?
Most insurers classify vaping as smoking, but some companies are more lenient. Contact us to find out which insurers may offer you non-smoker rates.
What If I Quit Nicotine?
Many companies offer lower rates if you have been nicotine-free for 12-24 months. If you quit recently, consider a short-term policy and reapply later for better rates.
Which Insurers Are Best for Nicotine Users?
It depends on your specific situation. That’s why we compare options for you. Get started: Get a Quote.
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