Life Insurance Nicotine Test: How Insurers Detect Tobacco Use (Cotinine Tests)

Want to see an instant life insurance price if you use nicotine? Click here and instantly see your top 15 prices from the entire life insurance market.

What Is a Life Insurance Nicotine Test?

When applying for life insurance, most companies require a nicotine test to determine whether you use tobacco or nicotine products. This test detects cotinine, a nicotine byproduct, in your system.

Nicotine users—including cigarette smokers, vape users, dip and chew tobacco users, cigar smokers, and Zyn or nicotine pouch users—typically face higher life insurance premiums due to health risks. In order to get the best life insurance rate, if you use one of these forms of nicotine, scroll down and look for the link that describes your nicotine use. It is below in blue.

If you’re applying for life insurance as a nicotine user, it’s essential to understand how insurers test for nicotine and what options you have.

How Life Insurance Companies Test for Nicotine

Most life insurance medical exams include a urine or blood test to detect cotinine. In some cases, saliva or hair tests may be used for longer detection windows. Here's how long nicotine stays in different tests:

• Urine Test: Detects nicotine up to 3-4 days (for occasional users) or up to 3 weeks for frequent users.

• Blood Test: Detects nicotine for 1-3 days, but cotinine may last longer.

• Saliva Test: Detects nicotine for 1-4 days.

• Hair Test: Can detect nicotine for up to 90 days, but rarely used for life insurance underwriting.

  
  

Does Life Insurance Consider Vaping, Chewing Tobacco, or Nicotine Pouches as Smoking?

Yes, most insurers classify all nicotine users as smokers, including:

• Cigarette smokers – Get the lowest life insurance rate for smokers here

• Vapers and e-cigarette users – Find vape-friendly life insurance

• Chewing tobacco and dip users – Find your best policy here

• Cigar smokers – The best cigar smoker life insurance rate is here

• Zyn & nicotine pouch users – Get coverage for Zyn users

  
  

Some companies offer non-smoker rates for certain forms of nicotine use, but most insurers charge smoker rates regardless of the product you use. LifeStein knows which companies to insure you through to get non-smoker rates.

Life Insurance Companies That Test for Nicotine

Most major life insurance companies require nicotine testing as part of the underwriting process. Here are some of the top companies that LifeStein has access to, along with their stance on nicotine use:

Companies That Test for Nicotine:

• Legal & General – Tests for all forms of nicotine; smokers receive higher rates.

• Banner Life – Allows occasional cigar users to qualify for non-smoker rates.

• Protective Life – Recognizes occasional cigar use differently but tests for all nicotine.

• Symetra – Offers non-smoker rates for some nicotine users under specific conditions.

• Corebridge – Tests for all nicotine and classifies users as smokers.

• Penn Mutual – Strict on nicotine use; smoker rates apply for most forms.

• Pacific Life – May consider chewing tobacco users as non-smokers in rare cases.

• Principal – Provides a mix of options depending on frequency of use.

• Transamerica – Offers wellness programs that may reduce smoker rates over time.

• Thrivent – Provides nicotine-friendly options in select cases.

• Cincinnati Life – Offers flexible underwriting for occasional nicotine use.

• Securian – Works with applicants to find favorable classifications.

• Nationwide – Tests for all nicotine and classifies users accordingly.

• Mutual of Omaha – Offers smoker and non-smoker rates based on frequency.

• AuguStar – Provides customized rates for tobacco and nicotine users.

• Lincoln Financial – Offers term and permanent policies for nicotine users.

• Ethos – Provides simplified underwriting and term life options.

• New York Life – Strict underwriting but competitive rates for certain users.

  
  

At LifeStein, we work with every major life insurance carrier in all 50 states, ensuring nicotine users get the best possible coverage at competitive rates.

How to Get the Best Life Insurance Rates as a Nicotine User

Even if you use nicotine, you can still find affordable life insurance rates by following these strategies:

1. Compare Multiple Insurers

Not all companies treat nicotine the same. Some offer better rates for cigar, vape, or occasional tobacco users. Compare quotes now to find the best option. Just click the insurance calculator button.

2. Consider a No-Medical Exam Policy

Some insurers offer no-medical exam life insurance, which may not require a nicotine test. This can be an option for those who want faster approval. See if you qualify.

3. Quit Nicotine and Reapply

If you quit using nicotine, most insurers allow you to reapply for non-smoker rates after 12-24 months of being nicotine-free.

4. Look for Specialty Insurers

Some companies, like John Hancock’s Vitality Program, reward healthy lifestyle choices, potentially lowering premiums over time.

Get the Best Life Insurance Rates – Even If You Use Nicotine

Finding affordable life insurance for nicotine users can be difficult, but LifeStein makes it easy. By comparing quotes from top-rated insurers, we help you secure the best possible rates for your situation.

👉 Get a free, no-obligation quote today: Click here to start

🔎 Have questions? Call or text us at (601)-218-7854 or email info@lifestein.com to speak with the owner of LifeStein.com - Matt Mims.

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