Smoking, Vaping & Insurance Costs
Tobacco use is the single largest factor in life insurance pricing. Smokers pay 200 percent to 300 percent more than non-smokers for the exact same coverage.
What Counts as Tobacco?
Insurance companies are very strict. In most cases, if you have used nicotine in the last 12 months, you are rated as a smoker. This includes:
- Cigarettes
- E-cigarettes / Vaping
- Chewing tobacco / Dip
- Nicotine patches or gum
The "Cigar" Exception
Some carriers are lenient with "Celebratory Cigars." If you smoke fewer than 12 cigars a year and your urine test is negative for cotinine (a nicotine byproduct), you might still qualify for Non-Smoker rates. You must admit to it on the application.
🚭 The Quitters Strategy
If you quit smoking today, you must wait 12 months to get Non-Smoker rates. If you buy a "Smoker" policy now to be safe, you can ask for a rate reduction after you have been smoke-free for a year. They will test your urine again to confirm.