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Does Quitting Smoking Lower Your Life Insurance Premium?

Last Updated: January 16, 2026 | Written by President of Term Life Online – AU, AAI, ARM

Yes—quitting smoking can significantly lower your life insurance premium.

But how much you save, how long you need to be nicotine-free, and what insurers actually look at may surprise you.

If you’ve quit smoking—or are thinking about quitting—this guide explains exactly how life insurance companies price former smokers, how fast your rates can drop, and how to lock in the lowest premium possible.

How Smoking Affects Life Insurance Rates

Life insurance companies don’t just ask if you smoke—they assess risk.

Smoking increases the likelihood of:

Heart disease
Cancer
Stroke
Chronic lung conditions

Because of this, smokers often pay 2 to 4 times more for life insurance than non-smokers of the same age and health.

Example:

A healthy 40-year-old non-smoker might pay $30/month.
A smoker of the same age could pay $90–$120/month for identical coverage.

👉 Compare rates for smokers and non-smokers now to see how much you may save.

Does Quitting Smoking Actually Lower Your Premium?

Absolutely—but not overnight.

Life insurers classify applicants into categories such as:

Preferred Plus (best rates)
Preferred
Standard
Smoker / Tobacco

To qualify for non-smoker rates, most insurers require you to be nicotine-free for at least 12 months.

Some companies require:

12 months (more lenient insurers)
24 months (common)
36+ months (for top-tier "Preferred Plus" rates)

👉 The longer you stay smoke-free, the lower your premium can go.

What Counts as "Smoking" to Life Insurance Companies?

This is where many people get caught off guard.

Life insurers usually test for nicotine, not just cigarettes.

That includes:

Cigars
Vapes / e-cigarettes
Chewing tobacco
Nicotine gum or patches
Nicotine pouches (even tobacco-free ones)

A positive nicotine test can push you back into smoker rates—even if you quit cigarettes years ago.

Pro tip: Some insurers are more flexible with occasional cigar use or nicotine replacement. Choosing the right company matters.

How Much Can You Save After Quitting?

Quitting smoking can reduce your life insurance costs by thousands to tens of thousands of dollars over the life of a policy.

Real-World Savings Example

35-year-old male
$500,000, 20-year term policy

Status Monthly Cost 20-Year Total

Smoker $110 $26,400

Non-Smoker $38 $9,120

Savings: $17,280 🎯

👉 Compare life insurance rates now to see how much you can save.

Do You Need to Reapply After Quitting Smoking?

Yes—and this is critical.

Life insurance rates do not automatically drop when you quit smoking.

To get lower rates, you must:

Reapply for a new policy or
Request a rate reconsideration (not all insurers allow this)

Many people overpay simply because they never re-shop their policy after quitting.

👉 If you’ve been nicotine-free for 12+ months, it’s time to check your options.

How Insurers Verify You’ve Quit Smoking

Most life insurance policies require:

A health questionnaire
A brief medical exam
Blood and urine tests

They look for:

Nicotine
Cotinine (a nicotine byproduct)

Honesty matters. Misrepresentation can result in denied claims later.

Can You Get Non-Smoker Rates Without a Medical Exam?

Sometimes—yes.

Some no-exam life insurance policies rely on:

Prescription history
Medical records
Self-reported tobacco use

However, these policies may cost slightly more than fully underwritten plans.

The best option depends on:

How long you’ve been smoke-free
Your overall health
Your age and coverage needs

👉 Compare no-exam life insurance rates now.

When Is the Best Time to Apply After Quitting?

Ideal timing:

✔ 12+ months nicotine-free

✔ No recent relapses

✔ Stable health history

If you’re close to the 12-month mark, waiting a few weeks could save you thousands.

Not sure if you qualify yet? A quick quote check can tell you.

Get a Free Life Insurance Quote (No Obligation)

If you’ve quit smoking—or plan to soon—you may be eligible for dramatically lower life insurance rates than you think.

✔ Compare top insurers