How to Get Non-Smoker Life Insurance Rates as a Smoker (Even If You Currently Smoke)

Last Updated: November 25, 2025 | Written by President of Term Life Online – AU, AAI, ARM

How to Get Non-Smoker Life Insurance Rates as a Smoker

Below are the proven methods smokers use to legally qualify for non-smoker pricing.

1. Switch to a Form of Nicotine Some Insurers Treat as Non-Smoker

Many people don’t know this:

Certain insurers classify chewing tobacco, cigars, or vaping as "non-smoker."

That means:

• Chew users → Non-smoker rates at select companies
• Cigar smokers (occasional) → Non-smoker pricing with disclosure
• Vapers → Non-smoker at a few specialty carriers

You must disclose your usage, but the category is different.

This single strategy often cuts premiums by 40–60%.

2. Choose a Carrier That Specializes in "Smoker-Friendly" Underwriting

Not all life insurance companies treat smokers equally.

Some companies:

• Charge the maximum penalty
• Classify any nicotine as smoker
• Require retesting
• Decline certain tobacco types

Others are extremely flexible and offer non-smoker or preferred non-smoker rates to:

• Chew tobacco users
• Occasional cigar smokers
• Pipe smokers
• Marijuana users
• Vapers

The key is matching the right smoker profile to the right company—something 99% of applicants don’t know how to do.

3. Quit Nicotine for 12 Months (You Don’t Need to Quit Forever)

If you want standard non-smoker rates for cigarette use, here’s the rule:

**You must be nicotine-free for 12 months.

Not one drag. Not one vape. Not one piece of gum.**

Carriers will verify through:

• A nicotine urine test
• Occasional saliva testing
• Medical record checks

But here’s the good news:

Once you hit 12 months—with proof—you can reapply and drop your rates dramatically.

You can also:

• Apply now as a smoker (so you’re covered)
• Reapply in 12 months for non-smoker pricing
• Replace the policy with the cheaper one

This is called a "smoker-to-non-smoker strategy"—and it works.

4. Use a "Quit Smoking" Rider to Lock In Non-Smoker Rates Later

Some insurers offer a unique rider that lets you:

• Buy a policy today as a smoker
• Quit within 12–24 months
• Automatically convert to non-smoker rates without buying a new policy

It guarantees you won’t get stuck with smoker pricing for life.

5. Apply for a Policy That Allows Re-Rating After Quitting

Certain companies allow:

• Annual reevaluation
• Nicotine retesting
• Automatic reclassification

This makes it possible to move from preferred smoker→standard non-smoker→preferred non-smoker over time.

Just one reclassification can save you thousands per year.

6. Use Guaranteed Issue or Simplified Issue as a Short-Term Bridge

If you need coverage right now—before you’ve stopped smoking or switched nicotine types—these policy types can hold you over.

Then once you meet a better underwriting category, you can switch.

7. Work with an Independent Broker Who Knows Smoker-Friendly Companies

This is the #1 reason most smokers overpay.

Here’s why:

• Most agents only represent 1 insurer → poor fit
• Some only offer one underwriting philosophy → even worse fit
• Very few understand tobacco underwriting nuances

You need someone who:

• Shops dozens of companies
• Knows who offers non-smoker rates to chew/vape/cigar users
• Knows which companies allow re-rating
• Understands nicotine metabolite testing levels
• Can structure a smoker-to-non-smoker transition plan

This is how smokers unlock the best pricing—by matching their exact profile to the right carrier.

How Long After You Quit Can You Get Non-Smoker Rates?

Here’s the timeline for most companies:

• 0–12 months nicotine-free → smoker rates
• 12 months → standard non-smoker
• 24–36 months → preferred non-smoker
• 36–60 months (and no relapse) → preferred plus

If your goal is long-term savings, quitting is the fastest path to premium reduction—but not the only one.

Can You Get Non-Smoker Rates Without Quitting Completely?

Yes.

There are 4 pathways:

1. Switch to a nicotine type insurers classify as non-smoker
2. Find a smoker-friendly insurance company
3. Apply for a policy with re-rating
4. Use a quit smoking rider

Many smokers never need to stop entirely to qualify for drastically lower premiums.

Real-Life Examples

1. John (Cigarette Smoker → Non-Smoker Rates in 12 Months)

John, 41, smoked a pack a day. Quotes showed:

• $62/month as smoker
• $22/month as non-smoker

He applied for a smoker-rate policy to ensure coverage, then quit using all nicotine.

After 12 months nicotine-free (verified), he reapplied and replaced the policy.

Annual savings: $480

Lifetime savings: $14,000+

2. Marcus (Chew Tobacco User → Preferred Non-Smoker Immediately)

Marcus, 38, used chewing tobacco but didn’t smoke.

His first agent only quoted him smoker rates of $55/month.

An independent broker placed him with a company that classifies chew as non-smoker.

His approved rate: $21/month → Preferred Non-Smoker.

Savings: 61% instantly—no quitting required.

FAQs: Getting Non-Smoker Life Insurance Rates as a Smoker

1. Do I have to quit smoking to get non-smoker rates?

Not always. Many insurers offer non-smoker rates for chew, cigars, or vaping.

2. Does nicotine gum or patches count as smoking?

Yes—almost every insurer will classify you as a smoker.

3. How long after quitting can I test clean?

Nicotine clears in 4–7 days, but insurers require 12 months nicotine-free, regardless of test results.

4. Can I lie about smoking to get cheaper life insurance?

No. Insurance companies test for nicotine, and lying can lead to policy cancellation or denied claims.

Can I Switch from Smoker Rates to Non-Smoker Later?

Absolutely. You can:

• Reapply
• Re-test
• Or use a re-rating policy

This is one of the most effective cost-cutting strategies.

Final Takeaway: Smokers Don’t Have to Pay Smoker Prices

Most smokers overpay simply because they don’t know:

• Which companies are smoker-friendly
• Which nicotine types qualify as non-smoker
• That they can re-rate or reapply later
• That chewing tobacco or cigars can qualify immediately

If you know how to navigate underwriting, non-smoker pricing is absolutely possible—even if you currently smoke.

Compare Life Insurance Quotes

Top Pick – JRC Insurance Group

JRC Insurance Group helps you shop, compare and save on life insurance protection. Regardless of your age or health background, we'll shop our 63 top life insurance companies and find you affordable life insurance you need to protect your family and fit your budget. Compare the best life insurance rates for savings up to 73%. Get Your FREE Quote.

Resources:

• Learn How a Term Life Insurance Policy Works
• FAQs for Smoker’s Term Life Insurance
• Who is Considered a Smoker for Life Insurance?
• How Do Life Insurance Companies Know If You Smoke?
• Do Life Insurance Companies Test for Nicotine?
• Life Insurance for Marijuana Smokers
• Cheapest No Medical Exam Life Insurance for Smokers
• Tips for Buying a Term Life Insurance Policy
• A.M. Best Company: Compare financial strength ratings of life insurance companies
• Life Happens.org: Learn about life insurance and review facts.
• Investopedia: Learn more about financial planning with term life insurance.

About Our Methodology

Reviewed By: President of Term Life Online – AU, AAI, ARM

• 30+ years of experience in insurance planning

How We Keep This Guide Accurate: We regularly updates our content to reflect the latest rates and industry trends. We are committed to providing transparent, unbiased information to help you make the best decision for your family.

At Term-Life-Online.com We value your trust and privacy.