Affordable Life Insurance Protection for Your Family

Life Insurance for Smokers Who Want to Quit: Your Complete Guide to Lower Rates, Smarter Policies & a Fresh Start

Last Updated: December 3, 2025 | Written by President of Term Life Online – AU, AAI, ARM


Life Insurance for Smokers Who Want to Quit

If you’re a smoker who wants to quit, you’re in one of the best possible positions to save money on life insurance — even if you’re still smoking today.

Most people don’t realize this, but insurers treat "smokers who are actively trying to quit" very differently from people who have no intention of stopping.

That means you may:

  • Get lower premiums sooner than you think
  • Qualify for better health classifications after a short quit period
  • Avoid paying smoker rates for decades
  • Lock in coverage now and switch to cheaper non-smoker rates later

This guide breaks everything down simply, clearly, and without the insurance jargon.


Why Life Insurance Costs More for Smokers


Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors insurers look at—right up there with age, health conditions, and family history.

Smokers typically pay 2–4× more for the same policy compared with non-smokers.

Why? Increased risk of:

  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • COPD
  • Cancer

But here’s the good news:

If you’re trying to quit, your future rates can drop significantly—and permanently.


Compare Rates!


How Life Insurance Works for Smokers Who Plan to Quit


1. You Can Buy Coverage Now & Switch to Non-Smoker Rates Later

This is the strategy most experts recommend.

  Step 1: Apply today and lock in coverage.
  Step 2: Quit smoking.
  Step 3: Once you’ve been smoke-free long enough (usually 12 months), request are-rate.
  Step 4: Your premiums drop — often by 40–60%.

Most insurers let you do this without buying a new policy.


2. Some Companies Offer "Quitter-Friendly" Life Insurance Policies

These insurers may:

  • Offer reduced smoker premiums for people enrolled in cessation programs
  • Allow earlier re-evaluation (6 months tobacco-free)
  • Consider lighter nicotine use differently
  • Reward "improving risks" instead of perfect health

These policies are ideal if you’re committed to stopping.


3. Nicotine Tests Matter — but They’re Not the Whole Story

Most life insurance exams test for cotinine, a nicotine byproduct.

But insurers also look at:

  • Intent to quit
  • Use level: casual, daily, heavy
  • Alternative nicotine: cigars, vaping, patches, gum
  • Age + overall health
  • Past quit attempts
  • Doctor-supervised cessation programs

Even if you test positive for nicotine, your quit intention still helps you qualify for better options.


How Long After Quitting Until You Get Non-Smoker Rates?

Most insurers use this timeline:

0–12 Months Smoke-Free → Still Smoker Rates

  • But you can still lock in coverage now.

12 Months Smoke-Free → Many Insurers Offer Non-Smoker Rates

  • This is the magic number.

24 Months Smoke-Free → Preferred Non-Smoker for Many Companies

  • Significant premium drop.

36–60 Months Smoke-Free → Preferred Plus Possible

  • This is the best category and the lowest pricing.

Quitting saves you money twice:

  • Once in your pocket… and again on your life insurance.


Compare Rates!


Best Policy Types for Smokers Who Want to Quit


1. Term Life Insurance (Most Affordable Choice)

Ideal for smokers planning to quit.

Benefits:

  • Lock in coverage now at today’s age
  • Re-rate to non-smoker pricing later
  • 10, 20, 25, or 30-year terms
  • Works for most budgets


2. Whole Life Insurance for Smokers Who Want Long-Term Coverage

Good if you want:

  • Permanent coverage
  • Cash value growth
  • Guaranteed approval options

Tip: Buy a small permanent policy now, then add more once you qualify for cheaper non-smoker rates.


3. Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance

For people:

  • Over age 50
  • With serious health conditions
  • Who have been declined before

If you plan to quit smoking, this can be a temporary safety net.


How to Get the Lowest Life Insurance Rates When You’re Quitting Smoking


1. Apply Before You Quit

Why?

Because your age increases annually, raising your price.

You can always re-rate later — but you cannot go back in time to a lower age.


2. Work With an Independent Life Insurance Agent

Agents who work with 20–40 insurers can:

  • Compare smoker vs. quitter-friendly companies
  • Predict which company will re-rate you fastest
  • Match your health profile
  • Find companies that treat vaping or cigars more leniently
  • Avoid unnecessary medical exams

This approach always beats going directly to a single insurer.


3. Use a Smoking Cessation Program (It Really Helps)

Insurers love seeing:

  • Doctor-supervised quitting plans
  • Nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum)
  • Prescription aids
  • Behavioral therapy
  • Smoking cessation classes

Some insurers offer instant premium reductions for enrolled quitters.


4. Ask About a "Reconsideration Request"

Once you’ve quit for 12 months, your insurer can:

  • Re-test you
  • Re-classify you
  • Drop your premiums automatically

Most applicants don’t know this exists — but it can save thousands.


Sample Savings: Smoker vs. Quitter Rates


Example: 40-year-old male, 20-year term, $500,000 coverage.


                Status                          Monthly Cost         Annual Savings

                  Smoker                                 ~$120–$160                        —

                  After quitting 12 months         ~$55–$70                 $840–$1,080/year

                  After quitting 24+ months       ~$40–$50                 $1,260–$1,440/year


Imagine saving that every year for 20 years.


Compare Rates!


FAQs: Life Insurance for Smokers Who Want to Quit


1. Do I have to be smoke-free before I apply?

No. Apply now, then re-rate after quitting.


2. What if I vape or use nicotine gum?

Many insurers treat these differently. Some do not classify them as smoker risk.


3. If I quit for a month, will my rates drop?

Not yet. Most require 12 months.


4. Do I have to take another exam to prove I quit?

Usually yes — a quick urine test.


5. Will relapsing affect my policy?

If you relapse after being approved as a non-smoker, your policy stays the same. But during re-rating, you must be truthful.


6. Can I get life insurance while using nicotine patches?

Yes — and some companies won’t classify you as a smoker.


7. What if I want coverage fast?

Use no-exam life insurance to get approved in 10–30 minutes.


Bottom Line: If You’re a Smoker Who Wants to Quit, You Have an Advantage

You’re not stuck paying smoker rates forever.

In fact:

  • You can lock in coverage today
  • Quit when you’re ready
  • Request a re-rate
  • Save thousands
  • Get healthier in the process

The best time to get life insurance is before you quit — not after.


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:


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.




Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Consult a licensed professional for advice.


Disclosure: Compensated Affiliate