Will My Life Insurance Go Down If I Quit Smoking? (Complete 2025 Guide)

Last Updated: November 26, 2025 | Written by President of Term Life Online – AU, AAI, ARM

How Insurers Determine Whether You’re a Smoker

You may be considered a smoker if you:

    ✅  Smoke cigarettes
    ✅  Vape or use e-cigarettes
    ✅  Use cigars (even occasionally)
    ✅  Chew tobacco or use nicotine pouches
    ✅  Use nicotine gum or patches
    ✅  Test positive for cotinine (nicotine metabolite)

You may NOT be classified as a smoker if you:

    ✅  Quit more than 12 months ago
    ✅  Use THC without nicotine
    ✅  Previously smoked but test nicotine-free

Pro tip: Always answer honestly — lying can void a policy or deny future claims.

How Much Can Your Life Insurance Drop After You Quit Smoking?

Here’s a realistic example:

Before quitting

• 40-year-old male
• $500,000, 20-year term
• Smoker rate: $180/month

After 12 months nicotine-free

• Reclassified as non-smoker

New premium: $52/month

Annual savings: $1,536

20-year savings: $30,720

Even older applicants can save tens of thousands over a policy’s lifespan.

What Happens to Your Existing Policy When You Quit?

  ✅  1. Request a Health Reclassification

You have two options:

• Contact your insurer
• Provide proof of quitting
• Possibly take a medical exam
• If approved, your premium decreases — same policy, lower cost.

  ✅  2. Reapply With a New Company

Often the cheaper option, especially if:

• Your health improved (blood pressure, cholesterol, weight)
• Rates dropped since you bought the policy
• Your insurer has strict nicotine rules
• You’re never obligated to stay with your current company.

Timeline: When Will Your Rates Actually Drop?

0–3 months after quitting

• No pricing changes yet
• Nicotine still detectable

3–6 months after quitting

• Health improvements begin
• Some insurers may reconsider vaping or cigar use

12 months after quitting

    ✅  Eligible for non-smoker classification
    ✅  Full repricing opportunity

24+ months after quitting

    ✅  Eligible for preferred or preferred plus rates

• (If other health markers look good)

How to Get Lower Life Insurance Rates After Quitting Smoking

1. Stay Nicotine-Free for 12+ Months

• The most important requirement.

2. Contact Your Insurance Company

• Ask for a premium reconsideration review.

3. Be Ready for a Nicotine Test

• A saliva, urine, or blood test may be required.

4. Compare Quotes From Multiple Insurers

• Each company defines "non-smoker" differently.

5. Work With an Independent Agent

• They can shop 15–30 carriers at once.

What If You Quit After Buying a Policy?

Good news — you’re not stuck with smoker rates forever.

You can:

• Request re-evaluation
• Switch insurers for better pricing
• Layer additional cheaper coverage
• Replace your old policy entirely (after approval)

Just never cancel existing coverage until the new policy is in force.

Can You Still Qualify for Lower Rates If You Vape?

Maybe — but it depends on the insurer.

• Some categorize vaping the same as cigarettes.
• Others offer non-tobacco rates if no nicotine is detected.

To be safe, assume vaping still means smoker pricing unless proven otherwise.

What If You Start Smoking Again?

Tell your insurer — failing to disclose changes can jeopardize a death benefit. Premiums may increase again.

The best financial and health move? Stay tobacco-free.

FAQs About Life Insurance After You Quit Smoking

1. How long do I need to quit before getting non-smoker rates?

• Most insurers require 12 consecutive months nicotine-free.

2. Do I need a new life insurance policy to get lower rates?

• Not always — many companies will reclassify your existing policy.

3. Will companies test me for nicotine?

• Yes, most require a medical exam or saliva test.

4. Will life insurance companies believe I quit smoking?

• They’ll verify through testing — honesty is key.

5. Is quitting smoking the fastest way to lower life insurance costs?

• Yes — no other lifestyle change reduces premiums more dramatically.

Final Takeaway: Quitting Smoking Can Save You Thousands

So, will your life insurance go down if you quit smoking?

    ✅  Yes — significantly
    ✅  Usually after 12 months nicotine-free
    ✅  Often requires retesting or re-applying
    ✅  Savings can exceed $20,000 over a policy term

Quitting isn’t just good for your lungs — it’s a powerful financial investment.

If you’re ready to save, compare non-smoker life insurance rates and request a re-evaluation today.

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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.

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