Since 1994
By the Termco teamLicensed life insurance agents since 1994Updated
What tobacco rates look like
Example estimates from Termco's own pricing model (the same one behind our quote tool) for $500,000 over 20 years for a 35-year-old in excellent health. They are not quotes from any insurer. Actual rates are set by the insurer after underwriting.
| Non-nicotine | Quit (former user) | Current nicotine user | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Man | $25.36–$32.67/mo | $28.48–$36.89/mo | $69.15–$91.81/mo |
| Woman | $21.60–$27.60/mo | $24.17–$31.06/mo | $57.51–$76.10/mo |
In our model, the "quit" column assumes you qualify for non-tobacco rates after quitting, with a modest adjustment; how long you need to have quit depends on the insurer (see below).
Who counts as a "smoker"?
Most insurers don't just ask about cigarettes. They ask about any tobacco or nicotine use, usually within the past 12 months or longer. That commonly includes:
- Cigarettes
- Vaping and e-cigarettes with nicotine
- Chewing tobacco, snuff and nicotine pouches
- Nicotine gum, patches and lozenges (many insurers treat these as nicotine use, although some are more lenient)
- Cigars and pipes (some insurers offer non-tobacco rates to occasional cigar smokers who disclose it and test negative)
Marijuana is handled differently: many insurers no longer automatically apply tobacco rates for occasional cannabis use, but policies vary widely. Always disclose it.
How they find out
If you take a medical exam, your urine or saliva is tested for cotinine, a byproduct of nicotine that can show up for days or weeks after use. No-exam programs rely on your answers and database checks, and insurers may still verify later. Policies are usually contestable for the first two years, and misstating nicotine use is one of the most common reasons a claim gets challenged. It's not worth the risk.
How long after quitting do rates drop?
Many insurers offer non-tobacco rates once you've been nicotine-free for 12 months. The very best classes often require longer, sometimes several years. If you're close to a milestone, it can make sense to apply soon and ask for a review later, or to time your application. Some insurers will reconsider your class after you've quit for the required period; it's not guaranteed, so check before you buy.
Ways to pay less as a smoker
- Compare insurers. Their definitions differ. An occasional cigar or nicotine gum user may get much better rates from one insurer than another.
- Buy now, re-rate later. Don't go uninsured while you quit. Lock in coverage, then ask about a review after 12 months nicotine-free.
- Right-size the coverage. A slightly shorter term or a laddered pair of policies can keep the premium manageable. See how much you need.
- Mind your other numbers. Blood pressure, cholesterol and weight also count, and they compound with nicotine. See high blood pressure and life insurance.
See your estimates, including the difference quitting could make.
About the prices on this page. Every price shown is an example estimate from Termco's own pricing model, the same one behind our quote tool. It's calibrated to typical published term rates from insurers rated A- or better, but it is not a quote from any insurer, not an offer of insurance, and not a guarantee. Your actual rate depends on the insurer and its underwriting of your full application.
See estimates for your age and health
Eight quick questions, no account needed. A licensed Termco agent confirms your exact rate before you apply.
Frequently asked questions
How much more do smokers pay for term life insurance?
Usually a lot. In Termco's estimate model, a 35-year-old man in excellent health pays about $25.36–$32.67/mo for $500,000 over 20 years as a non-smoker, and about $69.15–$91.81/mo as a nicotine user. These are estimates, not insurer quotes.
Does vaping count as smoking for life insurance?
With most insurers, yes. Vaping nicotine is usually treated the same as smoking cigarettes.
How long do I need to quit to get non-smoker rates?
Many insurers require 12 months nicotine-free for non-tobacco rates, and longer for their best classes. Requirements vary by insurer.
Can I lie about smoking on a life insurance application?
You shouldn't. Exams test for nicotine, and insurers can contest a policy for misrepresentation, usually during the first two years. A misstatement can lead to a denied claim when your family needs it most.
Related guides
- Converting Term Life Insurance to Permanent: How It Works
- Term Life Insurance After 50: What It Costs and How to Buy
- What Disqualifies You From Life Insurance? Common Reasons for a Decline
- How Is Term Life Insurance Priced? The Factors That Set Your Rate
- Term life insurance by state
This page is general information, not medical, legal, tax or underwriting advice. Underwriting decisions are made by each insurer and vary by insurer and individual.