Can I get life insurance if I use tobacco or nicotine

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If you smoke — whether it’s cigarettes, cigars, vaping, or chewing tobacco — life insurance companies will want to know. Nicotine use is one of the most common reasons for higher premiums, but it doesn’t automatically mean you can’t get covered.

What Insurers Look At

When you apply, underwriters focus on:

• Type of nicotine use — cigarettes, cigars, vaping, chewing tobacco, or pouches.
• Frequency — daily, socially, or just an occasional cigar.
• Time since last use — some carriers require 12 months tobacco-free before offering non-smoker rates.
• Other health factors — heart disease, high blood pressure, or lung issues may also affect your offer.

Nicotine Pouches

Many people today use nicotine pouches instead of smoking or chewing tobacco. While they don’t involve combustion, most insurers still classify pouch users as tobacco users, since the presence of nicotine is the key factor. That usually means higher premiums.

• Some carriers may differentiate between smokeless vs. smoking forms of nicotine.
• Being otherwise healthy (good weight, blood pressure, cholesterol) can help balance out the nicotine risk.
• If you stop using pouches and remain nicotine-free for 12 months or longer, you may qualify for non-smoker rates in the future.

The Good News

• Coverage is available. Even as a smoker or pouch user, you can get life insurance.
• Some companies are more flexible. A few carriers specialize in offering more favorable terms to certain types of nicotine users (like occasional cigars or smokeless tobacco).
• You can reapply. If you quit, many policies allow you to apply again for lower premiums later.

Why This Matters

Life insurance isn’t only for the perfectly healthy. Even with tobacco or nicotine use, your loved ones can still be financially protected. The key is working with the right company and presenting your health honestly.

👉 For a deeper look at how underwriters evaluate health and lifestyle factors, check out The Ultimate Guide to Life Insurance Approval.

👉 See also: Marijuana Use and Life Insurance, Alcohol and Life Insurance.