insure logo

Why you should trust Insure.com

quality icon

Quality Verified

At Insure.com, we are committed to providing honest and reliable information so that you can make the best financial decisions for you and your family. All of our content is written and reviewed by industry professionals and insurance experts. We maintain strict editorial independence from insurance companies to maintain editorial integrity, so our recommendations are unbiased and are based on a comprehensive list of criteria.

Congratulations on kicking the habit. You’re correct that you need to refrain from smoking for a considerable period of time before life insurance companies consider you to be a non-smoker. Most companies require policyholders to have abstained from nicotine products from two to five years to qualify for non-smoking rates.

The question of whether your premiums can go down and by how much is certainly worth asking your life insurance agent. Check your policy and contact your agent to find out when you can request an evaluation of your current life insurance premium.

Quitting smoking is among a number of significant health improvements that can bring down life insurance premiums. Others include significant weight loss to achieve a healthy body mass index, overcoming a chronic illness or improved cholesterol and blood pressure readings.

Once your agent agrees it’s time for an evaluation, the insurance company will require you to undergo a medical exam. Schedule the appointment at a time when you will be relaxed. During the 48 hours prior to the exam, limit caffeine consumption, which can elevate blood pressure and increase pulse rate, and refrain from drinking alcohol, which can elevate blood pressure and affect your blood test. Avoid vigorous exercise the day before the exam. Exercise can cause misleading increases in cholesterol levels. It’s also a good idea to fast 12 hours before the exam to prevent certain foods and beverages from interfering with blood tests.

For more, see Can you hide smoking from life insurance companies? and how to get better life insurance rates after you buy the policy.

×
Please enter valid zip
Compare Quotes
life-insurance

QuickTake

See more >