Which Life Insurance Companies Give Non-Smoker Rates to Cigar Smokers

Most life insurance companies treat cigar smokers the same as cigarette smokers. A small group of carriers don’t — and knowing which ones can save you $20,000 to $50,000 over the life of your policy. This page names them, explains exactly what each one requires, and tells you which profile each one is best for.

👉 For rate comparison tables by age, see the Life Insurance for Cigar Smokers hub page.

The Short List: Carriers That Offer Non-Smoker Rates to Cigar Smokers

Guidelines change. Call Tom at 719-539-4790 for current thresholds before you apply.

Carrier-by-Carrier Breakdown

Prudential

The most cigar-friendly major carrier in the U.S. market. Prudential’s “Non-Smoker Plus” rate class is specifically built for cigar and pipe smokers — including daily users. They’re unique in that a positive cotinine result doesn’t disqualify you as long as you’ve disclosed your cigar use honestly and haven’t smoked cigarettes or used vaping products in the past 12 months. If you smoke cigars frequently and expect to test positive, Prudential is almost always the right first call.

Lincoln National

Offers Standard Non-Tobacco rates to daily cigar smokers without cigarette use. Lincoln is particularly strong for occasional smokers who can test negative — their path to Preferred Non-Tobacco classification (better than Prudential’s Non-Smoker Plus) is available when cotinine is negative and the overall health profile is strong.

John Hancock

Also offers Standard Non-Tobacco to daily cigar-only smokers. John Hancock’s Vitality program adds an ongoing rewards dimension — healthy behaviors earn premium discounts and perks — making it an attractive option for cigar smokers who are otherwise health-conscious.

Mutual of Omaha

Non-smoker rates available for cigar smokers who use fewer than roughly 12 cigars per year and test negative for cotinine. Solid option for truly occasional smokers. Not appropriate for weekly or daily use.

American General (Corebridge)

One of the more generous occasional-use thresholds — up to 5 cigars per month can qualify for Preferred Plus Non-Smoker rates, but a negative cotinine test is required. If you smoke a cigar or two a week and test negative, AIG’s preferred tier can be competitive.

Protective Life

Preferred Plus Non-Smoker available for fewer than 6 cigars per year with a negative cotinine test. Strictest threshold on this list — but Protective’s base rates are among the most competitive in the market, so if you’re a genuinely occasional smoker who can clear the bar, the rate you land is excellent.

The One Rule Every Carrier Shares

Every carrier on this list — without exception — requires that you have not smoked cigarettes or used vaping/e-cigarette products in the past 12 months. The cigar exception is specifically for cigar-only users. Mixed tobacco use, even occasional cigarette smoking, removes most of these options and puts you back into standard tobacco rate territory across the board.

Why You Can’t Find These Rates Online

Online life insurance quote engines don’t have carrier-specific cigar underwriting rules built in. When you enter “cigar smoker” on any major comparison site, the engine defaults to tobacco rates across the board. The rates you see are not what you’d actually pay at a cigar-friendly carrier — they’re worst-case-scenario quotes based on a blanket tobacco classification.

The only way to access these rates is through a broker who is (a) appointed with the right carriers and (b) specifically understands how to position a cigar smoker application for the best outcome at each one.

Talk to Tom

Tom Hinerman at Fish Creek Life works with cigar smokers across all 50 states and is appointed with carriers across the full spectrum of cigar-friendliness. Tell him how often you smoke and what coverage you need — he’ll tell you which carriers to approach and what rate you can realistically expect.

719-539-4790 | tom@fishcreeklife.com