Standard tobacco is a life insurance underwriting class assigned to applicants who use tobacco or nicotine products and whose overall health profile is otherwise average. These applicants may smoke cigarettes or use cigars, vaping products, or smokeless tobacco, depending on carrier definitions. Standard tobacco rates are higher than all non-tobacco classes due to the increased mortality risk associated with nicotine use, but they may be more favorable than heavily rated or substandard tobacco offers. Carriers rely on application disclosures and cotinine tests to confirm tobacco status, and many differentiate between daily smoking and occasional use in their guidelines.

Advisors discuss standard tobacco rates with clients who currently smoke or use nicotine products, emphasizing that disclosure must be honest to avoid contestability issues. They may compare pricing between carriers that treat cigar or vaping use more leniently. Advisors also outline paths to future savings: clients who quit and remain tobacco-free for a specified period can often reapply or request re-underwriting for non-tobacco rates. Understanding standard tobacco classes helps advisors set realistic expectations, avoid surprises at policy issue, and encourage long-term behavior changes that can improve both health and premiums.