Standard non-tobacco is a common life insurance underwriting class assigned to applicants who do not use tobacco or nicotine products but whose overall risk profile does not qualify for preferred or super-preferred classes. These applicants may have average build, well-controlled medical conditions, or moderate family history concerns that place them in the middle of the risk spectrum. Standard non-tobacco rates are significantly lower than tobacco rates but higher than preferred classes. The exact criteria for standard non-tobacco vary by carrier but typically require at least a 12- to 36-month period without cigarettes or other nicotine use, confirmed by application questions and, often, cotinine testing.

Advisors use the term standard non-tobacco when explaining rate classes and pricing expectations to clients. They clarify that being a non-smoker does not automatically guarantee preferred rates, as blood pressure, cholesterol, build, and other underwriting factors also matter. For former smokers, qualifying for standard non-tobacco after a defined cessation period can substantially reduce premiums. Advisors compare quotes across carriers, some of which are more liberal in granting standard non-tobacco to cigar or occasional nicotine users. Understanding standard non-tobacco criteria helps advisors position realistic offers, identify opportunities for future re-underwriting, and reinforce the financial benefits of maintaining a tobacco-free lifestyle.