How Is Nicotine Tested For Life Insurance? 
Nicotine is tested in blood and/or urine samples by testing for a byproduct of nicotine called cotinine . Nonsmokers will have negligible amounts of cotinine in their urine -LRB- 1-20 ng/mL -RRB- or blood -LRB- 1-8 ng/mL -RRB- . Cotinine levels stay in the body longer than nicotine , and are less susceptible to being raised by secondhand smoke . A few companies will offer nonsmoker rates for tobacco users other than cigarettes smokers -LRB- e.g. daily cigars -RRB- with negligible cotitine . Even fewer offer nontobacco rates if cotinine levels are higher but due to chewing tobacco , nicotine gum , e-cigarettes , etc. . A broker that specializes in nicotine use can match you up with the company that gives you the best rate . 