As Stoptober begins, since starting in 2012, the campaign has helped 2.5 million people stop smoking and vaping*. With a 1,500% increase in searches for “Stoptober” on Google this year*, plus the disposable vaping ban in place from the 1st June, life insurance experts at Confused.com have looked into the current status of vaping in the UK*.

Why did people start vaping?

According to the data, nearly 3 in 10 (29%) people who vape started to help them stop smoking – and no longer smoke at all. However, almost 1 in 2 (46%) claim they started vaping for the same reason, but still smoke as well.

At what age did people start vaping and how much are they spending on them?

1 in 3 vapers (33%) started between the ages of 18-25, while 1 in 50 (2%) were under 18. Around 1 in 5 (21%) began between 21-30, around 1 in 6 (17%) between 31-40, and just under 3 in 10 (28%) started at 41 or older. Interestingly, the most popular starting age for both men (33%) and women (33%) is 18-25.

Around 3 in 5 (59%) vapers are spending up to £20 per week on disposables, whilst 1 in 33 (3%) are spending more than £50. 35-44 year-olds are spending the most on disposables, with nearly 1 in 5 (19%) claiming they spend up to £30 per week. The highest percentage of people spending more than £50 per week falls into the 25-34 year-old category – just over 1 in 20 (6%).

How do people currently feel about the vaping ban?

Currently, around 1 in 5 (18%) claim they planned to stop vaping from the 1st June, using alternative nicotine products instead. Another 1 in 5 (19%) say they’ll return to cigarettes once the vaping ban comes into play.

At the same time, 1 in 5 (20%) of 45-54 year-olds are considering stopping completely once the ban starts, while 1 in 4 (23%) 25-34 year-olds plan on smoking cigarettes instead.

Although disposable vaping products are banned, refillable devices are still available. Nearly 1 in 4 (24%) say they’ll switch to those instead. 1 in 4 (27%) of men plan on switching to refillable vapes, compared to 1 in 5 (21%) women.

Which regions will be most affected by the disposable vape ban?

Currently 1 in 20 (5%) people from the East-Midlands are spending more than £50 per week on disposables – the highest percentage of any other region. Londoners think the ban will have the most positive effect on their vaping habits, with 7 in 10 (70%) claiming it will help them cut down or quit.

In the North East, over 1 in 5 (22%) are currently trying to quit, and around 1 in 4 (26%) say they plan on switching to alternative nicotine products to quit for good when the ban starts – the highest percentage out of all regions.

In terms of quitting support, around 2 in 5 (39%) say what’s currently available is adequate, but 1 in 4 (25%) weren’t aware that support exists at all. More than half (51%) have never tried any methods of support to stop vaping, prompting Confused.com to share key resources for those looking to quit:

Bupa: https://www.bupa.co.uk/newsroom/ourviews/is-vaping-harmful

NHS:https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/ready-to-quit-smoking/vaping-to-quit-smoking/
Smoke Free: https://smokefree.gov/quit-vaping-resources

Tom Vaughan, life insurance expert at Confused.com comments, “It’s refreshing to see that many people who vape are using the ban as a springboard to try to quit for good. Particularly with the financial and health implications of maintaining the habit. We’ve had a significant increase in smokers’ policies for life insurance, which are extremely important for family security and future prospects.

When applying for life insurance, it’s important that smokers or vapers declare their habit, as it could impact policies due to the long-term health impact. For further information, please visit our site here: https://www.confused.com/life-insurance/guides/life-insurance-for-smokers”