finder.com

Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our content.

How to get life insurance with obesity

Being overweight or obese can drive up your premiums, but life insurance isn't out of reach.

Avatar
Richard Laycock

&

Avatar
Katia Iervasi
Updated . What changed?
Fact checked

This article was reviewed by Andrew Flueckiger, a member of the Finder Editorial Review Board and certified insurance counselor and licensed insurance agent in five states.

In the US, 39.8% of adults are obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since obesity is linked to a host of health issues, insurers are cautious about offering policies to people who are overweight. But if you can prove you’re otherwise healthy, you might be able to lower your premiums.

What's in this guide?

Can I get life insurance if I’m overweight or obese?

Yes — though you may face challenges or higher premiums, especially if you’re classified as obese.

Here’s why. If you have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or over, you’re at a higher risk of developing health conditions that can lead to premature death — such as heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. To compensate for that risk and protect their bottom line, life insurance companies will typically raise your rates if you’re overweight or obese.

How will my insurer assess my weight?

Life insurance underwriters typically use BMI as a guide to determine whether an applicant is overweight or not. Your BMI is calculated based on the following formula:

BMI = (weight (lb) / height (in)2x 703

Based on your score, you’ll be categorised as being at an ideal weight, underweight or overweight. This is the spectrum of scores:

  • <15: Very severely underweight
  • 15-16: Severely underweight
  • 16-18: Underweight
  • 18.5-25: Normal (healthy weight)
  • 25-30: Overweight
  • 30-35: Obese Class I (moderately obese)
  • 35-40: Obese Class II (severely obese)
  • 40+: Obese Class III (very severely obese)
Protect your loved ones
Compare 12+ top insurers side-by-side to get the best possible deal, and shop return of premium policies online.
Get a quote

Need help? Talk to a customer specialist

X

How does my weight affect my premium?

Every insurer has a “build chart,” which lists heights in one-inch increments, and the maximum corresponding weight an applicant can be to make it into each rate class. Your underwriter will use your BMI and the build chart to calculate your rates. Your height/weight ratio aside, your insurer will consider other factors in the underwriting process, such as your age, gender, smoking status, driving record, occupation and lifestyle habits.

Typically, the best rates are reserved for healthy people who are within healthy height/weight ranges.

If you’re overweight but don’t have any other serious health issues, you may be able to score a preferred rate. But if you’re obese, you may not be able to access the higher rate classes — meaning you’ll pay more for coverage.

How will my insurer know how much I weigh?

The life insurance application asks for your height and weight, and the insurer will confirm those numbers when you take the medical exam. Your insurer can also pull your medical records to find out whether you’ve recently gained or lost a significant amount of weight.

It’s not worth lying, either: If your insurer finds out you lied or omitted information on your application, they may cancel your policy or deny the death benefit to your loved ones.

Overall, insurers care more about your average weight than how much you weighed at a specific point in time.

Compare life insurance companies and quotes

Name Product Issue age Minimum Coverage Maximum Coverage Term Lengths Medical Exam Required
Sproutt
Sproutt
18 - 60 years old
$50,000
$4,000,000
5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years
No
Compare 40+ insurers and apply online to get the lowest possible price — no medical exam required.
Go to site
More Info
Policygenius - Life Insurance
Policygenius - Life Insurance
18 - 85 years old
$50,000
$10,000,000
10, 15, 20, 25, 30 years
Depends on provider and policy
Compare 12+ top insurers side-by-side to get the best possible deal, and shop return of premium policies online.
Go to site
More Info
Bestow
Bestow
18 - 60 years old
$50,000
$1,500,000
10, 15, 20, 25, 30 years
No
Get a quote in less than 10 minutes with on-the-spot approval and no medical exam.
Go to site
More Info
Everyday Life
Everyday Life
20 - 75 years old
$100,000
$10,000,000
10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 years.
No
Ladder multiple life insurance policies to save on the coverage you need for all your debts.
Go to site
More Info
Ladder
Ladder
20 - 60 years old
$100,000
$8,000,000
10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 years
Depends on policy
Apply for term life insurance online without the medical exam. Get an instant decision and adjust your coverage at no charge.
Go to site
More Info
loading

Compare up to 4 providers

Can life insurers deny coverage based on weight?

Each insurer has its own set of underwriting standards, and some are stricter than others. In the BMI terms, you’ll typically need to be “severely obese” or “very severely obese” and facing other health problems to be turned down for coverage.

In that case, you can explore these options for coverage:

  • Guaranteed issue life insurance. These policies forgo both the medical exam and health questionnaire, and approval is guaranteed. But they’re usually capped at small amounts, like $50,000.
  • Group life insurance. If your employer offers life insurance as part of your package, consider taking them up on it. There’s no medical exam, and premiums are usually subsidized.

Can you have a high BMI but still be considered healthy?

BMI can be misleading, particularly for muscular people. It doesn’t take into account how much of your weight is muscle vs. fat, which makes it a faulty measuring system for many athletic people. If you believe your BMI is an inaccurate representation of your health, you can ask your insurer to reevaluate your rates.

It’s also important to understand that BMI is not the only factor that is considered by an insurer to determine risk. Your insurer will also consider related conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol when determining your rates.

Bottom line

Life insurance can be more difficult to qualify for if you’re overweight and obese, and you’ll likely have to pay a higher premium than someone with a lower BMI. But insurers have different underwriting guidelines, so it’s worth comparing life insurance companies to find out which one will offer you the best rate.

Frequently asked questions

More guides on Finder

Ask an Expert

You are about to post a question on finder.com:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder.com provides guides and information on a range of products and services. Because our content is not financial advice, we suggest talking with a professional before you make any decision.

By submitting your comment or question, you agree to our Privacy and Cookies Policy and finder.com Terms of Use.

Questions and responses on finder.com are not provided, paid for or otherwise endorsed by any bank or brand. These banks and brands are not responsible for ensuring that comments are answered or accurate.
Go to site