Life insurers typically look at being overweight as a greater risk for premature death from serious weight-related issue, such as heart disease. For this reason, these individuals often pay higher premium rates.
Insurance carriers take into account the weight/height ratio along with activity level, cholesterol, blood pressure when deciding a client’s coverage rate.
Before applying for new coverage, it may be beneficial to lose weight to get lower premium rates. Visit – How lifestyle affects life insurance – to learn how lifestyle affects life insurance.
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Weight/Height Impact on Life Insurance Premium
Weight and height are among the top qualifiers carriers use to decide applicant’s rate category. The build tables vary from one company to the next as do the underwriter guidelines.
Overweight Women and Life Insurance
An ordinary height for women is roughly 5’5, with approx. 170 in weight, which, by most standards, is considered overweight. However, many insurance companies would find this woman to meet the requirements for the best insurance premium quotes.
Overweight Men and Life Insurance
Statistics reveal that the typical adult male is overweight according to BMI charts. They then may indulge on a special occasion and gain a few extra pounds, putting them further outside the requirements and placing them in a different build category with higher premiums.
Can Overweight Clients Be Approved for Life Insurance
Millions of people are categorized as overweight with approx. half of these being classed as obese. General health is integral in deciding the premium you’ll pay for insurance. Overweight individuals present a high risk, especially when there are underlying medical concerns stemming from being overweight.
Carriers will assign higher rates in these situations or may reject the application if they feel the risk is too great.
While it is possible to be overweight and otherwise healthy, insurance carriers consider the statistics in their decisions. For instance, obesity can lead to cardiovascular issues, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and more.
Underwriters require specific details, such as BMI and body proportions and whether the excess weight is due to an underlying disease. The carrier will question whether your weight fluctuates or if it has remained consistent over the last several years, aiming to establish a pattern.
Do All Insurance Companies Follow the Same Guidelines
Each insurance company has unique underwriting guidelines. While some offer an affordable policy if you’re overweight with no other health issues, others may find the weight high risk for developing potential disease in the future and quote a higher premium.
Applicants viewed as high risk are encouraged to compare overweight and obesity life cover options to find one most suited to their needs and preferences and within their budget. An example of a fair and reasonable carrier with policies that accommodate customers:
Insurance Hero
71 Shelton Street
London
WC2H 9JQ
UK
+44 203 129 8866
https://www.insurancehero.org.uk/
Trying To Lose Weight Before Getting Life Insurance
Some people want to delay buying a insurance policy until they lose weight or develop a wellness program to become healthier. What these applicants don’t understand is that they could end up spending more with this thought process.
Some life insurance companies will base the premium on the highest weight within the previous 12-month time frame.
Also, any weight over 10 pounds and the insurance company will put back 50 percent. As a rule, if you lose say 40 pounds, you may still not get your desired rate.
Keep in mind, underwriters will look at blood sugar and cholesterol levels, especially for those who lose a lot of weight.
They want to know if there’s a history of elevated blood sugar or diabetes. View here for details on obesity drugs and life insurance.
To qualify for a Preferred Best rate, prospective clients need to meet weight and stature recommendations and fall into the minimum risk category across the board. This can be challenging to do once you hit age 40 and health issues develop.
Overweight vs Obese Does It Make a Difference with Life Insurance
For those striving to lower rates, there are several things you can do. Consider these tips.
- Exercise and eat healthy: When you’re considered overweight, developing a wellness plan with daily physical fitness and a balanced diet before applying for life insurance increases the likelihood of being offered affordable life insurance.
- Avoid tobacco: Smoking will lead to high premium rates. If you quit a year before applying, you’ll see half the cost in premiums.
- Blood pressure: Hypertension or high blood pressure is a red flag for life insurance carriers, but if you take steps to lower it before applying, the rates could go down.
The more life insurance carriers you compare and quotes you get, the better chance for finding an affordable policy. The right company will have lenient underwriting guidelines for overweight or obese.