Can You Buy Life Insurance If You’re Overweight? Explore Our Ultimate Guide for (2025) + YouTube Video
How to buy life insurance if you’re overweight is a simple process with today’s relaxed underwriting. Securing life insurance is an essential step toward protecting your loved ones’ financial future. However, for individuals
who are overweight or obese, the process can present certain challenges.
Factors like higher premiums, policy limitations, or even outright denial of coverage due to weight-related health risks leave many questioning where to start.
The good news? Buying life insurance while overweight is entirely possible, and often, affordable coverage can be achieved with the right strategy.
This guide will walk you through the process, addressing key considerations and actionable steps to help you secure the best policy for your needs.
Table of Contents
Why Life Insurance for Overweight People Matters Even More
At least 2.8 million people die each year as a result of being overweight.
Being overweight is a well known life threatening condition. Life insurance is a financial safety net. It ensures that if something happens to you, your family or beneficiaries will have the financial resources required to cover expenses like paying off debts, managing daily expenses, and securing future financial stability.
Many overweight individuals might hesitate to apply for life insurance because they worry about higher premiums or being declined altogether.
But having coverage, even with slightly higher costs, is a critical part of financial planning that should not be delayed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Be Denied Life Insurance for Being Overweight?
Yes you can and it all depends on how overweight you are and other factors such as health conditions and smoking. We can provide you will a simple medical pre-screening which will just ask you a few questions. The only way to know for sure is by completing a life insurance application.
Can You Get Life Insurance if You’re Overweight?
What Is Considered Overweight When Applying for Life Insurance?
Will Being Overweight Affect My Life Insurance Rates?
*Life insurance underwriters treat being overweight as if it were a health condition. This video will be beneficial for you to watch.
How to Buy Life Insurance with a Health Condition | YouTube Video
Challenges Overweight Individuals Face When Buying Life Insurance
Higher Premiums:
Insurance companies assess risk to determine premiums. For individuals with a higher body mass index (BMI), insurers often perceive increased health risks for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease, translating into higher premiums.
Denial of Coverage:
While rare, individuals with severely high BMIs or accompanying health issues might face policy denials, particularly if they apply for traditional life insurance.
Limited Policy Options:
Overweight or obese individuals may sometimes find fewer options available, such as being excluded from specific policy types like certain term life insurance plans.
Scrutiny of Health History:
Insurers typically review medical history more carefully for overweight applicants, looking for conditions such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, or cardiovascular issues.
Navigating Medical Exams:
A medical exam is often required for life insurance policies. For overweight individuals, this process can be stressful, as it includes health markers like weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
Understanding these challenges is key to finding the right coverage. The steps outlined in this guide aim to help you overcome these hurdles and secure a policy tailored to your needs.
What Is a Person’s Body Mass Index (BMI)?
Your body mass index, or BMI, is a way to determine if you are living with a healthy weight. Your BMI number is based on your current weight and height. The higher the number, the more body fat a person has. If your BMI number is high, you may be putting your life at risk for health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
BMI is used to broadly define different weight groups in adults 20 years of age or older.
- Underweight: BMI of less than 18.5
- Normal weight: BMI of 18.5 to 24.9
- Overweight: BMI of 25 to 29.9
- Obese: BMI of 30 or more
Your BMI is always calculated the same way for males and females.
Factors That Impact Premiums for Overweight Applicants
Insurers rely on several factors to calculate premiums for individuals classified as overweight or obese:
Body Mass Index:
This numerical value compares your height and weight. While BMI is a quick way to categorize individuals, insurers do consider other factors beyond BMI alone.
Existing Health Conditions:
High blood pressure, diabetes, or elevated cholesterol levels can increase premiums because they pose higher risks.
Lifestyle and Habits:
Smoking, stress levels, and sedentary lifestyles also influence premium costs.
Age and Gender:
Older applicants and men generally face higher premiums based on actuarial risks.
What Is Considered Overweight When Applying for Life Insurance?
When it comes to buying life insurance, being overweight can sometimes lead to higher premiums or even difficulty in getting approved for coverage. However, the definition of what is considered overweight may vary between insurance companies and policies.
Generally, insurers use a measurement known as body mass index (BMI) to determine if an individual is overweight. BMI takes into account both height and weight to calculate a person’s overall body fat percentage. A BMI score of 25 or higher is typically considered overweight, while a score of 30 or above is classified as obese.
It’s important to note that BMI may not always be an accurate measure of one’s health as it doesn’t take into account muscle mass or other factors such as age or gender. However, it is still widely used by insurers as a way to assess potential health risks and determine insurance rates.
Aside from BMI, other factors that may affect an individual’s health include family medical history, lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise habits, and pre-existing conditions. Insurers will often consider these factors when determining the premiums for an insurance policy.
Statistics on Overweight People in America (2023)
Overweight Statistics:
Overweight with a BMI of 25-29.9
About 35-45% of adults fall into the overweight category.
Obesity with a BMI of ≥30
Approximately 44.6% of adults were classified as obese in 2022-2023, according to the CDC’s statistics.
Severe Obesity with a BMI of ≥40
Around 11.1% of adults were classified as having severe obesity during the same time period.
Childhood Obesity:
Age Between 2-19:
Obesity among children and adolescents was about 21.8%, affecting an estimated 15.9 million individuals in (2021-2023).
Age Breakdown:
13.9% of children aged 2-5
21.9% of children aged 6-11
27.4% of adolescents aged 12-19?
Demographic Variations:
Obesity rates vary significantly by race/ethnicity: Non-Hispanic Black adults: 51.8%. Hispanic adults: 45.6%
Non-Hispanic White adults: 42.4%
Non-Hispanic Asian adults: 17.1%
Regional Area Variations:
Obesity tends to be higher in the Southern and Midwestern regions of the U.S. compared to the Northeast and West.
Impact on Health:
Obesity and being overweight are linked to a wide range of health problems which include:
1. Cardiovascular diseases.
2. Type 2 diabetes.
3. Certain types of cancer.
4. Joint and mobility issues.
Economic Impact in America:
The total medical costs of obesity in the U.S. was estimated to be around $194 billion dollars annually as of 2023. Keep in mind that these are steadily rising costs every year.
Overweight, Obese, and Morbidly Obese: What Are the Distinctions?
Life insurance applications will be based on these three classifications:
Overweight:
Most people wonder what the difference is between these three classifications. This terminology all revolves around your Body Mass Index. Medical professionals define “overweight” as a condition in which a person’s body weight is approximately 10%-20% times higher than average.
Obese:
Doing this can be determined by a conventional height/weight chart or a body mass index rating (BMI) of 25 to 30. Obesity is generally defined as a condition in which a person’s body weight is 20% or more above average weight or a BMI of 30 or more. Term is usually the best type of life insurance for obese people.
Morbid Obesity:
Morbid obesity means a person is typically 50%-100% or more above their average weight. Being over 100 pounds over normal can severely interfere with health and normal functioning. Therefore, your classification affects your rate.
Purchasing life insurance for morbidly obese applicants can be challenging, to say the least, especially if they have additional health conditions.
Best Types of Life Insurance for Overweight People
Different policies cater to different needs and circumstances. Term is usually the best life insurance for overweight people. Here’s a breakdown of the most common ones:
Term Life Insurance:
It’s ideal for those seeking affordable term life insurance coverage for a fixed period, typically 10, 20, or 30 years. Premiums tend to be lower, but medical exams are usually required. Overweight individuals who don’t have severe health complications can often qualify for favorable rates.
Whole Life Insurance:
This option provides lifelong coverage and includes a “cash value” component that grows over time. While whole life policies are more expensive than term life, they can be beneficial for estate planning or leaving a financial legacy.
No-Medical-Exam Policies:
These policies do not require a medical exam but generally come with higher premiums and lower coverage limits. They work well for individuals with significant health concerns who need quick approval.
Guaranteed Issue Policies:
Guaranteed issue life insurance is a last-resort option that accepts anyone regardless of health status. While these policies provide coverage, they are often more costly and have limited payout amounts.
Universal Life Insurance:
This flexible option allows adjustments to coverage and premiums. While it offers permanent coverage, its higher cost may not make it ideal for every overweight individual.
Premium Calculation Factors
When determining life insurance premiums, insurers consider several key factors to assess the level of risk associated with each applicant. Here are some of the primary elements that influence premium calculations:
Health and Medical History:
Insurers evaluate your current health, pre-existing conditions, and medical history to gauge potential health risks. Being overweight may influence premiums if it is linked to health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.
Current Age:
Age plays a significant role, as younger applicants are generally considered lower risk. Older individuals may face higher premiums due to the increased likelihood of health issues over time.
Gender:
Statistically, women tend to have longer life expectancies than men, often resulting in slightly lower premiums for female applicants.
Lifestyle Choices:
Habits like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or participation in high-risk activities (such as extreme sports) can increase premium rates, as they elevate the level of perceived risk.
Coverage Amount and Policy Type:
The amount of coverage you seek and the type of policy whether term, universal, or whole life—affect premium costs. Higher coverage amounts and permanent policies typically result in higher premiums.
Occupation and Hobbies:
Certain jobs or hobbies that involve significant risk, such as piloting or scuba diving, may lead to increased premiums to account for the added danger.
By understanding these factors, you can better anticipate how your personal circumstances may influence the cost of your life insurance policy. It’s also a good idea to shop around and compare options to ensure that you find the right coverage at the best value for your needs.
Helpful Tips to Help Reduce Your Premiums
Choose a Weight-Friendly Insurer:
Some insurers are more lenient when it comes to BMI and weight classifications. Consulting with specialized brokers who have experience with overweight clients can help you identify these companies.
Working With Independent Agents:
Independent agents (brokers) have access to multiple insurers and can compare policies to find the best match for your health profile and budget.
Consider No-Medical-Exam or Guaranteed Issue Policies:
If traditional policies are denied, exploring no-medical-exam or guaranteed issue policies can still provide valuable coverage.
Improve Your Health:
Making small changes to your lifestyle, like exercising regularly and improving your diet, can help improve health markers like cholesterol or blood pressure. Weight loss, even modest amounts, can positively impact your premiums.
Be Honest:
Provide accurate information about your weight and health history during the application process. Failure to do so could result in policy cancelations or denied claims later.
Quitting Smoking:
Smoking significantly increases life insurance premiums due to the associated health risks. By quitting smoking, not only will your health improve, but you may also qualify for substantially lower rates over time. Many insurers offer non-smoker rates once you’ve been tobacco-free for a specific period.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle:
Adopting a healthier lifestyle through regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and proper stress management can help lower your risk profile. Insurers may reward these efforts with reduced premiums after a follow-up health check.
Choose Term Life Insurance:
If affordability is your main concern, consider opting for term life insurance over whole life policies. Term life tends to have lower premiums while still providing essential coverage for a specified term.
Pay Premiums Annually:
While monthly payments may seem more manageable, paying your premiums annually can save you money in the long run. Many insurers offer discounts to avoid the administrative costs of monthly billing.
Understanding How Weight Affects Premiums:
Weight can have a significant impact on insurance premiums, particularly for health and life insurance policies. Insurers often use body mass index (BMI) as a factor in determining risk levels.
Individuals with a BMI that falls outside the standard healthy range may be categorized as higher risk, potentially leading to increased premiums. This is because higher weight can be associated with health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, which increase the likelihood of claims.
Maintaining a healthy weight or consulting with a healthcare professional to develop a wellness plan can not only improve overall health but may also reduce insurance costs over time.
Best Life Insurance Companies for Overweight People
When considering insurance providers, certain companies stand out for offering better options for overweight individuals. These insurers typically take a more nuanced approach to evaluating health metrics and may offer competitive rates. Here are some top options:
Prudential:
Prudential is very well known for offering policies to individuals with a higher body mass index (BMI). They consider additional factors beyond BMI, such as overall health and lifestyle, which can result in better rates for those who may not meet traditional weight guidelines.
The Prudential Insurance Company is ranked number one for life insurance for overweight applicants.
AIG:
AIG provides flexible underwriting that can benefit overweight individuals. Their policies often accommodate a wide range of health concerns, ensuring fair coverage options, even for those with elevated BMIs.
John Hancock:
John Hancock stands out for its health-focused approach. Through their Vitality program, policyholders can potentially lower their premiums by engaging in healthy habits, giving overweight individuals an opportunity to save through proactive lifestyle changes.
Mutual of Omaha:
Mutual of Omaha is recognized for comprehensive policy offerings suitable for diverse health situations. They often have lenient underwriting policies that may work favorably for those with higher BMI levels.
Transamerica:
Transamerica is another excellent option due to its willingness to factor in other health metrics beyond weight. This could result in more inclusive coverage terms for overweight applicants.
By exploring these providers, overweight individuals can find insurance coverage tailored to their unique needs, avoiding unnecessary penalties while securing their financial future.
How We Help People Get the Best Rates
Choosing the right insurance coverage can feel overwhelming, especially if you have specific criteria, like a higher BMI, that might impact eligibility or premiums. That’s where we come in.
Our agency specializes in guiding clients through the process of finding life insurance policies tailored to their unique needs. We partner with over 4 top-rated insurers, ensuring you have access to a variety of options that align with your lifestyle and budget.
With our personalized approach, we help simplify complex decisions, advocate for your best interests, and provide clear, accessible guidance every step of the way. Your peace of mind is our priority, and we’re here to help you secure the protection you deserve.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help You 7 Days a Week
Applying for life insurance for overweight people may seem intimidating, but most people get approved and with very affordable premiums.
By understanding the
process, knowing your options, and working with the right professionals, you can secure coverage that fits your needs and budget.
Remember, the peace of mind that life insurance provides is worth the effort.
Have questions or need help getting started? Call us today at 708-334-6226 for expert guidance and personalized advice.
We are ready to help you find the best life insurance policy, no matter your weight or health profile.
All the best,
Jack Venturi
