Life Insurance For Overweight People – In the United States, a significant portion of the adult population grapples with weight issues, with 42% classified as obese and many more falling into the overweight category. The prevalence of obesity is particularly high in the southern and midwestern regions of the country, with more than half of the adult population in states like West Virginia and Mississippi categorized as obese.
While individual definitions of a healthy weight may vary, a person’s weight and body composition can significantly impact their health outcomes. These factors can even influence the cost of life insurance, with overweight adults often facing higher premiums.
The Impact of Weight on Life Insurance Premiums
When determining policy rates, insurance companies take a range of factors into account, including age, health, lifestyle, and family medical history. Among these factors, weight plays a significant role in the calculation of premiums. Specifically, insurers utilize the height-to-weight ratio to evaluate whether an applicant is overweight or obese.
To make this assessment, underwriters often rely on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Body Mass Index (BMI), which considers both height and weight. This index is used to determine whether an applicant’s weight poses a high risk, which can result in higher premiums. By understanding how weight affects life insurance rates, applicants can take proactive steps to reduce their premiums and secure the coverage they need.
Life Insurance For Overweight People
Being classified as overweight or obese can lead to higher life insurance premiums due to the increased health risks associated with excess weight. The specific amount of the premium increase depends on the insurer’s classification of the applicant’s risk level.
Classification of Overweight and Obese:
Insurance underwriters use BMI classifications to determine an applicant’s risk level. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, a division of the National Institute of Health, provides the following BMI guidelines:
- Underweight: BMI below 18.5
- Healthy weight: BMI between 18.5 and 24.9
- Overweight: BMI between 25.0 and 29.9
- Obese: BMI of 30 and above
While every insurance company has different requirements, they generally follow a similar process for determining premiums based on an applicant’s weight.
Sample Term Life Rates:
The following table provides sample term life rates for a 30-year-old female applicant seeking a $100,000 policy with a 20-year term:
| Health class | Monthly costs | Height | Weight in pounds |
| Risk | $11 | 5’3 | 140 lbs |
| Standard Table B | $15 | 5’3 | 232 lbs |
| Standard Table D | $19 | 5’3 | 255 lbs |
| Standard Table E | $23 | 5’3 | 282 lbs |
| Coverage Declined | Not offered | 5’3 | Greater than 282 lbs |
Maximum Weight and Height Ratio:
Insurers typically allow an additional nine or 10 pounds for every inch in height. For example, if the maximum weight for a 5’3″ applicant is 282 pounds, an applicant who is 5’4″ would have a maximum approval weight of 291 or 292 pounds.
Applicants who weigh more than the maximum weight for their height may be automatically declined coverage. In these cases, applicants need to consider other health factors and take steps to improve their overall health to reduce their premiums and secure the coverage they need.
Determining Factors for Life Insurance Premiums
Life insurance companies consider a range of factors when setting premiums for applicants. For individuals who are clinically overweight, two of the most significant factors are BMI and medical history.
BMI Calculation and Interpretation:
BMI is calculated as a person’s weight in pounds divided by the square of their height in feet. While not a perfect measure, a high BMI can indicate excess weight, which may pose potential health risks. However, it is important to note that BMI does not diagnose an individual’s overall health.
In addition to BMI, medical professionals use other tools to classify weight types, including:
- Waist circumference measurement
- Skin thickness measurement using calipers in specific areas of the body, such as the back of the upper arms and under the shoulder blades
- DEXA scan and air displacement plethysmography
There is no industry standard for how insurers use BMI to make application decisions and determine rates.
Medical History and Health Conditions:
Underwriters will review an applicant’s medical history to determine if they have been clinically overweight for an extended period. Insurers will also consider obesity-related conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. The more of these risk factors an applicant has, the higher the likelihood of paying higher premiums.
Other Risk Factors:
While BMI and medical history are primary risk factors, life insurance companies consider several other criteria to develop a risk profile, which is then used to determine if an applicant will be offered a policy and at what price. These factors vary from insurer to insurer but may include:
- Age: Younger policyholders generally have a longer life expectancy, representing less risk to the insurance company.
- Occupation: Individuals with high-risk jobs, such as firefighters, pilots, police officers, or construction workers, may pay more for coverage.
- Lifestyle: Engaging in dangerous hobbies, such as mountain climbing, scuba diving, or skydiving, or having habits like heavy drinking or tobacco use can also impact life insurance costs.
- Gender: Males are generally considered at a higher risk than females due to their shorter life expectancy.
Should You Lose Weight Before Applying for Life Insurance?
Whether to lose weight before purchasing life insurance depends on your specific circumstances and objectives. If age is a significant factor, it may be advisable to secure a policy promptly and reassess your requirements if weight loss is a component of your health goals. On the other hand, if postponing the policy purchase and planning to lose weight shortly is a viable option, you might qualify for lower premiums with a lower BMI. Consulting a licensed life insurance agent can provide clarity on your needs and help you determine whether buying a policy now or waiting is the best course of action.
Strategies for Securing Life Insurance For Overweight People
Finding affordable traditional life insurance coverage can be challenging if you are medically overweight or obese. However, there are strategies you can employ to reduce life insurance expenses.
Collaborate with an Independent Agent:
Engaging an independent life insurance agent who understands the nuances of insurers’ approaches to overweight and obese applicants can be beneficial. These agents can provide multiple quotes from various providers, giving you a comprehensive selection of options to consider. They are also knowledgeable about insurance companies specializing in high-risk policies, increasing the likelihood of acceptance and affordable rates tailored to your circumstances.
Consider seeking quotes independently:
If you prefer a hands-on approach, there are resources available to obtain competitive life insurance quotes. However, it is advisable not to base your decision solely on price. Evaluating customer service ratings, such as those from the J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Survey and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Complaint Index, can offer valuable insights. Additionally, assessing an insurer’s financial stability through ratings from independent credit rating agencies like AM Best is crucial.
Explore Group Insurance Options:
Employers often provide group life coverage to employees, which can be a cost-effective alternative to individual policies, especially for individuals with a high BMI or in high-risk occupations. While employer-sponsored coverage may offer some benefits, it may not always meet your desired coverage level, necessitating the purchase of additional individual policies to supplement your insurance needs.
FAQs
How do life insurance companies assess Overweight People?
Life insurance companies assess weight and health conditions related to obesity by considering factors such as age, height, weight, weight changes, weight loss surgery, high blood pressure, medications, and known complications or health problems associated with weight. Insurance agents must thoroughly fact-find to reduce underwriting roadblocks and ensure clients have the best chance of approval. Some companies specialize in writing life insurance for obese individuals, and marketing organizations can help identify these carriers.
How does weight affect life insurance ratings and premiums?
Life insurance companies use a build chart similar to a BMI calculation to determine rating categories and premiums. Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, Standard, and Table Ratings are the common categories, with each having minimum and maximum weight limits for a given height. Overweight or obesity can lead to a standard rating, while severe weight-related health issues may result in higher table ratings or even policy rejection. The specific weight limits and rating categories vary among insurance companies.
Can weight loss improve life insurance ratings and premiums for overweight individuals?
Yes, weight loss can potentially improve life insurance ratings and premiums for overweight individuals. If you lose a significant amount of weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle, you can request a re-evaluation of your life insurance policy. This may result in a better rating, lower premiums, or even a policy upgrade. However, it’s essential to understand that the process and timeline for reevaluation vary among insurance companies.
How does weight affect the underwriting process for life insurance policies?
Weight is a crucial factor in the underwriting process for life insurance policies. Insurance companies use weight charts and BMI calculations to determine an applicant’s health category and premium rates. Overweight or obese individuals may be classified in a lower health category, resulting in higher premiums. The underwriting process also considers other factors like age, gender, health history, and lifestyle habits. Applicants with a high BMI may need to provide additional medical information or undergo medical examinations to determine their risk level.
Are there any life insurance policies designed for Overweight People?
While there are no life insurance policies specifically designed for overweight individuals, some insurance companies specialize in writing policies for high-risk applicants, including those with weight-related health issues. These companies may offer more favorable rates and terms for overweight individuals compared to traditional life insurance providers. It’s essential to work with an independent life insurance agent who understands the nuances of the market and can help you find the best policy for your needs.