Can you get life insurance if you're overweight?

Being overweight doesn't automatically disqualify you from getting life insurance, but it might affect your rate and the type of policy you qualify for. Weight is only one of the many factors life insurers use to determine your eligibility and risk. In many cases, if you're overweight but otherwise healthy, you'll qualify for a policy with a relatively low rate. If you have weight-related or other health complications, you may pay more for coverage.

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Does your weight matter for life insurance?

Life insurance companies evaluate an applicant and offer a rate based on their risk, but each company calculates risk differently. Some companies may consider overweight individuals to be more likely to suffer from diseases that can shorten your life expectancy, such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. They may offer you a higher rate, especially if your life insurance medical exam shows that you have other health issues.

Pro tip:

With RAPIDecision® Life from eFinancial, you can defer your life insurance medical exam for up to six months after your policy is issued. Taking steps to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol during those six months, such as diet and exercise, could qualify you for a better rate after you get your exam. Some policyholders may have the medical exam requirement waived completely.

Are there life insurance weight BMI and weight limits?

Yes – depending on the insurer and policy, there may be a weight limit based on your height. And insurers often use height and weight to assess your body mass index (BMI). Insurers then typically use their own "build chart" to determine how your BMI will affect your eligibility and rate.

While any actual weight limits will vary by insurer and policy, here's a breakdown of common BMI categories according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute:

  • Underweight: Below 18.5
  • Healthy weight: 18.4–24.9
  • Overweight: 25.0–29.9
  • Obese: 30 and above

How much does BMI affect life insurance?

Life insurance build charts can be more generous than other BMI classifications, and there's no industry standard for how insurers use BMI to make application decisions and determine rates. For example, an individual who is 5'10" could weigh up to 229 pounds and still qualify for the best rate class through eFinancial's RAPIDecision® Life feature.*

Your BMI and weight won't be the only factor that goes into assessing your health — any questions you answer about your health and the results of your medical exam will also be factored in. If you're in overall good health, being overweight may not significantly affect your rate. Learn more about what affects life insurance costs.

Pro tip:

If you're young and you recently lost a significant amount of weight, you might decide to wait six months or longer to apply for life insurance. Insurers can look at your full health history, and if you recently lost weight, they might use your heavier weight to determine your risk. If you want coverage now, though, don't let your weight history stop you from quoting and comparing life insurance rates.

Can you be denied life insurance for being overweight?

Your application typically won't be denied solely because of your weight. But you might get denied if you have serious health complications. If that happens, consider shopping around more or applying for a guaranteed issue policy, a more expensive type of life insurance that doesn't require a medical exam or factor in your health.

What's the best life insurance for a high BMI?

Overweight individuals can often qualify for a traditional life insurance policy, so start there. If you have trouble qualifying, consider applying for a guaranteed issue policy. Be aware that these policies tend to cost more and offer lower death benefit amounts.

How to get life insurance through Progressive

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Please note: The above is meant as general information to help you understand the different aspects of insurance. Read our editorial standards for Answers content. This information is not an insurance policy, does not refer to any specific insurance policy, and does not modify any provisions, limitations, or exclusions expressly stated in any insurance policy. Descriptions of all coverages and other features are necessarily brief; in order to fully understand the coverages and other features of a specific insurance policy, we encourage you to read the applicable policy and/or speak to an insurance representative. Coverages and other features vary between insurers, vary by state, and are not available in all states. Whether an accident or other loss is covered is subject to the terms and conditions of the actual insurance policy or policies involved in the claim. References to average or typical premiums, amounts of losses, deductibles, costs of coverages/repair, etc., are illustrative and may not apply to your situation. We are not responsible for the content of any third-party sites linked from this page.

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*A number of other criteria outside of BMI can disqualify a consumer from receiving the best possible rate class (Tier 1), but is still eligible to qualify for a policy at the Tier 2 or Tier 3 rate class, including (but not limited to) Arthritis (Rheumatoid or Psoriatic), COPD (ARDS, Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema), Chronic Kidney Disease, and Criminal History (Ongoing Charge, Charges Not Finalized or Probation.).