Many people worry that being overweight will bar them from life insurance.
In reality, life insurance for overweight people works largely like regular coverage: it pays a death benefit to loved ones if you die. However, because excess weight is linked to health issues, insurers do factor it into underwriting.
This guide explains how weight impacts premiums, what BMI ranges mean, and practical tips for overweight individuals to find affordable life insurance. You’ll learn key terms and strategies so you can confidently protect your family’s future.
Key Takeaways
Overweight Defined: BMI 25–29.9 is overweight; 30+ is obese. These ranges affect how insurers view risk.
Health Impacts: Overweight/obesity raises the risk of diseases (diabetes, heart disease, stroke, etc.), which is why insurers consider it.
No Automatic Denial: You can still get coverage if you’re overweight. Insurers may charge higher rates, but they seldom refuse just for weight.
Policies to Consider: Aside from traditional term/whole life, look into no-medical-exam or guaranteed-issue policies if you have trouble qualifying.
Shop Smart: Use independent agents, compare multiple quotes, and be honest on applications. Small improvements in health can lead to big savings.
Take Action: Apply for coverage when you can afford it. Even modest coverage can ease financial burdens on your family.
Why Weight Matters to Insurers
Insurance companies assess each applicant’s health and risk. Body weight is one factor among many (age, gender, medical history, lifestyle, etc.). Most firms use Body Mass Index (BMI) – a height-and-weight calculation – to screen applicants. The CDC defines overweight as a BMI of 25–29.9 and obesity as a BMI of 30 or above. For example, a BMI of 27 (overweight) or 32 (obese) tells insurers you carry extra weight relative to height.
Excess weight is associated with health risks. The CDC notes that overweight/obese adults face higher odds of serious conditions like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, and more.
A classic study of life insurance data found that obesity shortened lifespan and raised the risk of illness (especially cardiovascular/musculoskeletal).
Insurers know this: studies show obesity increases mortality mainly through related diseases (e.g., diabetes, heart disease). In practice, underwriters assume a higher weight can mean a higher risk of early death, so they may charge more or limit coverage accordingly.
How Insurers Evaluate Weight and BMI
Insurers don’t look at weight alone – they use height-to-weight tables and customized build charts. Most carriers compare your BMI to standard categories. CDC and NIH guidelines categorize BMI as shown below:
Underweight: BMI below 18.5
Healthy weight: BMI 18.5–24.9
Overweight: BMI 25.0–29.9
Obese: BMI 30.0 and above (Class I: 30–34.9; Class II: 35–39.9; Class III: 40+)
Many insurers use their own build chart, allowing a bit more flexibility (for example, muscular people may have a higher weight without extra fat). Still, if your BMI places you in the overweight or obese range, expect it to come up in underwriting.
As Progressive notes, being overweight doesn’t automatically disqualify you from coverage, but it might affect your rate. In short, insurers will view an overweight applicant as potentially higher-risk, especially if other health issues are present.
Importantly, insurers will usually not deny you solely for weight. As Progressive points out, “your application typically won’t be denied solely because of your weight,” unless serious health complications exist.
Likewise, Policygenius emphasizes “it’s rare for insurers to decline coverage based solely on weight.” They encourage overweight applicants to shop around, since different companies weigh BMI differently.
How Weight Affects Your Premiums
Higher weight often leads to higher premiums, all else equal. In life insurance, you’re placed into a risk class (Preferred, Standard Plus, Standard, etc.) based on health data. Bankrate explains that overweight applicants are more likely to fall into substandard classes, raising their costs.
In general, “life insurance rates for people with obesity and people of higher weight are typically higher than for someone with an average weight”.
In one example, Aflac showed a 30-year-old woman (5’3”) paying $11–23/month for a $100K term policy as her weight increased. At 140 lbs, she paid $11, but at 282 lbs, her rate jumped to $23; beyond 282 lbs, coverage wasn’t offered. This illustrates how steeply premiums can rise with weight.
Underwriting also considers where your weight comes from. Insurers may question whether excess weight is muscle or fat. As insurance consultant Michael Staeb notes, a very muscular person can still be classed as “overweight” by BMI, but even extra muscle puts strain on the heart.
Modern build charts try to account for this, but if your weight is mainly from fat, it more strongly signals risk factors (high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.).
Key Tips for Getting Life Insurance Coverage
If you’re overweight, don’t give up. Many options and strategies can help you secure coverage at reasonable rates:
Work with an Independent Agent: A knowledgeable agent can navigate options for you. Independent agents (not tied to one insurer) will gather multiple quotes and often have experience helping overweight or higher-BMI clients. They can explain complex rate classes and suggest insurers known to be more lenient on weight, potentially saving you money.
Shop Around & Compare Quotes: Companies use different build charts and underwriting rules. What’s a substandard rate with one carrier might be Standard Plus with another. Collect quotes from several insurers (or work through a broker) to find the best rate for your profile. Policygenius advises that “every insurance company factors weight differently, so shopping around can help you find the lowest rates for your weight and overall health profile”.
Consider No-Exam or Simplified Policies: If a medical exam could hurt your chances, look at no-exam or simplified issue policies. These skip the full exam (blood, urine, etc.) and rely on health questionnaires. For relatively healthy individuals, accelerated underwriting no-exam plans can still offer decent coverage up to $1M and faster approval. Aflac notes options like simplified issue, final expense, or guaranteed issue policies (which do not require any health questioning at all). Guaranteed issue plans accept almost anyone over a certain age (usually 50–80) but have smaller death benefits and higher premiums. These can serve as a backup if traditional policies aren’t available.
Improve Your Health (if Possible): While you shouldn’t delay insurance too long, working on health can pay off. Losing even 10% of your weight can sometimes drop you into a lower risk class over time. Insurers know that good habits matter: exercising regularly and eating well can improve blood pressure, cholesterol, and other markers. Aflac reminds readers that maintaining a healthy diet and consistent exercise “can reduce your weight” and “mitigate disease,” which may later qualify you for better rates. If you have time before applying, some experts suggest improving any controllable factors (like quitting smoking or managing blood pressure) first.
Explore Employer Coverage: If individual coverage is too costly, check if your job offers life insurance. Many group/employer policies are guaranteed-issue (no health questions), though with limited amounts. Policygenius notes that employer-sponsored life insurance can be a safety net for those denied in the individual market. Even basic group term coverage is better than nothing and can be supplemented with a personal policy later.
FAQs
Can I really get life insurance if I’m overweight?
Yes. Most overweight applicants can still qualify for a policy. Both Aflac and Progressive confirm that being overweight or even obese doesn’t automatically disqualify you. You may pay higher premiums, but coverage is available from many insurers.
Will my application be denied because of my weight?
Very unlikely, unless your weight accompanies serious health issues. Insurers rarely reject purely because of BMI. Policygenius emphasizes that “it’s rare for insurers to decline coverage based solely on weight”. If you have good overall health, most carriers will insure you.
What if I do get denied or priced out?
If one company declines you, try others. Every insurer has its own standards. If all traditional insurers won’t cover you, consider guaranteed-issue or final-expense policies for some basic coverage. Also, re-check any group life benefits you have, and plan steps to improve health so you can reapply later.
Should I wait to lose weight first?
There’s a balance. Losing weight generally lowers your premiums in the long run. But it can take time. Many experts advise getting coverage now, especially if you have dependents, and then reapplying later at a better rate if you reach weight goals. Protecting your loved ones should come first; you can always try for a rate reduction once you improve your health profile.
Embarking on this journey with knowledge and professional guidance will help you find the best policy for your situation and ensure peace of mind for the future.