How to know if you're overweight for life insurance?

The first step is to calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI).BMI is a screening tool that uses height and weight to estimate body fat.It’s not perfect, but it’s what the insurers use, so we’re stuck with it for now.Click on the image below to quickly calculate your BMI.Body Mass Index (BMI) Categories:Underweight = <18.5Normal weight = 18.5–24.9Overweight = 25–29.9Obesity = BMI of 30 or greaterAn example should clear things up:Michael is 40, 6’2 and 20 stone.His mother would call him big-boned; however, the BMI calculator would put him in the obese category (BMI of 35.9).You expect Michael would have to pay more than someone in “better shape”.But surprisingly, Michael would get the same price as someone with a “normal weight”.However, if Michael were one year younger, with the same BMI, the life insurance company would increase his premium by 50%.You see, overweight men under 40 are a bigger risk for the insurer because they are more likely to have a heart attack or stroke.Apart from height, weight and age, the insurer will also look at some other factors when underwriting an application if you’re overweight.

What other factors affect your life insurance if you're overweight?

There are many other factors the underwriters will consider when reviewing your application: Are you a smoker? Family history Are you a big drinker? Do you have high blood pressure? Ever had raised cholesterol? Are you a diabetic? It’s impossible to give a useful indication of how these associated factors will affect your chances of getting cover. Still, it’s safe to say that the more you answer yes to, the higher the loading the insurer will add to your premium.

I have a BMI of over 35 – can I get life insurance?

You may think because you’re overweight you cannot get life cover.That’s not true.You may have to pay a higher premium than someone of normal weight but you can get life insurance.We have managed to get cover for someone with a BMI of 47 – but she had to pay three times the normal price.It all depends on which insurer you apply to. We know exactly who to apply to, depending on your circumstances.Our lady with a BMI of 47:She had no other health issues and no family history of health issues.She had to do a nurse medical to confirm her height and weight.Always give your accurate weight and height on your application form as you may have to attend a screening to confirm your measurements. If you get cover by making yourself taller or lighter, your family may have an issue should they ever need to make a claim.You’re unlikely to get life insurance…If you have a high BMI and are in poor healthIf you have a BMI of over 45

What if you're overweight and need mortgage protection?

The same rules apply to mortgage protection insurance as for life insurance.

How does being overweight affect getting serious illness cover?

The insurers take a stricter approach if you have a high BMI and want to get critical illness cover .If your BMI is over 4, you will struggle to get income protection or serious illness cover at any age.Michael, aged 40, in our example above, wouldn’t face an increase in premium for life cover only. But if he were applying for serious illness cover too, the insurer would increase his premium by 50%.

I'm obese. Can I get income protection?

The insurers underwrite income protection even more strictly, so; please get in touch before making an application. If your BMI is >40, you won’t be able to get income protection.

Does BMI affect mortgage protection?

Yes, mortgage protection is a type of life insurance where your amount of cover reduces over time. The same rules apply to mortgage protection as to life insurance. The same rules apply to mortgage protection as to life insurance.

Medical Issues & Life Insurance Archives - Page 5 of 6

Q: What other factors affect your life insurance if you're overweight?

There are many other factors the underwriters will consider when reviewing your application: Are you a smoker? Family history Are you a big drinker? Do you have high blood pressure? Ever had raised cholesterol? Are you a diabetic? It’s impossible to give a useful indication of how these associated factors will affect your chances of getting cover. Still, it’s safe to say that the more you answer yes to, the higher the loading the insurer will add to your premium.

Q: I have a BMI of over 35 – can I get life insurance?

You may think because you’re overweight you cannot get life cover.That’s not true.You may have to pay a higher premium than someone of normal weight but you can get life insurance.We have managed to get cover for someone with a BMI of 47 – but she had to pay three times the normal price.It all depends on which insurer you apply to. We know exactly who to apply to, depending on your circumstances.Our lady with a BMI of 47:She had no other health issues and no family history of health issues.She had to do a nurse medical to confirm her height and weight.Always give your accurate weight and height on your application form as you may have to attend a screening to confirm your measurements. If you get cover by making yourself taller or lighter, your family may have an issue should they ever need to make a claim.You’re unlikely to get life insurance…If you have a high BMI and are in poor healthIf you have a BMI of over 45

Q: What if you're overweight and need mortgage protection?

The same rules apply to mortgage protection insurance as for life insurance.

Q: How does being overweight affect getting serious illness cover?

The insurers take a stricter approach if you have a high BMI and want to get critical illness cover .If your BMI is over 4, you will struggle to get income protection or serious illness cover at any age.Michael, aged 40, in our example above, wouldn’t face an increase in premium for life cover only. But if he were applying for serious illness cover too, the insurer would increase his premium by 50%.

Q: I'm obese. Can I get income protection?

The insurers underwrite income protection even more strictly, so; please get in touch before making an application. If your BMI is >40, you won’t be able to get income protection.

How do You Know if You’re Overweight for Life Insurance or Mortgage Protection?

how BMI affects life insurance text on image of healthy food bowl

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