Life Insurance & Weight: How Your BMI Affects Rates (And What to Do About It)

You’re not alone if you’re concerned about how your weight affects your life insurance rates.

Many wonder whether a few extra pounds (or more) will impact their ability to get affordable life insurance. The good news? You have options.

This guide will help you understand how life insurance companies evaluate your height and weight, how BMI factors into underwriting, and which companies are the most lenient about building charts.

Life insurance companies categorize applicants into rate classes based on their weight. While guidelines vary by insurer, here’s what you need to know:

• Preferred Best – The strictest category, with little to no wiggle room on weight limits.
• Standard Rates – More lenient, especially if you have no other health concerns.
• Table Ratings – If your weight exceeds the standard cut-off, insurers assign a table rating, which can increase premiums by 25% per table.
• Age Adjustments – Some insurers allow higher weight limits for applicants over age 60.

Many insurers now publish both build charts and BMI charts. Some companies even take a more flexible, case-by-case approach.

Don’t worry about memorizing these – We’ll match you with the best company for your weight!

While not all companies rely on BMI, many use it in decision-making. Here’s how to calculate yours:

A BMI of 30 or higher is typically considered obese, while a BMI under 18.5 may trigger underweight underwriting concerns.

Before Your Paramedical Exam:

• Schedule Morning Appointments Only – You weigh less first thing in the morning.
• Wear Light Clothing – If you are close to the weight limits.
• Avoid Salty Foods and Heavy Meals – It may raise blood pressure and weight.
• Stay Hydrated – It makes it easier for the examiner to get a blood sample and urine sample.

If you’ve been rated or denied life insurance due to weight, here’s what to do.

If weight was the only issue, we may be able to move to a new company that is more lenient with underwriting. If you have other health concerns, we’ll also address those issues.

If you received a table-rated offer, we may be able to eliminate or reduce table ratings.

Insurers with higher weight limits include:

• Pacific Life
• Prudential
• John Hancock
• Corebridge Financial

If you’ve lost or gained weight recently, many insurers will average your weight over the past year to prevent applicants from crash dieting before their paramed.

If you are taking Ozempic, Wegovy, or another similar medication for weight loss, here’s what you need to know:

• If the medication is strictly for weight loss, underwriting follows build guidelines.
• Was the medication prescribed for diabetes? Underwriting follows diabetes guidelines.
• Your weight is averaged if you started the medication within the past 12 months.
• If more than 12 months, your current weight is used.

The most important factor is choosing the right insurance company based on height and weight. Every company evaluates weight differently, so having an experienced agent on your side makes a huge difference.

• Compare insurers to find the best match for your build.
• Provide underwriting tips to improve your rate class.
• Help you avoid costly mistakes when applying.

There’s never any pressure or obligation. If you’re ready to explore your options, take two minutes to request a free quote today!