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Best High BMI Life Insurance For Overweight People In 2024

Elaine Brookes Steve Case

Author: Steve Case - Insurance Expert

Reviewed & Fact Checked By: Elaine Brookes

Updated: 28th July 2024

high BMI life insurance

The average individual has a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 23. BMI is the measure of the ratio between height and weight.

Even individuals with a BMI of up to 55 should be able to find suitable, affordable, overweight life insurance without jumping through too many hoops.

High BMI And Overweight Life Insurance In Summary:

Life insurance is crucial for those with a high BMI, not just for financial security but for peace of mind, knowing your loved ones are protected should the worst happen.

  • Tailored Options: Specialist insurers can offer better rates for individuals with higher BMIs, avoiding the premium spikes often seen with standard policies.
  • No Medical Exams: Most policies for overweight individuals do not require a medical exam, simplifying the application process.
  • Adjustable Premiums: As you improve your health and potentially lower your BMI, you may qualify for reduced premiums, making it cost-effective in the long run.
  • Increased Coverage Accessibility: With changing industry standards, insurance providers now offer higher maximum BMI limits, making coverage more accessible than ever.

Insurance Hero specialises in finding people who are considered to be overweight the high BMI life insurance policy they need. We can also help with other insurance needs, such as income protection and critical illness insurance.

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life insurance with high bmi

The following tables provide an overview of important aspects of life insurance for overweight individuals with a high BMI:

BMI CategoryDescriptionInsurance Implications
Under 18.5UnderweightMay need medical review
18.5 – 24.9Healthy weightStandard premiums
25 – 29.9OverweightSlightly higher premiums
30 – 39.9ObeseHigher premiums
Over 40Morbidly obeseSpecialised insurers are required. Higher premiums, but the coverage is still achievable
StrategyDescriptionPotential Benefit
Manage BMIRegular exercise and diet managementLower premiums
Medical consultationRegular check-ups to manage health conditionsBetter insurance terms
Specialised insurersContacting brokers like Insurance Hero, who specialise in high BMI clientsAccess to better rates
Regular policy reviewAssess changes in health and BMI to adjust coverageCost-effective coverage adaptation
QuestionAnswer
Can high BMI individuals get life insurance?Yes, with specialised terms and possibly higher premiums
How does BMI affect premiums?Higher BMI usually leads to higher premiums due to increased risk
What is the maximum BMI for obtaining life insurance?Typically up to 45-50, depending on the insurer

Our company is highly aware of how insurance companies will view applicants with a high BMI

We know which insurers will consider the application after years of experience and working with different agencies. Overweight or obese people often have a tougher time getting affordable life insurance premiums due to their medical condition.

Most importantly, our insurance team will do all the work regarding liasing with the insurance provider, making the life insurance process simple and much less stressful for the individual applying for the life insurance policy.

While there is never a guarantee that our team will be able to get individuals the life insurance they want with a high BMI, they can rest assured that our team will explore every possible avenue to secure a policy that fits their needs and budget.

We also promise to give clients an honest assessment of whether or not their application will be appealing to life insurance providers and provide some indication of the monthly premiums they will be charged due to their high BMI status.

Much like the providers themselves, we base our assessments on your body weight ratio, family medical history, pre-existing medical conditions, and other factors affecting your life insurance premium on obesity life insurance.

Whenever there is a choice between insurance agencies, our team will help the client choose the overweight life insurance insurer best suited to meet their needs and offer them coverage at the lowest rate.

We will handle all the paperwork, keeping the client updated throughout the process so they know their case is well managed.

We have a team of specialists working to find life insurance policy options and providers for overweight individuals.

Although we are working hard to find this information, our team is always available to discuss individuals’ specific life insurance needs and any concerns they may have about purchasing a life insurance policy.

Refused Life Insurance Due To High BMI? Rest Assured. You’re In Good Hands Get A Fast, Free Quote Today

maximum bmi for life insurance
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refused life insurance high bmi

Our company is based in the UK, so individuals will not have to deal with foreign representatives or call centres.

How much is life insurance for overweight people?

Determining the cost of life insurance for overweight individuals involves understanding several factors, primarily one’s Body Mass Index (BMI). Insurance premiums can vary based on BMI due to the associated health risks.

To illustrate your weight’s impact on life insurance costs, consider that premiums typically increase as BMI rises. For instance, those who have a BMI over 30 are often classified as obese and may see higher rates.

BMI LevelEstimated Monthly Premium Of Approximately £150,000 In Cover
~34£7.00
~37£7.00
~39£8.78
~45£10.03
~50£12.04

These figures are indicative and based on certain conditions at the time of quotation, and actual premiums can vary depending on multiple factors, including medical history and other health-related issues.

High BMI Support

In addition to helping our clients find a life insurance provider willing to accept their application, even the morbidly obese, we also pride ourselves on being able to help individuals as much as possible when dealing with their pre-existing conditions.

Below are links to different resources we have worked with before, such as support groups and other useful information for those clients with a high BMI:

What is High BMI (Body Mass Index)?

Those with a high BMI carry too much body fat in relation to their height. BMI, or Body Mass Index, measures an individual’s weight against their height. Many individuals become overweight when they eat more calories during the day than their bodies can burn off.

For residents of the United Kingdom, a BMI of between 25 and 30 is considered overweight; those with a BMI of above 30 are categorised as obese, and those 40 and above are considered morbidly obese.

We can usually secure life insurance for individuals who are considered obese and have a BMI of between 30 and 55 and sometimes even higher.

It is estimated that over half of all adults in the United Kingdom have a higher BMI than medical professionals recommend – approximately two out of five adults are considered overweight. One out of five is considered obese. The number of obese individuals in the UK is rising, particularly among younger adults.

The number of obese adults in the United Kingdom has almost tripled since 1980 and is considered an “obesity epidemic.” However, it is important to remember that a range of body weights and BMIs will always be considered healthy depending on the individual’s age, sex, and height.

overweight life insurance benefits

A combination of different factors helps to determine our BMI or weight, and it is challenging to set a specific ideal weight that can be applied to all individuals…

With this in mind, it is still important to strive to be within the recommended range of a healthy BMI number and a healthy weight based on the individual’s sex and age.

Many individuals have a distorted perception of healthy weight, partly due to the images of celebrities and the media surrounding body image.

For those individuals whose BMI indicates that they are overweight, some simple changes to their everyday lifestyle can help to make vast improvements.

For those with a high BMI, it will become vital to consider how they can change their diet and exercise plan over a longer period.

Losing weight to reduce your Body Mass Index should not be viewed as a quick fix but as a change to your overall lifestyle.

When people participate in crash diets or unhealthy dieting, they can gain back the weight they have lost and more if they do not make permanent changes to their lifestyle.

Given their circumstances, individuals with a BMI higher than recommended are at a higher risk for some health complications, including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and cancers like prostate, colon, and breast cancer.

These individuals are also more likely to have problems with their joints and back and may even find that they become winded easily and have problems sleeping. The higher the individual’s BMI, the more these problems affect them.

For those with a high BMI and who are overweight, many health benefits are experienced by losing weight, even just the first 5 to 10 percent of their weight.

For those individuals who are categorised as obese, some of the health improvements they can see by reducing their body weight by just 10 percent include:

  • Less likely to develop health conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease
  • Conditions such as osteoarthritis, diabetes, and high blood pressure will likely improve
  • The chance of passing away at any age is reduced by 20 percent

Reducing BMI and losing weight will depend on the balance between the number of calories consumed daily and the number of calories burned through exercise and being active.

When people consume more calories than they burn through activity, they will gain weight, and their Body Mass Index will increase – when they burn more calories than they consume, they will lose weight, and their Body Mass Index will decrease.

When individuals reduce their daily calorie intake by 500, they can lose up to one full pound a week. Setting realistic goals is essential for those trying to decrease their BMI through weight loss.

To lose weight and keep it off, individuals will also need to make permanent changes to how they view food and the amount of physical activity they do every day.

In some cases, keeping a diary of everything eaten daily can help people see how many calories they consume and when they may need to increase their calorie burn through exercise.

In this video, Dr Jim Gill and consultant Dr Andy Stein explore the implications of BMI on your health

What is the BMI limit for life insurance?

The maximum BMI most mainstream life insurance companies accept in the UK is typically 45. However, specialised insurers may provide coverage for individuals with a higher BMI.

It’s advisable to compare different providers to find the most suitable and economical life insurance policy. Consulting with life insurance experts such as Insurance Hero can also help you save considerable money and find coverage that aligns with your needs.

Information on Life Insurance for those with High BMI

A life insurance policy is designed to give beneficiaries a lump sum when the policyholder passes away. Most individuals understand that their family and loved ones may need financial support to cover costs and continue paying living expenses when they pass away.

A life insurance policy is an important product to help ensure the policyholder and their loved ones that financial support will be provided for essential expenses, such as an outstanding mortgage.

Getting life insurance as an overweight person can be more difficult than it is for a person with an average or below-average or low BMI.

This is due to the already-mentioned high-risk factors associated with being overweight. Many insurers may charge their overweight clients very high premiums and be extremely stringent regarding things like critical illness coverage.

While it is tough to be in, you must remember that you don’t have to stay on overweight life insurance your entire life.

Getting on a weight loss regimen and getting yourself back down to a healthy weight can radically reduce your life insurance premiums in the future, aside from helping you lead a healthier, happier life!

If you’re having trouble securing life insurance and your BMI is too high, it might be time to cut out processed foods and sugary drinks. Artificial sweeteners often trick the body into getting the same “reward” as sugar without any of the present calories, leading to a greater risk for obesity and diabetes.

Eat fibre-rich whole grains such as oatmeal, quinoa, or brown rice instead of white carbohydrates like bagels or crackers.

This extra fibre will make you feel fuller faster, with less room for other foods to fill. Then try swapping fruit juices for unsweetened natural ones like orange juice with pulp, water instead of soda, and iced tea rather than coffee-based beverages.

There are many insurance policies available depending on the individual’s needs. We are available and willing to help clients with their insurance needs.

People often ask us: can you get life insurance with pre-existing conditions? Our agents take the time to understand each client’s specific needs and situation and work to find the more appropriate life insurance policy to fit their needs and budget.

Some of our company’s most satisfied customers are those who could not find the coverage they wanted elsewhere.

You might also be surprised to learn that no medical exam life insurance coverage is available for many people in the UK. The Insurance Hero team is always available to answer any questions.

overweight life insurance provider

What is the difference between life insurance for overweight and obese people?

Life insurance policies are generally uniform across individuals regardless of weight, meaning that the coverage terms and exclusions, such as the typical exclusions for suicide within the first 12 or 24 months, do not vary based on a person’s body mass index (BMI).

However, the application process might differ for overweight or obese individuals. For those disclosing a higher BMI indicative of being overweight, insurers may pose additional questions to understand the specific health risks better.

The classification between being overweight and obese is primarily based on BMI—an individual with a BMI over 30 is typically classified as obese according to health standards such as those from NHS Choices pertaining to obesity.

Despite this classification, obtaining life insurance remains accessible. Importantly, the cost does not significantly increase between different obesity classes, such as between a BMI of 30-35 and 35-40, indicating that insurers offer competitive rates for obese individuals, provided the right companies are approached.

This suggests that while the application process may vary with a high BMI, the overall accessibility and affordability of life insurance remain relatively stable across these categories.

Life insurance for overweight females?

Life insurance is available to everyone regardless of weight, including overweight females in the UK. However, since a 2012 ruling by the European Court of Justice, insurance companies can no longer set premiums based on gender.

Therefore, when applying for life insurance, being female or male will not influence the cost of your policy. However, insurers consider other factors such as health, age, and lifestyle choices, including your weight.

While being overweight might affect your premium due to potential health risks, gender will not be a factor in determining the cost of your policy.

Get a Better Deal on High Body Mass Index Life Insurance with Insurance Hero

Just like being overweight is not a death sentence, getting insurance with a higher-than-average BMI shouldn’t be a problem. Unfortunately, the life insurance industry is mainly based on risk assessment.

As overweight individuals are at a higher risk for serious medical conditions, such as heart disease, insurers often hike up obesity life insurance premiums to safeguard themselves against the potentially higher likelihood of paying out the lump sum earlier.

By comparing and contrasting life insurance options from leading UK-based insurance providers and using our analytical tools to your benefit, you’ll be sure to find a plan you can afford with Insurance Hero. Contact us now at 0203 129 88 66.

Can I get income protection if I am overweight?

Being overweight can influence the process of obtaining income protection insurance, but it doesn’t automatically disqualify you. Insurers typically use similar criteria as those used for critical illness policies, where your overall health and Body Mass Index (BMI) are significant factors.

A higher BMI might lead to higher premium costs or limit your options.

If you find difficulty securing coverage due to a high BMI, it is advisable to contact us. We can help you explore alternative solutions that ensure your protection.

Additionally, here are a few important financial aspects to consider when determining if you need income protection insurance:

  • Your take-home salary
  • Housing costs like mortgage or rent
  • Other existing debts
  • General living expenses

These factors help assess the level of coverage needed to maintain your financial stability in case you cannot work.

Case Study: Life Insurance for Individuals with High BMI in the UK

Introduction:

Meet Mark Toms, a 45-year-old resident of Birmingham, UK. He is a loving husband and father of two.

He works as an electrician and enjoys spending his free time with his family. Recently, Mark’s doctor informed him that he has a high Body Mass Index (BMI), which places him in the obese category.

Concerned about his health and family’s financial security, Mark explored life insurance options tailored to individuals with high BMI.

Challenges:

  1. High BMI and Health Risks: Mark’s BMI of 32 places him at a higher risk for health complications such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension.
  2. Insurance Premiums: Many UK insurance providers consider high BMI a risk factor, leading to higher premiums.

Solution: Specialised High BMI Life Insurance

Through Insurance Hero, Mark discovered a life insurance provider specialising in policies for individuals with high BMI.

They offered:

  1. Tailored Coverage: Policies designed to meet the unique needs of those with high BMI.
  2. Affordable Premiums: Competitive rates considering the whole health picture, not just BMI.
  3. Family Protection: Ensuring financial stability for loved ones in the event of Mark’s untimely passing.

Benefits for Mark and His Family

  1. Financial Security: Mark’s life insurance policy provides a safety net for his family, covering mortgage payments, education costs, and daily living expenses.
  2. Peace of Mind: Knowing that his family will be financially secure, Mark can focus on improving his health and BMI.
  3. Health Support: The insurance provider offers health and wellness programs to assist Mark in reducing his BMI and improving his overall health.

Mark’s decision to take out life insurance tailored to his high BMI has provided him and his family with financial security and peace of mind.

By choosing a provider that understands the unique needs of individuals with high BMI, he found a solution that offers protection and support for a healthier future.

This case study illustrates the importance of specialised life insurance options for those with high BMI in the UK.

It emphasises the value of understanding and addressing this demographic’s specific needs and challenges.

High BMI Life Insurance Final Thoughts

Life insurance is one of the most important investments you can make for yourself and your loved ones.

A high BMI life insurance policy gives your family financial support in the event of your death and can be a real lifesaver in difficult times.

We want to help you protect your loved ones and live a longer, healthier life, so we offer no obligation-free life insurance for high BMI quotes.

By comparing and contrasting life insurance options from leading UK-based insurance providers and using our analytical tools to your benefit, you’ll be sure to find a plan you can afford with Insurance Hero. Contact us now at 0203 129 88 66.

Get a quote today and give yourself and your family peace of mind for the future.