Can I get life insurance if I overweight?

Asked by: Madaline Lebsack DDS  |  Last update: November 30, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (19 votes)

Generally, being overweight alone won't result in a denial of life insurance coverage. Insurers assess your overall health, so if you're overweight but have no major health issues, you're likely to find coverage, though possibly at a higher premium.

What will disqualify me from life insurance?

A few common examples of pre-existing conditions include high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and asthma. Previous injuries might be considered pre-existing conditions, depending on their severity and any lasting effects.

Can you be denied insurance for being overweight?

At the same time, most states allow health plans to charge higher premiums for or decline to cover obese individuals. Under the Affordable Care Act, as of 2014, group and individual health plans will no longer be able to charge different premiums or deny coverage based on obesity or health status.

How fat is too fat for life insurance?

Healthy weight: 18.4–24.9. Overweight: 25.0–29.9. Obese: 30 and above.

What weight do I need to be to get life insurance?

Each insurer will have its own guidelines and underwriting criteria for evaluating applicants. Generally speaking, a BMI of 18.5-24.9 can be considered a healthy, low-risk weight range. However, if your BMI is significantly above or below this range, you may be denied cover or pay higher premiums.

Life Insurance and Obesity | I am Overweight; can I Qualify for Life Insurance?

19 related questions found

Should I lose weight before getting life insurance?

Life insurance companies will ask a variety of health and lifestyle questions to decide what to charge for premiums. If you are overweight or have a high BMI, the company may either give you a high price or deny coverage altogether if your weight is affecting other aspects of your health.

Is being overweight a disability?

Is Obesity a Disability? The short answer is no. Although several persons with Class III Obesity can have disabling health conditions that result from obesity and could qualify for Disability benefits, the fact is that most people who have Class III Obesity are quite able to perform their work functions.

What BMI do you need for life insurance?

Generally: The standard price for life insurance and mortgage protection is possible if your BMI is less than 32 and you're otherwise in perfect health. BMI of 32 to a BMI of 45 (females) and 40 (males), you'll get cover provided you have no other health issues. The higher your BMI, the higher your premium.

Does life insurance check your income?

In order to assess your life insurance need, the insurer will need to know your age and income at the time of the application. One simple and common method is to calculate coverage as a multiple of annual income.

Who cannot qualify for life insurance?

They can include engaging in risky hobbies and behaviors like skydiving; having a history of DUIs or speeding tickets; having a dangerous job like roofing; having a criminal record or a less than ideal financial history; being a smoker; and failing a drug test.

What is the cash value of a $10,000 life insurance policy?

Say, for example, that you purchase an insurance policy with a face value of $10,000. Once the policy matures, the cash value of the policy should equal $10,000.

Can you reapply for life insurance if you lose weight?

After weight loss, insurance reapplication will consist of a new medical exam and an evaluation of your medical records. Be sure that your records show that you have not only lost significant weight but have been able to keep it off.

Is 40 too late for life insurance?

Thankfully, it's never too late to purchase life insurance. Buying life insurance from certain insurers may be difficult depending on your age and health, but it's not impossible.

What is the 10x rule for life insurance?

When it comes to life insurance, many people simply follow the “10x rule,” meaning they take their annual salary, multiply it by 10, and purchase that amount. But this coverage could end up being too much or too little, depending on your family circumstances, current financial situation, and long-term goals.

Can you get disability if you weigh over 300 pounds?

But obesity—defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more, or morbid obesity, having a BMI of 40 or greater—will not be enough to qualify you for Social Security disability benefits on its own. You'll need to show Social Security that obesity is the reason you can't work.

What is type 3 obesity?

An adult may be considered to have class III obesity if they meet one of the following criteria: Are 100 pounds over the optimum body weight range for their sex and height. Have a BMI of 40 or more. Have a BMI of 35 or more and are experiencing obesity-related health conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

Is being fat a sin?

Being overweight may be a health concern, but it has nothing to do with your moral standing before God, especially since weight is not necessarily always linked solely to eating habits.

Can you be denied life insurance for being overweight?

Generally, being overweight alone won't result in a denial of life insurance coverage. Insurers assess your overall health, so if you're overweight but have no major health issues, you're likely to find coverage, though possibly at a higher premium.

At what point is life insurance not worth it?

When is term life insurance not worth it? Term life insurance probably isn't worth the costs if you don't have any significant debts to pass on to your loved ones or you don't have dependents or a spouse that you'd leave in a bind by passing away.

How to get life insurance if overweight?

Those who are overweight or obese can increase their options for coverage at reasonable rates by using a few tactics:
  1. Work with an independent agent. ...
  2. Shop around. ...
  3. Consider life insurance with no medical exam. ...
  4. Maintain a healthy diet and exercise consistently.

What disqualifies me for life insurance?

Pre-existing conditions – meaning any health issue or condition that existed before applying for coverage – are often considered high-risk by insurance companies and can lead to disqualification. Chronic conditions that require long-term medication or treatment can also impact eligibility.

Am I too fat for life insurance?

Being overweight can sometimes affect the cost of your life insurance policy, but it shouldn't affect how your policy works. You will apply in the same way as anyone else, though you may need to provide extra medical evidence (e.g. a GP medical report).

What not to say when applying for life insurance?

Tobacco use: Lying about smoking on a life insurance application likely constitutes a misrepresentation, even if you only smoke occasionally. Drug and alcohol use: Someone who engages in drug or alcohol misuse may omit this information.