Can overweight people get life insurance?
Asked by: Doug Bartell | Last update: September 27, 2025Score: 5/5 (40 votes)
Can I get life insurance if I'm obese?
Yes, it's possible to get life insurance if you're overweight, as a high BMI is just one factor that will influence the cost of your cover. Your insurer will also consider information such as your age, health status, family medical history, alcohol and drug use, and your occupation and hobbies.
Is there a weight limit for life insurance?
Yes – depending on the insurer and policy, there may be a weight limit based on your height. And insurers often use height and weight to assess your body mass index (BMI). Insurers then typically use their own "build chart" to determine how your BMI will affect your eligibility and rate.
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.
What disqualifies a person from life insurance?
Specific Conditions that May Disqualify You
Certain health conditions and lifestyle choices can significantly impact your eligibility for full coverage life insurance. Chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure are among the top concerns for insurers.
Your weight and life insurance
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.
Is obesity a pre-existing condition?
Declinable Pre-existing Conditions
Insurers maintained lists of health conditions for which applicants would routinely be denied coverage. Declinable conditions included AIDS/HIV, congestive heart failure, diabetes, epilepsy, severe obesity, pregnancy, and severe mental disorders.
Am I too fat to get 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).
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.
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.
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.
What is the minimum weight for life insurance?
If your BMI is less than 18.5, it technically falls within the underweight range. If your BMI is lower than 18.5, this could impact your premiums, but there's still a chance to find some form of cover that is affordable. By exploring the market, you can discover the top offers from various insurance providers.
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.
Do overweight people pay more for insurance?
Can insurance companies charge higher premiums if you have obesity? No. Obesity is considered a pre-existing condition under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). So, as with all pre-existing conditions, insurance companies cannot make people with high BMIs pay more in premiums.
How much do morbidly obese people get in disability?
If you have long-term disability (LTD) insurance, then you may be able to receive benefits if you cannot work due to morbid obesity. LTD policies generally provide a monthly payment of up to 60% of your salary for a period of time ranging from 24 months or as long as retirement age.
At what weight are you disabled?
There's no magic number for your weight or BMI that will determine your eligibility for benefits. Instead, the decision will be based largely on a review of your medical records.
What is a Class 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.
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 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.
Can insurance deny coverage for obesity?
The Affordable Care Act requires insurance companies to cover obesity screening and counseling at no cost to you. If your initial screening shows a BMI that is over 30, you may qualify for additional services as well. Remember that coverage can vary significantly depending on where you live.
What is the new term for obesity?
The new term of adiposopathy (''sick fat'') clearly defines the pathogenic role of adipose tissue. Four phenotypes of obese individuals have been described: (1) normal weight obese (NWO); (2) metabolically obese normal weight; (3) metabolically healthy obese; and (4) metabolically unhealthy obese or “at risk” obese.
What diseases can you get if you are obese?
Carrying extra fat leads to serious health consequences such as cardiovascular disease (mainly heart disease and stroke), type 2 diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders like osteoarthritis, and some cancers (endometrial, breast and colon).