Getting Life Insurance If You’re Overweight

If you’re overweight, you might be wondering whether your chances of getting life insurance are hindered. Obesity is seen as a pre-existing health condition in the eyes of insurance companies in the UK, and as such, will affect your policy.

Do insurance companies offer life coverage if you’re overweight?

Most insurance companies do provide cover if you’re overweight or obese. However, there are some details that you should be aware of. Firstly, as it’s classed as a pre-existing health condition, your premium will likely be much higher than a standard life insurance policy.

If your BMI is 39 or under, you shouldn’t have a problem getting coverage from a provider.

If your BMI is 39 or under, you shouldn’t have a problem getting coverage from a provider. If your BMI is over 45, you’ll likely be declined by most insurance companies in the UK or pay an even more significant monthly premium. Note that companies will also take into account your age when considering your application. So, if you’re younger and your BMI is over 45, your chances of getting accepted are lower than if you were over 40 years of age.

Why does your premium increase?

Being overweight or obese and having a high BMI level will put you at risk of developing other health complications later in life. Insurance companies take this into account when you make an application, which is why they will increase your premium. On the other hand, this increased risk also increases your need for financial protection.

What classifies someone as overweight in the UK?

In the UK, your body mass is measured by your body max index (BMI). According to the NHS, if your BMI is:

• Under 18.5, you are underweight
• Between 18.5 and 24.9, you’re at an ideal range
• Between 25 and 29.9, you’re overweight
• Between 30 and 39.9, you’re classified as obese

You can use the weight calculator offered by the NHS to measure your BMI.

How much does overweight life insurance cost?

The cost of your life insurance policy will depend on a range of factors taken into account by the insurance company. The insurer will ask for your age, occupation, medical records, smoking status, health, and lifestyle. To give you a rough idea, we’ve put together an example quote below:

• A 40-year old non-smoking applicant with a BMI of 38.4 looking for a level term insurance policy over 25 years with £120,000 coverage will be paying around £12 per month.

Note that this estimate does not take into account other pre-existing health conditions, lifestyle, or occupation. It also doesn’t guarantee that insurance companies will approve your application. Make sure to check with multiple providers to find the right one for you.

How to lower your life insurance premium if you’re overweight

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As mentioned before in this article, your premium will be higher than a standard policy if you’re overweight. So, you might be looking for ways to lower your monthly cost to make a policy financially viable.

Firstly, you should start working on the variables that are under your control. This includes losing weight, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and quitting smoking. Taking these steps can have a positive effect on your premium and significantly improve your quality of life.

You should also make sure to get multiple quotes from various insurance providers. Not all companies will approve you and offer the best prices. If you shop around, you’ll likely find better deals. Also, make sure to discuss your policy with the insurance provider in detail to ensure that you aren’t paying for more than you need.

Do other pre-existing conditions affect your life insurance?

Like obesity, there are various other pre-existing health conditions that you must disclose to your insurance provider. It can be a high BMI, mental health illness, diabetes, or any other condition that makes you a high risk for insurance companies.

It’s essential to disclose this information as failure to do so could result in your family and loved ones being denied a claim. If the insurance company discovers that you’ve lied on your application before your coverage is over, it could result in the cancellation of your policy, or the company could make you pay a flat fee for the increased premium you’ve missed.

What types of life insurance are available to overweight applicants?

The right life insurance policy will depend on your particular requirements. There isn’t a policy aimed explicitly at overweight clients. Most policies are divided into Term Life and Whole of Life:

Term Life

A term life policy provides cover for a period agreed on between you and the insurance company. Term policies are also divided into two sub-categories – level term and decreasing term:

• Level Term: In this policy, your payout total stays the same throughout the coverage period. This is a popular choice for clients that have an interest-only mortgage.
• Decreasing Term: In this policy, your payout total drops during the coverage period, but so does your monthly premium. This is a good policy if you have a repayment mortgage or other debt that will reduce over time.

Whole of Life

Unlike a term policy, a whole life policy will give you life insurance coverage until you pass away, regardless of when that happens. Since there’s a guaranteed payout, this type of policy tends to cost more.

Over 50s

Some companies offer an insurance policy specifically for over 50s, which is usually used for covering funeral costs. This type of policy usually lasts until you pass away.

Should you get life insurance if you’re overweight?

If you’re overweight or obese, you could be at risk of developing other health complications in the future. If you passed away, would your family and loved ones be able to stay in the same family home and continue with the same level of lifestyle?

Getting a life insurance policy will give you peace of mind that your family is protected should the unexpected happen, especially if you are the primary or sole income earner.

Compare Life Insurance Quotes For Overweight

When it comes to life insurance, being overweight can affect your premium rates. However, at Life Cover Quotes, we understand that finding affordable life insurance as an overweight individual can be challenging. That’s why we work with a network of brokers who specialize in finding coverage for individuals who may be considered high-risk by traditional insurance companies.

When you use our platform to compare life insurance quotes, you’ll have access to a wide range of options and will be able to find a policy that fits your needs and budget. Our brokers take into account various factors such as your age, health, and occupation when providing you with quotes, so you can be sure you’re getting a policy that’s tailored to your specific circumstances.

Don’t let being overweight keep you from protecting yourself and your loved ones. Use Life Cover Quotes to compare quotes and connect with brokers who can help you find the coverage you need at a price you can afford.