Life Insurance for Overweight Applicants
Applying for life insurance as an overweight or obese applicant can be intimidating. Many people worry that their weight alone will lead to higher premiums or a declined application. The truth is, most life insurance carriers use a build chart to evaluate height and weight, and being above “ideal” weight does not automatically disqualify you. At Diversified Insurance Brokers, we help overweight applicants find affordable life insurance by matching them with the carriers that have the most favorable underwriting guidelines.
Get a High-Risk Life Insurance Quote
If you are overweight, don’t assume you’ll be declined. Go to the “General Medical” category on our High-Risk Life Insurance page and submit your information securely.
How Carriers Evaluate Weight
Life insurance companies use a height/weight chart—sometimes called a “build chart”—to determine how your weight affects your health classification. Even if your BMI is considered overweight or obese by medical standards, many carriers allow a range of weight above “normal” before adjusting your premium. Each carrier’s chart is different, which is why shopping multiple companies is essential.
Other Factors That Matter
- Blood Pressure & Cholesterol: Well-controlled numbers may offset weight concerns.
- Diabetes: Overweight applicants with diabetes may face higher ratings, but approvals are still possible.
- Family History: Carriers consider longevity risk if there’s a history of heart disease or early mortality.
- Age: Older applicants sometimes get more leeway on weight than younger applicants.
Estimate Your Life Insurance Premiums
Use our life insurance calculator to compare quotes from dozens of carriers, with and without health rating adjustments.
Life Insurance Quoter
Comparison: Standard vs Overweight Underwriting
| Factor | Standard Weight Applicant | Overweight Applicant |
|---|---|---|
| Health Class | Preferred or Standard | Standard, Table-rated, or Substandard |
| Premiums | Lowest available | Higher, but varies by carrier and build chart |
| Approval Odds | High | Moderate to high with the right carrier |
| Impact of Other Health Issues | Minimal | May compound risk (diabetes, hypertension) |
Case Example
A 42-year-old male, 5’10” and 250 lbs, applied for $500,000 of 20-year term life insurance. His BMI classified him as obese, and one carrier offered coverage at a Table 4 rating with high premiums. We shopped the case to a carrier with a more generous build chart, which approved him at Standard Non-Smoker rates—saving him over $1,200 annually. This is why independent broker expertise matters.
Tips for Overweight Applicants
- ✅ Apply even if you think you’ll be declined—many carriers are more flexible than expected.
- ✅ Provide complete medical history upfront to avoid surprises in underwriting.
- ✅ Consider policies with living benefit riders for added value.
- ✅ Work with an independent broker who can shop multiple carriers.
Why Work With Diversified Insurance Brokers?
Since 1980, Diversified Insurance Brokers has helped thousands of people with high-risk profiles secure life insurance. Being overweight is not a disqualifier. With access to 75+ carriers, we find the companies most favorable for your build and health profile. Learn more about our high-risk life insurance services or explore additional protection like burial insurance for final expenses.
Secure Coverage Even if Overweight
Book your free consultation today to explore affordable options for overweight applicants.
FAQs: Life Insurance for Overweight Applicants
Does being overweight mean I can’t get life insurance?
No—being overweight does not automatically disqualify you. Many insurers approve overweight applicants; what changes is how they assess risk, pricing, and policy terms.
How do insurers evaluate “overweight” risk?
They usually look at your **BMI** (body mass index) and your height-to-weight ratio. They also examine related health factors like blood pressure, cholesterol, heart health, diabetes, sleep apnea, and your overall medical history.
What rating or pricing outcomes should I expect?
Overweight applicants may see higher premiums, possibly substandard or rated classes depending on how much overweight and what other health issues exist. Mild overweight with clean records might still get standard or near-standard pricing.
Does recent weight loss help reduce premiums?
Yes—if you’ve lost weight and maintained the lower weight for a while (often 6-12 months), some insurers will adjust your risk class. However, many will use interim or “partial credit” if the weight loss is recent.
What policy types are usually available for overweight applicants?
Options include traditional underwritten term and permanent policies. If risk is high or medical underwriting shows complications, simplified-issue or guaranteed issue policies are alternatives. Also, group life insurance may offer coverage with fewer health restrictions.
How can I improve my approval odds and pricing?
Improve modifiable health metrics (blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose), engage in healthy weight loss or maintenance, document your health improvements, avoid tobacco, stay active, and work with brokers who know which carriers have generous build charts and more flexible underwriting.
Diversified Insurance Brokers specializes in helping high-risk applicants secure coverage, even after serious health conditions.
