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Can I still get life insurance if I’m overweight?

Being overweight can increase the cost of life insurance, but you can still get cover.

You can get life insurance if you're overweight, though you may have to pay a little more for cover. However, if you can prove that you're healthy, you might not have to pay extra. A lot of it depends on your BMI and health records.

Can I get life insurance if I'm overweight or obese?

Yes. If you're considered overweight or obese, you can still get life insurance. However, it might cost you a little more. This is because the more overweight you are, the more likely it is that you'll encounter health problems like type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers that can lead to premature death. Life insurers simply ask that you pay more so that they can cover themselves for the added risk of insuring you.

How will my insurer assess my weight?

Insurers will ordinarily ask for your body mass index (BMI). This is an international classification used to work out the health implications of a person's weight compared to their height. You can figure yours out by dividing your weight (in kilograms) by your height (in metres squared). BMI classifications are as follows:

  • Underweight: < 18.5
  • Healthy weight range: 18.5 – 25
  • Overweight: 25 – 30
  • Obese: >30

How does BMI impact life insurance?

Most insurers have BMI calculation loadings based upon their "build charts", which can vary from insurer to insurer. When calculating your premiums, the underwriter will take into account numerous factors, including your BMI and their "build charts", to calculate your loading charge. Keep in mind that this is not their only consideration. Other important factors include your general health, job, age and the life insurance amount you've applied for.

Generally speaking, the cheaper premiums go to healthy people who are within the healthy BMI weight range. If you're officially classed as overweight but are in fine health, there's a good chance that you've got nothing to worry about. In most cases, there's only a noticeable increase in your premiums if you're classed as obese.

How will my insurer know how much I weigh?

You'll need to fill out your weight and height when you apply for life insurance. If your insurer also requires you to take a medical exam, then they'll be able to find out then as well. Insurers can also request access to your medical records during the underwriting process.

If you lie or don't tell them about your weight, it's the same as not telling them about a pre-existing medical condition, and any claim your family makes once you pass away could be denied.

Can life insurers deny coverage based on weight?

Yes, but it's very rare. Every insurer is a little different, but generally, you would need to be severely obese (this is when your BMI is over 35) and have other health issues before you're likely to be denied. So for instance, a 175cm male would have to weigh 108kg before they were considered severely obese.

If you are denied because of your weight, you're not out of options since there are other ways you may be able to get life insurance:

User
Life insurance through super. When you start a new job and sign up to super, you automatically get life insurance. While it won't provide as comprehensive coverage, it doesn't require any medical exams.
Fracture
Group life insurance.. This is when your employer offers life insurance as part of your employment package. It doesn't require a medical exam. Cover isn't usually as large as a policy tailored to you, but it's better than nothing.

Life insurance weight limits

Life insurance weight limits can be broken down into the following.

HeightWeight RangeBMIWeight Class
175cm (′5 9″)56kg or lessBelow 18.5Underweight
56kg to 72kg18.5 to 25Healthy weight
72kg to 91kg25.0 to 30Overweight
92kg or more30 or higherObese
108kg or more35 or higherSeverely Obese

Bottom line

Being overweight may make your life insurance a little more expensive, but it could still be worth having. What's more, if you can lose weight and lower your BMI for a prolonged period of time, you may be able to get your premiums lowered.

Compare Life Insurance in Australia

Name Product Maximum Cover Maximum Entry Age Terminal Illness Benefit Claims Acceptance Rate Average Claim Time Sum Insured
NobleOak Life Insurance
$25,000,000
74
$25,000,000
96.90%
1.1 months
$24,483 million
Our verdict: Finder Life Insurance Award winner for the last 5 years in a row. Good value for money, simple application process and a high claims acceptance rate.

⭐ Current offer: Get one month free for a limited time - apply by 21 December 2023. Offer T&Cs on insurer website apply.
TAL Accelerated Protection Life Insurance
No set limit
73
Not stated
Data not available
1 months
$249,285 million
Our verdict: One of Australia's leading life insurers. Automatically includes child critical illness cover. Plus, it comes with a level premium option (e.g. costs remain similar as you get older).

⭐ Current offer: Get up to 15% off your TAL Life, Trauma or TPD insurance policy for life - if you have a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 19 and 28 at the time of your application. Offer T&Cs on insurer website apply.
Medibank Life Insurance
$2,500,000
70
$2,500,000
Data not available
Data not available
Data not available
Our verdict: Medibank offers a higher payout limit ($2.5 million) than 15 other providers. Get a 10% discount if you're already a Medibank Health Insurance member.
ahm Life Insurance
$1,500,000
55
$1,500,000
Data not available
Data not available
Data not available
Our verdict: ahm offers a simple application process. You can be approved online or over the phone. There are no medical or blood tests required.
HCF Life Protect Insurance
$1,500,000
65
$1,500,000
Data not available
Data not available
Data not available
Our verdict: Similar cover to other insurers ($1.5 million). A good discount for HCF members of 10% and an easy initial quote process.

⭐ Current offer: Eligible HCF Members receive 10% premium discount and HCF Thank You rewards.
RAC Life Insurance
$25,000,000
74
$25,000,000
96.90%
1.1 months
$24,483 million
Our verdict: RAC’s maximum death cover limit of $25 million is one of the highest limits you’ll find, including $5 million in TPD insurance. You can get an online quote, but you’ll need to call RAC to get trauma cover. Benefit from added peace of mind with fully underwritten insurance.

Real Family Life Cover
$1,000,000
64
$1,000,000
88.90%
2.4 months
$53,238 million
Our verdict: The application is simple; it can be done with 1 phone call and there are no medical exams. But households with larger debts may need more than a $1 million payout.

⭐ Current offer: Get back 10% of the premiums you’ve paid after 1 year.
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