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

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:

• 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.
• 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.

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

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Name	Product	Maximum Cover	Maximum Entry Age	Fully Underwritten?	Terminal Illness Benefit	Optional Extras
NobleOak Life Insurance Finder Award		$15,000,000	69		$3,000,000	TPD cover, Trauma cover	Get your one month free when you buy NobleOak Life Insurance policy. Offer ends 31 October 2021. T&C's apply.	Get Quote View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Real Family Life Cover		$1,000,000	64		$1,000,000	TPD cover, Trauma cover	Get a refund of 10% of the premiums you've paid (in the first 12 months) with The Real Reward™ .	Get Quote View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Zurich Ezicover Life Insurance		$1,500,000	69		$1,500,000	No optional	Get your first month free and a 10% discount by taking out a second life insurance policy (discount applies to the second policy). Customers who suffer a serious side effect from an approved COVID vaccination may be eligible for a $50,000 one-off payment. T&C’s apply.	Get Quote View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Medibank Life Insurance		$2,500,000	70		$2,500,000	TPD cover, Trauma cover	Medibank health members save 10% on premiums every year. T&Cs apply.	Get Quote View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
ahm Life Insurance		$1,500,000	65		$1,500,000	TPD cover, Trauma cover	ahm Health members can save 10% off premiums.	Get Quote View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
RAC Life Insurance (Only available in Western Australia)		$25,000,000	69		$25,000,000	TPD cover, Trauma cover	When you purchase RAC Life Insurance, WA residents receive complimentary RAC membership which includes access to discounts on fuel, savings on shopping, entertainment and more. T&Cs at rac.com.au.	Get Quote View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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