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Life Insurance for Overweight Applicants

If you are obese, you should consider buying life insurance. Your weight can impact your life insurance premium. Read here to learn more about life insurance for overweight applicants!

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Amit Raje
Written By :
Amit Raje

Amit Raje is an experienced marketer who has worked in various Fintechs and leading Financial companies in India. With focused experience in Digital, Amit has pioneered multiple digital commerce in India. Now, close to two decades later, he is the vice president and head of the D2C business department. He masters the skill of strategic management, also being certified in it from IIMA. He has challenged his challenges and contributed his efforts in this journey of digital transformation.

Amit Raje
Reviewed By :
Prasad Pimple

Prasad Pimple has a decade-long experience in the Life insurance sector and as EVP, Kotak Life heads Digital Business. He is responsible for developing user friendly product journeys, creating consumer awareness and helping consumers in identifying need for life insurance solutions. He has 20+ years of experience in creating and building business verticals across Insurance, Telecom and Banking sectors

Obesity has become a serious global problem, and this health condition is on the rise in India as well. Obesity is a medical condition that causes multiple health hazards. Various reasons can result in obesity, these can be genetic or a result of another health condition. Obesity can also occur due to bad metabolism, junk food, and an inactive lifestyle.

Obesity can result in diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, angina, and respiratory issues, various health problems. These can effectively shorten your life. Hence, if you are obese, you need to consider buying life insurance for overweight people. Your weight can certainly impact your life insurance premium. So, before you buy a life cover, understand how your body weight affects it.

What is Life Insurance?

Life insurance is a contractual agreement between an individual and an insurance company. In exchange for regular premium payments, the insurance company agrees to provide a lump sum payment, known as a death benefit, to the designated beneficiaries upon the insured’s passing. This financial support helps beneficiaries cover various expenses, including funeral costs, outstanding debts, mortgage payments, and daily living expenses.

What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value calculated from an individual’s weight and height. It serves as a simple screening tool to categorize individuals into different weight-related health categories. While it does not directly measure body fat, BMI can be indicative of whether an individual is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. Insurance companies commonly use BMI to assess the health risk associated with potential policyholders.

How to Calculate BMI?

BMI is calculated using the following formula:

BMI = (Weight in kilograms) / (Height in meters)^2

Alternatively, you can use the imperial system:

BMI = (Weight in pounds) / (Height in inches)^2 * 703

Once you have calculated your BMI, it falls into the following categories:

Underweight: BMI < 18.5

Normal weight: BMI 18.5 - 24.9

Overweight: BMI 25 - 29.9

Obese: BMI ≥ 30

Can You Get Life Insurance if You are Overweight?

Yes, individuals who are overweight can obtain life insurance coverage. Many insurance companies offer policies to overweight applicants. However, the availability of coverage and the rates you receive may vary depending on the insurance company’s underwriting guidelines and your specific health conditions.

How Obesity can Affect the Life Insurance Premium?

Insurance companies use the BMI chart in order to determine how much premium you have to pay. If you are somewhere on the lower side of the overweight range, you can expect to be offered a reasonable premium. However, if your weight is on the higher side of the BMI chart, your life insurance premium will be more expensive. The weight directly affects the premium as many insurers increase the premium by a certain percentage for obesity.

Tips for Obtaining Life Insurance as an Overweight Applicant

While applying for a life insurance plan, overweight individuals might encounter certain challenges due to the potential health risks associated with excess weight. However, being overweight does not necessarily mean that you will not be able to secure a life insurance policy. Here are some tips you can follow to get life insurance as an overweight applicant.

One intelligent way to reduce the premium is by buying a life insurance policy online. The insurance industry is a competitive market, and that can work to your advantage. You can compare the different policies of life insurance for an overweight person online to find an affordable product. Buying a policy through digital means will help you in paying a lower premium as compared to purchasing life insurance offline. You will have to pay a comparatively lower premium.

Comparison Shopping

Different insurance companies have varying underwriting standards and rate structures. It’s advisable to check and obtain quotes from multiple insurers to find the most favorable rates for your situation.

Lifestyle Improvements

Making positive lifestyle changes, such as adopting a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity. It can not only improve your overall health but also potentially lower your insurance premiums over time.

Consider Specialist Insurers

Some insurance companies specialize in providing coverage for individuals with specific health conditions, including those who are overweight. Exploring these options may lead to more competitive rates.

Work with an Insurance Agent

An experienced insurance agent can help guide you through the application process, provide insights into which insurers are more lenient with overweight applicants, and help you secure the best possible rates.

Conclusion

Obtaining life insurance is a vital step in securing your family’s financial future, regardless of your weight. While being overweight can impact your insurance rates, it doesn’t necessarily mean you will be denied coverage. Understanding your BMI and its implications, along with exploring different insurance options and making positive lifestyle changes, can help you find the right coverage that meets your needs and budget. Working with a knowledgeable insurance professional can further simplify the process and ensure you make an informed decision to protect what matters most.

The smartest thing you can do today is to buy the life insurance policy you can get and then work towards improving your health. This way, you will be able to shed a significant amount of fat from your body over the course of a few years. You can then apply for a new policy that comes with an affordable premium.

Key takeaways

  • Life insurance plan support beneficiaries cover various expenses, including funeral costs, outstanding debts, mortgage payments, and daily living expenses.
  • Individuals who are overweight can obtain life insurance coverage.
  • Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value calculated from an individual’s weight and height.
  • It serves as a simple screening tool to categorize individuals into different weight-related health categories.
  • The formula of BMI is dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters.

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- A Consumer Education Initiative series by Kotak Life