Overweight Insurance Questions & Answers

How do life insurance underwriters view people who are overweight?

Obtaining life insurance for people who are overweight can be more of a challenge to obtain because of the inherent and potential health risks associated and caused by obesity.

Obesity has the potential to directly influence a person’s health which is seen as being a higher risk to insure because the condition of obesity can reduce a person’ life span.

The health complications will be of concern to an underwriter who will carefully assess the degree and extent of someone who is overweight. A person who is overweight will likely be required to undergo a medical exam when applying for a traditional life insurance policy.

Some of the key areas that will be closely scrutinized by an underwriter will be the person’s age, along with their height and weight and their body/mass index. Most underwriters will require a blood test to look at cholesterol levels and a blood pressure test, ask about physical activity, and determine whether there are any other underlying health issues such as diabetes.

Finding life insurance for people that are overweight is very possible, but these individuals will likely receive a less than favorable rating when being assessed for a policy. Some extreme cases may be declined completely.

What are the health risks of obesity?

There are many potential health risks associated with being overweight. One major health risk that can occur from being obese is the potential damage to the cardio vascular system. Cardiac disease, heart attack and a stroke are health issues often associated with obesity.

Obesity may result in high levels of cholesterol and can also result in high blood pressure which is known as hypertension. Many individuals who are overweight are also more likely to develop diabetes.

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Obesity results from either poor dietary habits often combined with a sedentary life style, and is a condition which can be hereditary or due to other medical conditions.

Obesity can be very treatable ranging from changing one’s dietary habits, medication or surgical procedures, and through a regular exercise regime.

Finding life Insurance for people who are obese

Finding life insurance for people that are overweight is not only possible but can vary significantly from insurer to insurer in how the person is rated.

All insurers have their own criteria is how they assess a person who is overweight. Some companies are much more lenient than other companies. These criteria can vary significantly and result in different assessments which can affect what a person will receive for a policy and what they will pay.

Some companies are more lenient for people who are older because they have different age and weight classifications for different ratings. Cholesterol levels and body mass indicators can also vary amongst the different companies.

Those who are overweight and have other health issues may be declined altogether and will have to seek alternative policies other a traditional life insurance policies such as a no-exam Guarantee Issue policy. Although most of these types of policies are available through most insurers, the rates and coverage can vary.