High BMI Life Insurance: How to Get Covered Without Overpaying
Finding life insurance can feel daunting when you have a high BMI. You might worry that your weight could limit your options, increase your premiums, or even lead to a declined application. The truth is, insurers all take a slightly different view when it comes to weight and health, which means there are still plenty of opportunities to secure valuable cover.
At Kerr & Watson, we specialise in helping people with all kinds of personal circumstances get the protection they need. If you’re classed as overweight or obese and looking for life insurance, you’re not alone, and you’re certainly not always without options.
In this guide, you’ll learn how BMI affects life insurance, what insurers are looking for, and how you can improve your chances of finding the right policy for your needs.
Most importantly, you’ll find out why speaking with an experienced protection adviser like Kerr & Watson can make all the difference.
What is BMI and Why Does It Matter?
BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It’s a calculation based on your height and weight that gives insurers a general sense of your health. While it’s far from a perfect measure, BMI remains a key factor that providers use when assessing life insurance applications.
Here’s how BMI is typically categorised by insurers:
- Under 18.5: Underweight
- 18.5 to 24.9: Healthy weight
- 25 to 29.9: Overweight
- 30 to 39.9: Obese
- 40 and over: Morbidly obese
When you apply for life insurance, you’ll be asked to provide your height and weight. This allows the insurer to calculate your BMI and determine if it sits within their acceptable range. In many cases, your BMI is used alongside other health and lifestyle factors, such as your age, smoking status, medical history and family background.
If your BMI is above 30, you may be considered higher risk. This doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be declined, but it might affect your premium or the provider who can offer you cover.
Can You Get Life Insurance with a High BMI?
Yes, with some insurers you can. Many people with a BMI above 30 successfully get life insurance. In fact, it’s quite common for applicants to have BMIs in the 30 to 40 range, and with the right support, suitable cover is often well within reach.
Your chances of getting accepted and securing a reasonable premium depend on a few things:
- Your exact BMI
- Whether you have any related health conditions (such as high blood pressure or diabetes)
- Your age and general lifestyle
- Which provider you apply to
Some insurers are more flexible than others when it comes to BMI. For example, one might cap applications at a BMI of 39, while another may consider applicants up to 47 or even higher. That’s where a knowledgeable adviser like Kerr & Watson comes in, we know which insurers to approach and how to present your case in the best light.
Find out Your Options
How Does High BMI Affect Premiums?
As a general rule, the higher your BMI, the more your life insurance premiums may cost. This is because insurers often associate higher BMI with a greater likelihood of health problems, such as heart disease, stroke or type 2 diabetes.
However, the way premiums are calculated varies significantly between providers. Some will start increasing prices when BMI exceeds 30, while others are more lenient up to the mid or even high 30s. Age can also play a role, older applicants may find insurers more understanding of a higher BMI.
In some cases, you might be offered standard terms even with a BMI of 35 or more, especially if you don’t have other health conditions. In other cases, a medical screening might be required, particularly if your BMI is over 40.
At Kerr & Watson, we’ll always be honest with you about what to expect. If a medical is likely, we’ll prepare you in advance. And if your BMI pushes you into a higher premium bracket, we’ll shop around to make sure you’re still getting a fair deal.
What If You’ve Been Declined Before?
Being turned down for life insurance because of your BMI can be frustrating, but it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Different insurers have different underwriting rules, and what’s a red flag for one might be perfectly acceptable to another.
In some cases, it’s simply about finding the right provider with criteria that suit your profile. In others, it may be worth exploring specialist insurers who cater to applicants with higher BMIs or complex health histories.
At Kerr & Watson, we’ve helped many clients who’ve previously been declined secure life insurance, often at prices they didn’t think possible. If you’ve tried before without success, let us take another look. We’ll assess your full circumstances and connect you with the most suitable providers.
What Types of Life Insurance Are Available?
Having a high BMI doesn’t necessarily restrict your choice of life insurance. You can still consider all the usual types of cover:
Level Term Life Insurance
Pays out a fixed lump sum if you pass away during the term of the policy. Suitable for protecting your family or leaving a legacy.
Decreasing Term Life Insurance
Designed to cover debts like a repayment mortgage. The payout decreases over time as your financial obligations reduce.
Whole of Life Insurance
Provides lifelong cover, ensuring a payout whenever you pass away. Often used for funeral costs or inheritance planning.
Family Income Benefit
Instead of a lump sum, this pays a regular income to your loved ones for a set period of time.
Choosing the right policy depends on your personal goals and financial situation. At Kerr & Watson, we take the time to understand what you need and help you find a policy that fits – both in terms of cover and affordability.
Can Your Premiums Be Reduced Over Time?
In some cases, yes. If your health improves or your BMI decreases, it may be possible to review your policy and apply for a new one with better terms. Some insurers are happy to reconsider after 12 months of sustained weight loss or improved health markers.
That said, it’s not always worth cancelling an existing policy unless you’re certain you can replace it with a better one. Speaking with a protection adviser first is essential to avoid losing valuable cover.
Even if you don’t plan to reduce your BMI, we’ll help you understand the full range of options available and how to keep premiums manageable.
Why Choose Kerr & Watson?
Navigating life insurance with a high BMI can feel like a minefield – but it doesn’t have to be. At Kerr & Watson, we specialise in making protection simple, accessible and personal.
Here’s what you get when you speak to us:
- Expert advice tailored to your situation
- Access to a wide range of insurers, including specialists
- Clear, honest guidance without jargon or judgment
- A friendly, supportive approach that puts your needs first
We know that no two people are the same. Whether your BMI is high due to medical reasons, muscle mass or lifestyle changes, we take the time to understand your full picture and match you with the most suitable provider.
Our job is to take the stress out of finding life insurance – so you can focus on what really matters.
Conclusion
Life insurance is one of the most important financial decisions you can make, especially if you have people who rely on you. A high BMI doesn’t mean you can’t protect your loved ones – it just means you might need the right support to find the best path forward.
At Kerr & Watson, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. From understanding your options to comparing quotes and securing your policy, we’ll do the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to.
Get in touch with Kerr & Watson today for expert advice on life insurance with high BMI. Let’s make protection feel personal again.
