By Rafael Onak, InsuranceAgents.com Staff Writer
Your life insurance rates rely on a number of factors, but none are bigger—no pun intended—than your weight. If you’re worried about losing out on the cheapest life insurance policy because of your weight, you are not alone. According to a 2007 report by the Trust for America’s Health, 25 percent of the population in 19 states is obese. Underwriters see overweight applicants as high risk, causing them to either deny their requests for a policy or bombard them with life insurance rates that are through the roof.
So how do you know if you’re officially overweight? Most insurance companies judge you by how much body fat you’re carrying, which is calculated using your height and weight to determine your Body Mass Index (BMI). You are considered overweight if your BMI is between 25 and 29.9. If your BMI is over 30, you are considered obese. If you're concerned with overpriced life insurance, due to weight or health factors, try getting quotes on no-exam life insurance policies!
Your life insurance rates aren’t the only things that are affected by obesity.
Although each life insurance company has its own guidelines, you can typically get the best preferred life insurance rates even if your BMI is between 26 and 28. As your BMI increases, however, so do your rates. Since these guidelines aren’t written in stone, make sure you do your research and compare a number of life insurance rates before settling on the final one.
Don’t get discouraged if you are overweight and in need of cheap life insurance. Although it’s easier said than done, maintaining a good diet and exercising regularly can drastically improve your BMI and help you obtain those inexpensive life insurance rates you’ve always wanted. Keep in mind that even the skinny have to worry about their weight. If an insurance company deems you underweight, you will also have to pay more for coverage as well.
For more weight-related questions and how it affects life insurance rates, don’t hesitate to contact your life insurance agent today.
Published: Friday 2nd October 2009
