Insurance: Height, Weight, And Health

When applying for life insurance, height and weight are important factors in deciding which policies are a good fit and the price you'll pay. Insurers use this information to determine your overall health and life expectancy. Since insurance companies provide a cash payout to your beneficiaries if you die while the policy is active, they want to know about anything that could cause you to die sooner.

According to the CDC, BMI appears to be as strongly correlated with various metabolic and disease outcome(s). A higher BMI could mean more health risks for a life insurance company to consider, which usually results in a higher life insurance rate.

To determine Body Mass Index (BMI)

Insurance companies request the height and weight of people to determine their Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is a ratio determined by a person's height and weight. It is a measure of body fat that applies to adult men and women. BMI is a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

A high BMI can indicate high body fatness, which can lead to other, more serious, health conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. These health issues equate to more risk for insurance companies, which is why they request height and weight information.

BMI is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. There are also online calculators that can determine BMI by inputting one's height and weight.

While a high BMI can result in higher insurance rates, it is important to note that other factors are considered as well. For example, athletes may have a high BMI due to increased muscle mass rather than body fat. Insurance companies may make exceptions for such cases, provided the individual's medical exam results and records are satisfactory.

Maintaining a healthy BMI is beneficial not only for securing lower insurance premiums but also for improving one's overall health. This includes potential benefits such as reduced blood pressure, lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, increased energy levels, improved sleep, and enhanced mobility.

To assess overall health and life expectancy

Height and weight are essential factors in determining an individual's overall health and life expectancy. Insurance companies use this information to assess the risk of insuring an individual and set the premiums accordingly. The correlation between height, weight, and health can be understood through the concept of Body Mass Index (BMI).

BMI is a ratio determined by an individual's height and weight, providing an indication of body composition, including bone, muscle, and fat content. A higher BMI suggests a greater risk of health issues, which equates to more risk for insurance companies. Leading causes of preventable premature death, such as Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer, are linked to being overweight or obese. As insurance companies provide payouts to beneficiaries upon the insured's death, they are keenly interested in understanding any factors that may contribute to an early demise.

While BMI is a widely used metric, it has its limitations. For instance, it can produce skewed results for individuals who are very tall or short, or those who are muscular due to weight lifting. Recognizing these limitations, insurance companies often utilize their own height and weight charts, or "build charts," which are more forgiving than BMI calculations. These charts allow for more nuanced assessments, taking into account factors such as gender, age, and lifestyle, to determine an individual's health classification and, consequently, their insurance rates.

It is important to note that being overweight or underweight does not automatically disqualify an individual from obtaining life insurance. Insurance companies consider various other factors, including medical history, family health history, and lifestyle choices, to make a comprehensive risk assessment. Additionally, different insurance providers may have different height and weight parameters, so shopping around can help individuals find the most suitable coverage for their needs.

In summary, insurance companies request height and weight information to assess overall health and life expectancy, utilizing this data to determine eligibility, set premiums, and manage their own risk. By understanding the correlation between height, weight, and health outcomes, insurance companies can make informed decisions about coverage and pricing, ultimately ensuring they can provide the promised financial security to beneficiaries in the event of an insured's death.

To calculate the risk of insuring an individual

Insurance companies request an individual's height and weight to calculate their body mass index (BMI). This is a ratio determined by height and weight, which is used to assess the overall health of an individual. A person's BMI is an indicator of their body's bone, muscle, and fat composition. This, in turn, can help determine whether an individual is overweight, which may lead to other, more serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. These conditions present more risk for insurance companies, which is why they request this information.

BMI is calculated by dividing an individual's weight in pounds by their height in inches squared, then multiplying that number by 703. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) categorizes BMI as follows:

• A BMI of less than 18.5 suggests underweight.
• A BMI of between 18.5 and 24.9 suggests a healthy weight range.
• A BMI of between 25 and 29.9 may indicate overweight.
• A BMI of 30 or higher may indicate obesity.

It is important to note that BMI does not account for factors such as waist or hip measurements, the proportion or distribution of fat, or the proportion of muscle mass. As such, it is not a perfect indicator of health. For example, athletes may have a high BMI due to muscularity rather than body fat. Therefore, insurance companies may make exceptions for individuals with a high BMI if the rest of their medical exam results and records are in line with preferred rate requirements.

Insurance companies use height and weight tables to determine an applicant's rate class and premium amount. If an individual falls outside the height and weight guideline parameters, it does not mean they won't qualify for a policy, but they may be rated and pay more for the same coverage.

To decide on the price of premiums

Insurance companies request an individual's height and weight to determine their Body Mass Index (BMI). This is a ratio of height and weight, calculated by dividing weight in pounds by height in inches squared, then multiplying that by 703. Alternatively, there are many online calculators that can do the math for you by simply entering your height and weight.

BMI is used by insurance companies to assess overall health and determine an applicant's rate class and premium amount. A higher BMI is associated with more health risks, which means more risk for a life insurance company, and usually results in a higher life insurance rate. This is because a high BMI increases the chances of contracting a medical issue later. Many conditions linked to obesity increase your mortality risk, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

Each insurance company will have a different height/weight chart (build chart) they use to decide on your premiums, and some are more lenient (have larger ranges) than others. The lower and healthier your weight, the more likely you’ll be fitted to ‘preferred’ premiums, which are cheaper than standard. If you don’t meet the weight range for preferred rates, you’ll be given standard rates. If you exceed the weight maximum for standard rates, you’ll most likely be rated higher (from 125% to sometimes 350% of standard premiums).

For example, a 6-foot man who weighs 195 pounds would be considered overweight according to a standard BMI calculation, but would qualify for a Preferred Plus life insurance rating (or Elite Plus) with MetLife. If he weighed 225 pounds, meaning his BMI would be considered obese, he would still qualify for better than standard rates.

Being overweight doesn't automatically disqualify you from getting life insurance, but it might affect your rate and the type of policy you qualify for. Weight is only one of the many factors life insurers use to determine your eligibility and risk. In many cases, if you're overweight but otherwise healthy, you'll qualify for a policy with a relatively low rate. If you have weight-related or other health complications, you may pay more for coverage.

To help determine an applicant's rate class

An applicant's height and weight are used to calculate their Body Mass Index (BMI), which is a ratio of height to weight. BMI is a key metric used by life insurance companies to determine an applicant's rate class and premium amount. A higher BMI indicates a higher health risk and, therefore, a more expensive insurance policy.

BMI is calculated by dividing a person's weight in pounds by their height in inches squared, then multiplying that number by 703. A BMI of 25.0 or more is considered overweight, and a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese. However, BMI has some limitations and may not be the sole determining factor in an applicant's rate class. For example, athletes may have a high BMI due to muscularity rather than body fat, or they may be very lean and healthy but have a low BMI.

Each insurance company will have its own height and weight chart, also known as a "build chart," which is used to determine an applicant's rate class. These charts vary by company, and some are more lenient than others. An applicant may fall into more favorable weight limits with certain insurers compared to others.

In addition to BMI, other factors such as age, gender, and lifestyle are also considered when determining an applicant's rate class. For example, insurers may take age into account, which is favorable for younger applicants who are slightly overweight, as the ideal weight range for a given height is broader as you get older.

While being overweight or obese may impact an applicant's rate class, it does not automatically disqualify them from obtaining life insurance. Unless an applicant has severe weight-related health issues, such as limited mobility due to morbid obesity, they are unlikely to be rejected for coverage.

Frequently asked questions