Life insurance with a high BMI
BMI is one of the standard measurements insurers use to assess risk. If your BMI is above the normal range, it does not automatically mean you will be declined or pay significantly more. What matters is where you fall on the scale, whether you have any associated health conditions, and which insurer you approach.
The short answer
BMI 25-30 (overweight) usually attracts standard rates. BMI 30-35 (obese class I) may see a minor loading. BMI 35-40 (obese class II) typically faces a moderate loading. BMI 40+ (obese class III) significantly limits options, but cover is still available from some insurers. BMI alone is rarely a reason for outright decline - it is the combination with other conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea) that narrows options.
How BMI is calculated
Body Mass Index is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in metres. Insurers use the standard WHO classifications:
| BMI Range | WHO Classification | Insurance impact |
|---|---|---|
| 18.5-24.9 | Normal weight | Standard rates |
| 25-29.9 | Overweight | Usually standard rates |
| 30-34.9 | Obese Class I | Standard to minor loading |
| 35-39.9 | Obese Class II | Moderate loading |
| 40+ | Obese Class III | Significant loading or limited options |
Note: BMI is a blunt instrument. It does not distinguish between muscle and fat. A muscular person with a high BMI but low body fat may be assessed differently, though this requires additional evidence and is not always straightforward with insurers.
How each BMI range affects your premiums
BMI 25-30: Overweight
A BMI of 25-30 is classified as overweight, and roughly two-thirds of UK adults fall into this category or higher. For insurance purposes, this range usually attracts standard rates. Most insurers do not apply a loading at all for a BMI in this range, provided there are no associated conditions.
If you have a BMI of 28 and no other health issues, you should expect standard premiums.
BMI 30-35: Obese Class I
A BMI of 30-35 is where insurers start to take notice, but the impact is often less than people expect. Many insurers will still offer standard rates at the lower end of this range (BMI 30-32). At the higher end (BMI 33-35), a minor loading of 25-50% may apply.
The key factor at this BMI range is what other conditions are present. A BMI of 33 with normal blood pressure, normal blood sugar, and no other risk factors is viewed far more favourably than a BMI of 33 with Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
BMI 35-40: Obese Class II
A BMI of 35-40 will typically attract a moderate loading from most insurers, in the range of 50-100%. Fewer mainstream insurers will offer terms at the upper end of this range, particularly if there are associated conditions.
At this level, insurer selection becomes important. Some insurers are more lenient on BMI than others, and the difference in premiums between the best and worst insurer for your situation can be substantial. This is where a broker adds genuine value.
BMI 40+: Obese Class III
A BMI over 40 significantly limits your options. Many mainstream insurers have a maximum BMI threshold (typically 40-45) above which they will not offer terms. Specialist insurers may consider applications up to BMI 50 or sometimes higher, but with significant loadings (150-300%+).
At BMI 45+, the options narrow further. Some specialist insurers may still offer terms, but premiums will be substantial. Guaranteed acceptance products remain available regardless of BMI but offer lower cover amounts.
Not sure how your BMI affects your premiums?
Tell us your height, weight, and any associated conditions. Our specialist brokers will tell you exactly what to expect and which insurer to approach.
Get QuoteHow insurers really view weight
Insurers view BMI as a proxy for health risk. What they are actually assessing is your likelihood of developing conditions associated with excess weight - primarily cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and joint problems.
This means that your BMI is not assessed in isolation. An insurer considers your full health picture. The specific factors that compound with BMI include:
- Blood pressure - High BMI with controlled blood pressure is better than high BMI with uncontrolled blood pressure
- Cholesterol - Normal lipid profile alongside a high BMI is viewed positively
- Blood sugar / HbA1c - No diabetes or pre-diabetes significantly improves terms
- Sleep apnoea - Obstructive sleep apnoea is common at higher BMIs and adds an additional loading
- Smoking - BMI + smoking is a particularly unfavourable combination
- Age - Younger applicants with high BMI may be viewed slightly more favourably, as there is more time for the risk to be managed
Life insurance after bariatric surgery
Bariatric surgery (gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, gastric band) can significantly improve your insurance terms if it results in sustained weight loss and improvement in associated conditions.
Timing matters. Most insurers want to see at least 12 months of stable weight post-surgery before offering improved terms. The initial rapid weight loss period is viewed as unstable.
Sustained results are key. If your BMI has dropped from 45 to 30 and remained stable for 12+ months, your insurance terms should reflect your current BMI, not your pre-surgery BMI. Associated conditions that have resolved (e.g. Type 2 diabetes that has gone into remission) further improve your position.
Complications from surgery are also considered. If you have had significant complications from bariatric surgery (nutritional deficiencies, revision surgery, bowel obstruction), these may affect underwriting independently.
The honest answer
BMI alone is rarely the reason someone cannot get life insurance. A BMI of 30-35 with no associated conditions will usually get you cover at reasonable rates. Even a BMI of 40 is insurable with specialist insurers. Where it gets genuinely difficult is when a very high BMI is combined with diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, and other conditions - the cumulative risk narrows your options significantly. If your BMI is the only issue, your options are wider than you might think. If it is one of several issues, a specialist broker who knows which insurer handles combined risk factors best is essential.
Realistic pricing examples
These are illustrative only. Actual premiums depend on your full health picture, not just your BMI.
| Profile | Cover | Indicative monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| 35-year-old non-smoker, BMI 31, no other conditions | 200,000 level term, 25 years | 10-16/month |
| 40-year-old non-smoker, BMI 37, controlled BP on medication | 200,000 level term, 20 years | 25-45/month |
| 45-year-old non-smoker, BMI 42, T2 diabetes on metformin, controlled BP | 150,000 level term, 15 years | 60-110/month |
Indicative figures only. Actual premiums depend on your full circumstances and the insurer selected.
Critical illness and income protection with high BMI
Critical illness cover follows similar BMI thresholds to life insurance, though the loadings may be slightly higher. At BMI 40+, critical illness cover becomes harder to obtain than life insurance.
Income protection is also available with a high BMI, though some insurers may apply a BMI-related exclusion (excluding claims related to weight-associated conditions) or a loading. Short-term income protection is generally easier to obtain than long-term.
If you are losing weight
If you are actively losing weight and your BMI is on a downward trajectory, you face a decision: apply now at your current BMI, or wait and apply at a lower BMI for potentially better terms.
The case for applying now: You are covered immediately. If something happens while you are waiting, you have no protection. Once your policy is in force with guaranteed premiums, those premiums cannot increase regardless of what happens to your weight afterwards.
The case for waiting: If you are close to a BMI threshold (e.g. BMI 36 heading towards 34), a few months of weight loss could move you into a lower loading bracket and save you money over the life of the policy.
A middle ground: Get cover now at your current BMI, and if you successfully lose weight, apply for a new policy at the lower BMI later. If the new policy offers better terms, switch. If not, keep the original. This ensures you are never unprotected.
Put your policy in trust
Whatever your BMI, every life insurance policy should be written in trust. Without a trust, the payout enters your estate and may face 40% inheritance tax and months of probate delays. Writing your policy in trust is free and takes 2 minutes. Our partner brokers set it up on every policy.
Read our full guide to trusts and estate planning
Frequently asked questions
What BMI is too high for life insurance?
There is no single cutoff across all insurers. Most mainstream insurers have a maximum BMI of 40-45. Some specialist insurers will consider applications up to BMI 50 or occasionally higher. Guaranteed acceptance products have no BMI limit. A broker can identify which insurers will consider your specific BMI.
Do insurers actually check my weight?
At the application stage, you self-declare your height and weight. However, for higher cover amounts or if your BMI is above a certain threshold, insurers may request a GP report (GPR) or a medical examination that includes an independent weight measurement. Inaccurate self-declaration can cause problems at claim time.
I am muscular with a high BMI but low body fat. Will insurers understand?
This is a known limitation of BMI. Some insurers will accept additional evidence (such as body fat percentage measurements or a letter from your GP) to demonstrate that your high BMI is muscle-related rather than fat-related. However, this is not guaranteed and varies by insurer. A broker can advise on which insurers are most receptive to this argument.
Does using GLP-1 medications (Ozempic, Wegovy) for weight loss affect insurance?
GLP-1 medications for weight management are relatively new to insurance underwriting. Most insurers do not have specific guidelines for them yet. If you are using them and your BMI is decreasing, the key question is whether the insurer assesses you at your current BMI or considers the medication as indicating an underlying weight problem. A broker can navigate this with the insurer.
If I lose weight, can I get my premiums reduced?
Existing guaranteed premiums cannot be changed. However, you can apply for a new policy at your lower BMI. If the new terms are better, you replace the old policy. If the new terms are worse (perhaps other health factors have changed), you keep the original. Our partner brokers can manage this process for you.
Does BMI affect life insurance for a mortgage?
Yes. If your lender requires life insurance, your BMI will affect the premiums in the same way as any other life insurance. However, having a high BMI does not prevent you from getting a mortgage or mortgage-linked life insurance. Decreasing term cover (which reduces with your mortgage balance) is typically cheaper than level term.
Get a quote that reflects your full picture
BMI is just one factor. Tell us your height, weight, and any associated conditions, and our specialist brokers will find the insurer that offers the best terms for your situation.
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