How Obesity Affects Your Life Insurance Policy

Overweight life insurance applications have become increasingly common as obesity rates continue to climb across Canada. Today, more than two-thirds (68%) of Canadian adults aged 18 to 79 are classified as overweight or obese. In fact, between 1978 and 2017, the number of obese Canadians rose dramatically from 49% to 64%.

If you’re wondering whether being overweight affects life insurance, the answer is certainly yes. Insurance providers use BMI (Body Mass Index) as a key factor in assessing health risks before issuing a policy. For overweight people seeking life insurance, this can have significant implications on both eligibility and cost. At Maple Bay Financial, we often see clients concerned about this issue, especially when they learn that applicants with BMIs outside standard ranges may face premium increases of 125% or more. However, it’s important to understand that you can still get life insurance if you’re overweight—though your options and costs may vary depending on your specific situation.

How your weight affects life insurance eligibility

When applying for overweight life insurance, insurers assess your eligibility using BMI, height, and weight measurements together to evaluate your overall build. This information helps them assign you to an underwriting class that determines your monthly premiums.

Insurance providers each maintain their own proprietary build charts – similar to BMI charts but with company-specific variations. Carriers like Ivari and Canada Life define standard and preferred ranges differently even for identical heights. Additionally, companies such as Humania offer more flexibility, while Manulife, Desjardins, and Beneva use structured unisex tables.

Your position on these charts significantly impacts your application. Generally, applicants with BMIs within healthy ranges (18.5-29.9) have better chances of qualifying for preferred rates. Furthermore, a BMI of 32 might still secure standard rates if you have no other health issues, whereas BMIs between 38-40 could trigger rating adjustments or deferrals.

For individuals outside standard ranges, premiums may increase by 125% or more. In extreme cases, exceeding maximum weight thresholds could result in postponed or declined applications.

Importantly, losing weight can improve your situation through a process called “reconsideration”. To qualify, you must maintain your lower weight for 12 months and possibly undergo another medical exam.

At Maple Bay Financial, we understand these complexities. Our advisors can identify insurers with more flexible build charts, potentially saving you thousands over your policy’s lifetime.

We’ve found that unless you have serious related health concerns, your weight alone won’t prevent you from obtaining coverage. Many overweight Canadians worry needlessly about eligibility – contact us today to explore your options regardless of your build.

Types of life insurance available for overweight and obese people

Despite weight concerns, several life insurance options remain available for overweight and obese individuals.

Term life insurance is typically the simplest and most affordable option for overweight people. It provides coverage for fixed periods (10-30 years) with a straightforward approval process.

Whole life insurance offers lifelong protection and builds cash value over time. Although premiums are higher than term policies, they remain fixed regardless of future health changes.

Even better, simplified issue life insurance requires no medical exams—only a few health questions. Most permanent simplified issue policies don’t include weight questions, although term versions often do. 

For those with severe obesity who’ve been declined elsewhere, guaranteed issue life insurance provides coverage without medical exams or health questions. 

Finally, group life insurance through employers typically waives medical requirements, making it an excellent supplementary option.

Contact us today to determine which overweight life insurance option best balances your coverage needs with budget considerations.

Takeaway

Weight clearly plays a significant role in life insurance underwriting, though it certainly doesn’t make coverage impossible. Throughout Canada, as obesity rates continue to climb, more applicants find themselves navigating the complexities of how their build affects their policy options.

Despite stricter underwriting guidelines, options remain available regardless of your weight classification. Term life insurance offers straightforward coverage for most builds, while simplified issue or guaranteed issue policies provide alternatives for those with higher BMIs. Although premiums might increase substantially—sometimes by 125% or more—finding appropriate coverage is still achievable.

Perhaps most importantly, your situation isn’t permanent. Weight loss maintained for 12 months can qualify you for reconsideration and potentially lower your premiums. Many clients we work with at Maple Bay Financial initially worried about their eligibility, only to discover suitable options within their budget.

Rather than avoiding life insurance altogether due to weight concerns, speak with one of our advisors who understand which carriers offer more flexible build charts. This knowledge alone could save you thousands of dollars over your policy’s lifetime. Additionally, we can explore combinations of coverage types that provide comprehensive protection regardless of your current build.

After all, the goal remains protecting your loved ones financially—something everyone deserves access to regardless of body type. Contact Maple Bay Financial today for a confidential assessment of your life insurance options tailored to your specific circumstances.