10-second summary
You can get life insurance and mortgage protection if you’re overweight. If your BMI is under ~32 and everything else is clean, you may still get standard rates. Above that, premiums increase depending on the insurer.
All of the insurers don’t treat BMI the same way.
Some are far more relaxed at higher BMIs than others, which means the insurer you apply to first matters.
How to know if you’re overweight for life insurance
The first step is to calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI).
It’s not perfect, but it’s what insurers use.
Click below to calculate your BMI:
BMI Calculator for Life Insurance
So, what does that BMI number actually mean when you’re applying?
How BMI affects life insurance & mortgage protection
These are typical insurer ranges. Your outcome depends on your overall health and which insurer you apply to.
| BMI | Female | Male |
|---|---|---|
| < 32 | Standard Price | Standard Price |
| 33 – 45 | Probable with an increased premium | Probable with an increased premium |
| 45 – 50 | Possible with a high loading | Likely Declined |
| 50+ | Declined | Declined |
Some insurers are more flexible than others. The same BMI can get very different outcomes depending on where you apply.
What else affects your application?
Michael is 45, 6’2 and 20 stone, giving him a BMI of 35.9.
Despite being in the “obese” category, because he is 45, he could still qualify for standard life insurance rates depending on the insurer.
If he were 35, the same BMI would trigger a higher premium.
So, although BMI is important, the insurers look at other factors too.
The more factors involved, the more likely you are to see a higher premium or restrictions.
What if you’re using weight loss medication (GLP-1s)?
Medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are now common, and insurers are still adapting how they assess them.
In most cases, insurers will focus on your current BMI, but they’ll also want to understand why the medication was prescribed, how long you’ve been on it, and whether your weight is stable.
Some insurers take a positive view if you’re actively reducing weight, while others prefer to see stability before offering terms.
This is another situation where applying to the most suitable insurer first-time matters.
Can you get cover with a high BMI?
A BMI over 40 doesn’t automatically rule you out.
The key difference is how much you pay and which insurer you apply to.
Apply to the wrong one first, and you can end up with a worse outcome than necessary.
That’s why we match your situation to the insurer most likely to offer the best terms.
What is the maximum BMI for life insurance?
45 for men, 50 for women.
Can you be refused life insurance because of BMI?
Yes, unfortunately, if your BMI is above the maximum limits of 45 and 50.
Declines are more likely if high BMI is combined with other factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart issues.
Even if you’ve been declined before, another insurer may still offer cover.
Does BMI affect mortgage protection?
Yes, mortgage protection is assessed the same way as life insurance.
If your BMI is higher, you may pay more, but cover is usually still available.
Serious illness and income protection
This is where insurers become stricter.
- Serious illness cover often comes with higher loadings
- Income protection becomes difficult above BMI 40
- In some cases, it may not be available
Case study — high BMI
Young male, BMI 43.3.
Previously declined elsewhere.
Full medicals were normal apart from weight.
We secured cover with a +225% loading.
Not cheap, but not declined either.
What to do next
If you think your BMI might affect your application, don’t guess.
Different insurers take different views, and the order you apply in matters.
Complete this short BMI questionnaire and I’ll come back to you with the best options.
Written by Nick McGowan, QFA RPA APA
Nick is a qualified financial advisor and founder of Lion.ie, a multi-agency Irish life insurance brokerage based in Tullamore.
He’s been helping people secure fair, transparent cover for over 15 years and was named Protection Broker of the Year 2022.
If you’d like straight answers without the sales pitch, learn more about Nick here.