Health & Underwriting
Life Insurance With a High BMI or Weight Concern
Every carrier publishes its own build chart matching height to maximum weight for each rate class, and those charts differ meaningfully. The same applicant can be standard at one company and rated or declined at another purely because of where the lines fall.
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How do build charts work?
An underwriter looks up your height, reads across to your weight, and reads off the options that fit your needs and budget class you can qualify for. There is no negotiation on this — but there is choice, because the charts are not the same company to company.
Preferred classes have the tightest weight limits
Standard classes allow considerably more range
Table ratings extend coverage above standard at a higher premium
Above a carrier's maximum, the application is declined — but another carrier's maximum may be higher
What does else get reviewed?
Weight rarely travels alone. Underwriters look at blood pressure, A1C, sleep apnea, mobility, and whether there has been bariatric surgery. Recent bariatric surgery usually triggers a waiting period of 6 to 12 months before a carrier will consider the new weight stable.
How do simplified-issue health questions differ?
Many final expense and simplified-issue whole life products either have very generous build charts or do not ask about weight at all, which makes them a practical route when fully underwritten coverage is out of reach.
Why work with an independent agent?
A captive agent usually represents one company. Our network includes 20+ top-rated carriers, with available options depending on your state and profile. We help compare quotes for coverage and underwriting fit at no cost for comparison, without guaranteeing approval or the lowest price. Policy premiums apply.
Licensed Agent vs. captive agent — the full breakdownFrequently asked questions
Which other health conditions can affect coverage?
Type 2 diabetes
Metabolic
Type 1 diabetes
Metabolic
COPD & emphysema
Lungs
Heart attack history
Heart & circulation
Congestive heart failure
Heart & circulation
Cancer history
Cancer
This page is educational and is not an offer of insurance, a quote, or a guarantee of coverage. Underwriting decisions, rate classes, and product availability are determined by each insurance carrier and vary by state, age, and health history. Carrier guidelines change without notice.