A higher BMI does not automatically mean you cannot get life insurance. An insurer considers your height and weight alongside age, medical history, nicotine use, the amount of cover and other information about your health.
How insurers use height and weight
BMI is one screening measure, not a diagnosis and not a universal insurance pass or fail. Insurers have different criteria, and their limits can change. Build, recent weight changes and conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure may affect the assessment. A published maximum BMI cannot tell you whether a particular insurer will accept your application.
What outcomes are possible?
An application may be accepted at ordinary rates, offered at a higher premium, postponed pending further information or declined. Medical evidence might be requested. The outcome depends on the combined information rather than one BMI number. Do not assume that life insurance routinely excludes every death connected to weight: any exclusions or special terms must be checked in the actual offer.
What information should you prepare?
Use an accurate current height and weight, and explain significant changes. Have details of medication, diagnoses, follow-up appointments and relevant test results available if asked. Answer the exact questions fully; do not omit a condition because you believe it is unrelated to your weight. Your adviser can discuss appropriate underwriting enquiries without promising acceptance.
Life cover and critical illness cover differ
An insurer may assess the same person differently for life insurance and critical illness insurance. Critical illness cover pays only when a diagnosis meets the policy definition and other conditions, and specific exclusions may apply. Read our life and critical illness guide before comparing two products on price alone.
Will losing weight reduce an existing premium?
A change in health does not automatically change an existing policy’s premium. A new application or permitted review may be assessed under different criteria, and recent weight loss may need to be stable. Speak to your clinician about health changes and obtain advice before replacing cover. Do not cancel an existing policy until any suitable replacement is confirmed in force.
How to compare fairly
Compare the same benefit amount and term and check the final underwriting terms, rather than just the initial online price. Read about life insurance with health conditions and medical examinations and applications. A broker can explain options, including whether specialist cover is appropriate, without guaranteeing that a policy is available.
Compare your options
You can compare life insurance quotes online and ask our advisers for help with the next step. Initial quotations are subject to the insurer assessing the application. Cover begins only when the insurer confirms the policy is in force; completing a form or receiving a quote does not start cover.
Updated October 2026. General information, not a personal recommendation or a quotation. Eligibility, exclusions, premiums and tax treatment depend on the policy and individual circumstances. Discount Life Cover is a trading style of My Key Finance Ltd, authorised and regulated by the FCA, FRN 628996.
Further information: NHS: BMI assessment; MoneyHelper: life insurance.