Your height and weight, which underwriters call your “build,” is one of the first things every life insurance company looks at. It’s also one of the most misunderstood. There’s no single chart that every insurer uses. Each company has its own, and the differences between them can be the difference between Preferred and Standard rates.
That’s why build is one of the places where working with an independent agent pays off the most. We know where each carrier draws its lines, so a few pounds don’t cost you a rate class you could have had elsewhere.
Why There’s No Single Build Chart
Most carriers publish a chart showing the maximum weight allowed for each rate class at each height. Some use Body Mass Index (BMI) instead. Either way, the limits vary from company to company, sometimes by a lot.
Here’s how much the maximum weights can differ at the same height across three major carriers’ charts:
| Height | Best class | Preferred | Standard Plus | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5’4″ | 164 to 169 lbs | 175 to 189 lbs | 188 to 200 lbs | 209 to 238 lbs |
| 5’10” | 196 to 202 lbs | 210 to 221 lbs | 225 to 232 lbs | 250 to 285 lbs |
| 6’0″ | 207 to 213 lbs | 222 to 232 lbs | 239 to 244 lbs | 265 to 302 lbs |
Maximum weights for each rate class from three carriers’ published build charts. Guidelines vary by carrier and change over time.
Look at the Standard column. At 5’10”, one carrier’s Standard class tops out at 250 pounds while another allows up to 285. For someone weighing 265, that’s the difference between a Standard policy and a rated one with a higher premium.
A Real Example: Same Man, Three Rate Classes
We recently quoted $1 million of 20-year term for a 40-year-old man who is 6 feet tall and weighs 240 pounds. No credits and no special programs, just each carrier’s guidelines by the book.
- One carrier offered Preferred.
- A handful offered Standard Plus.
- Most offered Standard.
The Preferred offer cost about 28% less than the typical Standard offer, and about 44% less than the highest quote. Same man, same day, same build. And notice that 240 pounds at 6 feet is above the Preferred limit on all three charts in the table above. That’s how much carriers differ.
What Else Underwriters Consider
- Your age. Some carriers allow more weight as you get older. One major carrier raises its best-class limit by about 14 pounds at 5’10” once you turn 60.
- Recent weight loss. If you’ve lost more than 10 pounds in the past 12 months, insurers will generally only give you credit for half of it. For example, someone who’s 5’10” and dropped from 240 to 210 pounds this year would be underwritten as if they weighed 225. With one major carrier, that’s the difference between Preferred and Standard Plus.
- Credit programs. Some carriers will bump you up one rate class if build is your only issue. One adds an inch to your height for underwriting purposes, which can move someone from Preferred to Preferred Plus.
- The whole picture. Build is weighed together with blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Strong numbers elsewhere can help, and some carriers give credits for them.
- Being underweight. Every chart has a minimum weight too. Very low weight can also call for a closer look.
- How you’re measured. Your height and weight are usually measured at your paramedical exam, and some carriers round half-inches up.
Being Over the Chart Doesn’t Mean a Decline
If your weight is above a carrier’s Standard limit, you can usually still get coverage at a table rating, which is a Standard premium plus an increase. At 5’10”, most carriers we work with will still offer coverage well above 300 pounds. Between carriers, the difference at those weights can be several tables.
Common Misconceptions
“I’m overweight, so I can’t get Preferred rates.” Maybe not with every carrier, but with the right one, you might. The best-class limits alone vary by several pounds at every height.
“I should lose weight right before my exam.” A big recent loss usually won’t get you full credit. If you’ve lost more than 10 pounds in the past year, insurers will generally count only half of it. Keeping the weight off for a full year can make a real difference, so talk to us about timing before you apply.
“All insurance companies use the same height and weight chart.” They don’t, and that’s exactly why we compare multiple carriers.
3 Steps to Take Before You Apply
- Know your real numbers. Weigh yourself and measure your height honestly. The exam will measure you anyway, and surprises can change your rate class.
- Tell us about any recent weight changes. If you’ve lost weight in the past year, when you lost it matters.
- Let us shop your build. We’ll compare your height, weight, and other health factors across carriers to find the one most likely to give you its best rate class.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my weight affect my life insurance rates?
Yes. Every insurer uses height and weight to help set your rate class, but each company has its own chart, so the same build can get very different results from different carriers.
What BMI do I need for the best life insurance rates?
Carriers that use BMI typically allow up to about 29 for their best class, 31 for Preferred, and 33 for Standard Plus, with more room at older ages. Many carriers use height and weight charts instead, which work out differently.
Can I get life insurance if I’m overweight?
Yes. Most people who are above Standard limits can still get coverage at a table rating, and the right carrier can make a big difference in how much that costs.
Should I lose weight before applying for life insurance?
It can help, but timing matters. If you’ve lost more than 10 pounds in the past 12 months, insurers will generally only credit you for half of it. Once the weight has been off and stable for a year, you’ll usually get full credit. We can tell you whether to apply now or wait.
Talk to Us Before You Apply
A few pounds shouldn’t cost you a rate class. Call (205) 578-2097 or contact us for a free, no-obligation comparison. Tell us your height and weight, and we’ll show you which carriers are likely to offer your best rate before you apply. See how insurers look at other common health conditions.