Life Insurance Weight Chart Guidelines

It’s important to remember that not all companies and products have a build chart as a part of their underwriting guidelines, but most do.

Below are some sample height and weight charts and how they impact your eligibility and cost for life insurance products.

Life Insurance Weight Chart Based On Height (Unisex)

The table below outlines what your maximum weight (in pounds) can be based on height for each life insurance classification. With many life insurance products (not all), there are various rate classifications that you can qualify for.

The health classification determines the price per thousand dollars of coverage. For example, the price for preferred plus might be $50 monthly, but the standard rate is $100.

Source: Mutual of Omaha Life Insurance Underwriting Guidelines

5 Important Facts About Life Insurance Height To Weight Charts

1) The vary by the company

Every life insurance company has a unique build chart. Granted, they are all reasonably close to one another, but they will differ slightly. For example, the weight tables above were taken from Mutual of Omaha’s life insurance for seniors underwriting guidelines. At 5’8″, the maximum weight for preferred plus is 189. Alternatively, another company might have a maximum weight of 200 for their preferred plus rating.

2) They differ based on the type of underwriting

There are two main types of life insurance underwriting- fully underwritten and simplified issue (aka “non-med”). A fully underwritten plan will require a medical exam (and medical records), whereas simplified issue will not. A fully underwritten build chart will always be very different from simplified issue.

3) They aren’t always unisex

Some companies, such as Mutual of Omaha, have unisex build charts. However, some insurance providers have build charts that differ based on your gender.

4) Some companies might deny you if you’re too short, too tall, or don’t weigh enough

It’s very possible to be denied if you’re too short, too tall, or if you don’t weigh enough. Usually, if a carrier has a minimum height requirement, it’s around 4’8″. On the top end, it’s about 6’10”. For a minimum weight, it varies based on your height. For example, at 5’0″, the minimum weight is typically 85 pounds. These rules vary based on the company and the product, so don’t assume these facts are universally true.

5) Some products have no height and weight chart guidelines

Believe it or not, some companies have products with no build chart. Granted, these products will always be whole life insurance, and the coverage amounts will be minimal ($50,000 or less). For example, Aetna life insurance plans have no weight or height limitations. You could be 500 pounds and still qualify. Similarly, Royal Neighbors of America final expense insurance also has no build chart.

What Should You Do If You Fall Outside Of The Height To Weight Tables?

Given your height, being too heavy could result in a decline or a much higher price. The obvious solution is to lose weight and apply for coverage later, but that can take many months or even years.

If you need coverage now and your build is an issue, here are some options you can pursue today.

Final expense insurance

Final expense insurance (aka burial or funeral insurance) is a simplified issue whole life insurance product primarily meant to provide a quick payout to cover your funeral and burial expenses. However, it’s still a form of life insurance, so the net result will be a tax-free cash payout to your loved ones. That money can be spent on anything.

One unique element of a burial insurance policy is the lenient underwriting. The height-to-weight limits on these products are very tolerant. People who are extremely overweight can still qualify.

Guaranteed acceptance

Guaranteed issue life insurance is a type of whole life policy with no health questions or underwriting requirements. It’s called guaranteed acceptance because, as the name implies, you’re guaranteed approval. You can still get a new policy regardless of your height and weight. But there are two primary drawbacks to these no health plans. First, they are more costly because the insurer knows nothing about your health. Second, there’s always a two-year waiting period.

If you die in the first two years of the policy, the insurance company will only refund your money plus about 10% interest. You must live for more than 24 months before you’re eligible for the full death benefit payout.

Group life insurance

Group life insurance is purchased through an employer. Not every employer offers group life insurance, but most do. The most significant benefit of group life insurance is that you don’t need to qualify individually. The advantage of being part of a group is that the risk is spread across the whole group, which is why your personal insurability factors aren’t considered.

Generally, group life insurance plans don’t have any qualification requirements. So if your height to weight prevents you from qualifying for the life insurance you want, check with your employer to see if they offer any type of life insurance. Just remember, relying on group life insurance alone is inadvisable.

It’s exceptionally rare for group life insurance plans to persist after you leave that job. Be it retirement, termination, or if you leave voluntarily, the life insurance you had through that employer will likely terminate once your employment does. That’s why everyone should carry life insurance they buy independently (not through a group).

Frequently Asked Questions