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Life Insurance Height & Weight Chart: Effects on Coverage and Premiums

Key Takeaway

  • BMI and Risk:
  • Insurers use BMI to assess health risks, influencing premiums.
  • Weight Distribution:
  • Abdominal weight can indicate higher health risks.
  • Premium Variations:
  • Weight management can lead to lower premiums.
  • Healthy Lifestyle:
  • Adopting healthier habits may improve your insurance rates.
  • Medical Exam Prep:
  • Proper preparation for a life insurance medical exam can positively impact your results and premiums.
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Height & Weight Chart Sign

Introduction to Life Insurance and Body Metrics


Securing life insurance can be an important consideration in financial planning for many, and health is a major factor in the underwriting process – which includes a close look at your height and weight. This comprehensive guide provides a walkthrough of a life insurance height & weight chart, providing insight into how insurers evaluate risk and may encourage individuals to consider healthier living. By knowing where you stand, you may gain insights that could help you during your life insurance search.

Understanding the Height & Weight Chart in Life Insurance



The Role of BMI in Life Insurance Assessments


Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measurement tool used by insurers to evaluate health risks. Calculated from your height and weight, BMI provides a numerical value that categorizes policyholders into different risk classes.

For life insurers, the "normal" BMI range is associated with the lowest risk, while higher BMIs may suggest elevated health risks that could affect premium costs. It's essential to recognize that BMI is not the only factor considered. Insurers also scrutinize how weight is distributed across the body since certain patterns, like abdominal weight, can be indicative of higher health risks.

How Insurers Use Height & Weight to Determine Risk


Insurers analyze BMI and weight distribution to predict potential health issues that could impact life expectancy and risk. An understanding of the underwriting process, including the use of height and weight charts, is beneficial for consumers. It's a transparent indicator of how an insurer perceives risk and determines premium prices. The distribution of weight, particularly around the abdomen, is often a focal point due to its association with heart disease and other conditions that could increase an insurer's liability.

Height (Feet,  Inches)
4"10"
Preferred Best (Min - Max)
89 – 134
Preferred (Min - Max)
135 – 144
Standard Plus (Min - Max)
145 – 155
Standard (Min - Max)
182 – 196
Height (Feet,  Inches)
4'11"
Preferred Best (Min - Max)
92 – 139
Preferred (Min - Max)
140 – 149
Standard Plus (Min - Max)
150 – 160
Standard (Min - Max)
161 – 188
Height (Feet,  Inches)
5'
Preferred Best (Min - Max)
95 – 144
Preferred (Min - Max)
145 – 154
Standard Plus (Min - Max)
155 – 166
Standard (Min - Max)
167 – 194
Height (Feet,  Inches)
5'1"
Preferred Best (Min - Max)
98 – 149
Preferred (Min - Max)
150 – 159
Standard Plus (Min - Max)
160 – 171
Standard (Min - Max)
172 – 201
Height (Feet,  Inches)
5'2"
Preferred Best (Min - Max)
101 – 153
Preferred (Min - Max)
154 – 164
Standard Plus (Min - Max)
165 – 177
Standard (Min - Max)
178 – 207
Height (Feet,  Inches)
5'3"
Preferred Best (Min - Max)
104 – 158
Preferred (Min - Max)
159 – 170
Standard Plus (Min - Max)
171 – 183
Standard (Min - Max)
184 – 214
Height (Feet,  Inches)
5'4"
Preferred Best (Min - Max)
108 – 164
Preferred (Min - Max)
165 – 175
Standard Plus (Min - Max)
176 – 188
Standard (Min - Max)
189 – 221
Height (Feet,  Inches)
5'5"
Preferred Best (Min - Max)
111 – 169
Preferred (Min - Max)
170 – 181
Standard Plus (Min - Max)
182 – 194
Standard (Min - Max)
195 – 228
Height (Feet,  Inches)
5'6"
Preferred Best (Min - Max)
115 – 174
Preferred (Min - Max)
175 – 186
Standard Plus (Min - Max)
187 – 200
Standard (Min - Max)
201 – 235
Height (Feet,  Inches)
5'7"
Preferred Best (Min - Max)
118 – 179
Preferred (Min - Max)
180 – 192
Standard Plus (Min - Max)
193 – 207
Standard (Min - Max)
208 – 242
Height (Feet,  Inches)
5'8"
Preferred Best (Min - Max)
122 – 185
Preferred (Min - Max)
186 – 198
Standard Plus (Min - Max)
199 – 213
Standard (Min - Max)
214 – 249
Height (Feet,  Inches)
5'9"
Preferred Best (Min - Max)
125 – 190
Preferred (Min - Max)
191 – 204
Standard Plus (Min - Max)
205 – 219
Standard (Min - Max)
220 – 257
Height (Feet,  Inches)
5'10"
Preferred Best (Min - Max)
129 – 196
Preferred (Min - Max)
197 – 210
Standard Plus (Min - Max)
211 – 225
Standard (Min - Max)
226 – 264
Height (Feet,  Inches)
5'11"
Preferred Best (Min - Max)
133 – 201
Preferred (Min - Max)
202 – 216
Standard Plus (Min - Max)
217 – 232
Standard (Min - Max)
233 – 272
Height (Feet,  Inches)
6'
Preferred Best (Min - Max)
136 – 207
Preferred (Min - Max)
208 – 222
Standard Plus (Min - Max)
223 – 239
Standard (Min - Max)
240 – 279
Height (Feet,  Inches)
6'1"
Preferred Best (Min - Max)
140 – 213
Preferred (Min - Max)
214 – 228
Standard Plus (Min - Max)
229 – 245
Standard (Min - Max)
246 – 287
Height (Feet,  Inches)
6'2"
Preferred Best (Min - Max)
144 – 219
Preferred (Min - Max)
220 – 234
Standard Plus (Min - Max)
235 – 252
Standard (Min - Max)
253 – 295
Height (Feet,  Inches)
6'3"
Preferred Best (Min - Max)
148 – 225
Preferred (Min - Max)
226 – 241
Standard Plus (Min - Max)
242 – 259
Standard (Min - Max)
260 – 303
Height (Feet,  Inches)
6'4"
Preferred Best (Min - Max)
152 – 231
Preferred (Min - Max)
232 – 247
Standard Plus (Min - Max)
248 – 266
Standard (Min - Max)
267 – 311
Height (Feet,  Inches)
6'5"
Preferred Best (Min - Max)
156 – 237
Preferred (Min - Max)
238 – 254
Standard Plus (Min - Max)
255 – 273
Standard (Min - Max)
274 – 320
Height (Feet,  Inches)
6'6"
Preferred Best (Min - Max)
160 – 243
Preferred (Min - Max)
244 – 260
Standard Plus (Min - Max)
261 – 280
Standard (Min - Max)
281 – 328
Height (Feet,  Inches)
6'7"
Preferred Best (Min - Max)
164 – 249
Preferred (Min - Max)
250 – 267
Standard Plus (Min - Max)
268 – 287
Standard (Min - Max)
288 – 336
Height (Feet,  Inches)
6'8"
Preferred Best (Min - Max)
168 – 256
Preferred (Min - Max)
257 – 274
Standard Plus (Min - Max)
275 – 295
Standard (Min - Max)
296 – 345
Height (Feet,  Inches)
6'9"
Preferred Best (Min - Max)
173 – 262
Preferred (Min - Max)
263 – 281
Standard Plus (Min - Max)
282 – 302
Standard (Min - Max)
303 – 354
Height (Feet,  Inches)
6'10"
Preferred Best (Min - Max)
177 – 268
Preferred (Min - Max)
269 – 288
Standard Plus (Min - Max)
289 – 309
Standard (Min - Max)
310 – 363
Height (Feet,  Inches)
6'11
Preferred Best (Min - Max)
181 – 275
Preferred (Min - Max)
276 – 295
Standard Plus (Min - Max)
296 – 317
Standard (Min - Max)
318 – 371
This is normally a comparative table on desktop, but is in a custom view on mobile.

*This chart is an estimation and is for educational purposes only. This does not guarantee eligibility for life insurance. Eligibility criteria, including height and weight limits, may vary by insurance provider. The above chart is only an example of a possible chart that might be used. Underwriting decisions are based on a comprehensive evaluation of multiple factors including, but not limited to, medical history, lifestyle, and the height and weight measurements provided. Please consult with a licensed insurance agent to discuss your specific circumstances and options.

Impact of Height and Weight on Life Insurance Premiums


Deciphering the Height & Weight Chart


Height and weight charts in life insurance policies use a matrix to correlate body metrics with risk categories ranging from preferred plus to standard and below. To understand your standing, find your height, track to your weight, and identify your risk category in the hypothetical chart above. This category impacts your premium directly: the lower your risk, the less costly your insurance. It's important to note that premiums may also be influenced by other health conditions and lifestyle factors, not just height and weight.

Examples of Premium Variations by Height and Weight


For example, consider an individual who is 5'9" tall. At 160 pounds, they may qualify for the preferred best category and enjoy lower premiums. At 220 pounds, the same individual might be categorized as standard, resulting in higher costs.

These scenarios underscore the importance of weight management in life insurance cost and highlight that different insurers may assess the same individual uniquely, due to proprietary calculations and charts.

 Lifestyle Changes for Better Rates


If your spot on the chart suggests high premiums, adopting a healthier lifestyle may potentially lead to lower rates. Regular exercise and a balanced diet contribute to better health and can be positively reflected in policy reassessments. Some insurers offer incentives or lower rates for policyholders who demonstrate health improvements, making lifestyle changes that may potentially result in better insurance rates.

Preparing for the Life Insurance Medical Exam


Some life insurance products require a comprehensive medical exam to assess the applicant’s health and risk factors, while others may only require the completion of a medical health questionnaire.

The type of underwriting process used can vary depending on the insurance provider and the specific policy being applied for. If you plan to take a medical exam, it's wise to be well-hydrated, abstain from alcohol, and be well-rested. Scheduling the exam for the morning, avoiding heavy meals, reducing salt to limit water retention, and maintaining a calm demeanor can also influence the metrics like weight and blood pressure readings, which in turn may affect premium calculations.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions About Life Insurance and Body Metrics


How does weight loss or gain affect my life insurance premium? 


Weight fluctuations can directly impact your insurance premiums. Significant weight loss may lower your BMI, potentially moving you into a lower-risk category and decreasing your premiums. Conversely, weight gain may have the opposite effect.

Can I get life insurance if I'm considered overweight or underweight? 


Yes, you can still obtain life insurance if you fall outside the "normal" weight range. However, your premiums may be higher, and you may have fewer options to choose from. Each insurer has its own criteria and may offer special underwriting for unique cases.

How accurate is the BMI in determining life insurance costs? 


While BMI is a widely used metric, it is not the only factor insurers consider. It's a starting point for assessing risk, but insurers also look at medical history, family history, and lifestyle choices. BMI can sometimes misrepresent body composition, so insurers may use additional assessments for a more comprehensive evaluation.

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This article was generated with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). AI-generated content may occasionally contain errors or misleading information.

The information above is for educational use only and does not represent insurance, tax or legal advice. It is not a recommendation or solicitation to buy insurance. Please talk to your licensed insurance agent for more information about life insurance and your needs. Please consult with the appropriate professional for tax or legal advice. Guarantees are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company.

Article Author: Meredith Bell
Author Bio: Meredith joined Everly in 2022 and has 20+ years of experience in the life insurance industry. She has held various roles in advertising, marketing, communications, sales and distribution support, and product development. Outside of the office, Meredith lives with her daughter Kennedy and their dog Mavis. Meredith enjoys cooking, camping, gardening, hiking, and bourbon (though not always at the same time). She is a live music enthusiast and an avid reader. Her favorite quote is by Thomas Jefferson: "I cannot live without books." Meredith agrees, but would add cheese, movies, and dogs to that list.