Life Insurance Weight Limits (BMI) 2024

Best life insurance height and weight charts 2024

Are you looking for the best Life Insurance height and weight tables (BMI) 2024?

Great! Then you are at the right place.

Beside age, your height and weight is the next biggest determinant in deciding your life insurance rate.

In fact, being over the height and weight guidelines (build chart) is the number one reason why life insurance rates change from the original quoted price to the final rate after the underwriting process is completed.

By using our height and weight guidelines for life insurance below you can get the best rates in the country!

Pro Tip: Make sure you are choosing a life insurance company that will offer you the best rates for your current weight. Each life insurance company has their own build underwriting guidelines.

Life Insurance Weight Limits male and female (BMI)

Best Life Insurance Health Class Weight Limits for Male and Female (Unisex)

Below is the life insurance weight limit chart by health class for both males and females from one of the largest life insurance companies in the country.

The chart goes from 4’10” to 6’10” tall and up to 334 lbs. The chart also shows the maximum BMI for each life insurance health class by height and weight up to 35.

HeightPreferred Best (lbs)Preferred (lbs)Standard (lbs)
4’10”143158167
4’11”148163173
5’0”153168179
5’1”158174185
5’2”164180191
5’3”169186197
5’4”174192201
5’5”180198210
5”6”186204216
5’7”191211223
5’8”197216230
5’9”203223236
5’10”209229243
5’11”215236250
6’0”221242258
6’1”227250265
6’2”233256272
6’3”240264279
6’4”246271287
6’5”253278295
6’6”259285302
6’7”266292310
6’8”
273300318
6’9”280307326
6’10”286315334
Maximum BMI303335
Best Life Insurance Health Class Weight with BMI Limits for Male and Female

Best Life Insurance Weight Limits for Overweight Applicants- (Table Rated)- Male and Female (Unisex)

Below are the life insurance weight limits chart by health class for a male and female for overweight applicants. The table goes from Table 2 (B) to Table 6 (F). The table goes from 4’10” tall and 220 lbs to 6’11” tall and 450 lbs. The chart also shows the BMI from 41 to 45 and the health class.

HeightTable 2 (lbs)Table 3 (lbs)Table 4 (lbs)Table 5 (lbs)Table 6 (lbs)
4’10”200205210215220
4’11”207212217222227
5’00”215220225230235
5’1”222227232238243
5’2”229235240246251
5’3”237242248254259
5’4”244250256262267
5’5”252258264270276
5’6”260266272278284
5’7”268274280287293
5’8”276282289295302
5’9”284291297304311
5’10”292299306313320
5’11”301308315322329
6’0″309317324331339
6’1”318325333341348
6’2”327334342350358
6’3”336344352360368
6’4”345353361369377
6’5”354362371379387
6’6”363372380389398
6’7”372381390399408
6’8”382391400409418
6’9”391401410419429
6’10”401411420430439
6’11”411421431440450
Maximum BMI4143434445
Best Life Insurance Weight Limits for Overweight Applicants- (Table Rated)- Male and Female (Unisex)

Life Insurance BMI Chart (Male & Female)

Below is a sample BMI life insurance underwriting guideline chart from one of the top life insurance companies in the country. BMI limits are the same for both men and women. The table ranges from a BMI of 18 to 45.

BMIHealth Class
18-30Preferred Best
18-33Preferred
18-35Standard
18-40Table 2
18-45Table 6
Life Insurance BMI Chart

Maximum BMI for Life Insurance

BMI 30 or less- Preferred Plus health class

BMI 33 or less-Preferred health class

BMI 35 or less- standard health class

BMI 40 or less- Table 2 health class

BMI 45 or less- Table 6 health class

*Each company has their own BMI guidelines

Life Insurance BMI Calculator

To instantly see your BMI just enter your height and weight on the BMI calculator below.

BMI life insurance calculator

Importance Of Life Insurance Height Weight Tables (Build Chart)

I spoke to a couple this week and the husband was a Preferred rating class with one top carrier due to his height and weight and a standard plus with the other top companies. The difference in premiums, just for a few pounds on the build chart from one company compared to the next best company was $40 a month for a $250k 30 year term!

Life Insurance By Height & Weight Price Examples

  • A 35-year old male, 6’00 250 lbs is a select rate class. A $1 million 20 year term policy is: $63 month
  • A 35-year old female, 5’4 200 lbs is a select rate class. A $1 million 20 year term policy is: $48 month
  • A 40-year old male, 6’00 220 lbs (or less) is a preferred best rate class. A $1 million 20 year term policy is: $49 month
  • A 40-year old female, 5’6” 185 lbs (or less) is a preferred best rate class. A $1 million 20 year term policy is: $40 month
  • A 50-year old male, 5’10” 200 lbs (or less) is a preferred best rate class. A $500k 30 year term policy is: $127 month
  • A 50-year old female, 5’4” 170 lbs (or less) is a preferred best rate class. A $500k 30 year term policy is: $95 month
  • A 55-year old male, 5’9” 215 lbs is a preferred rate class. A $250k 20 year term policy is: $70 month
  • A 55-year old female, 5’5” 190 lbs is a preferred rate class. A $250k 20 year term policy is: $52 month
  • A 60-year old male, 6’1” 245 lbs is a preferred rate class. A $250k 20 year term policy is: $117 month
  • A 60-year old female, 5’1” 165 lbs is a preferred rate class. A $250k 20 year term policy is: $84 month
  • A 65-year old male, 5’11” 230 lbs is a preferred plus rate class. A $100k 20 year term policy is: $100 month
  • A 65-year old female, 5’7′ 200 lbs is a preferred plus rate class. A $100k 20 year term policy is: $78 month

*Rates assuming no more than 10 lbs weight loss in the last 12 months. Is so half the weight will be added back on. Also, applicants are in excellent health, non-smoker. Build chart from Pacific Life. D.O.B. 1/10. Rates 2024.

Understanding The Life Insurance Weight Limit Chart By Health Class

Preferred Best (Preferred Plus)- Top rate class

Preferred- Second Best Rate class

Standard Plus (Select)- Third best rate class

Standard- Average health class

Table 2 (B)- two health classes below average

Table 3 (C)- three health classes below average

Table 4 (D)- four health classes below average

Table 5 (E)- five health classes below average

Table 6 (F)- six health classes below average

No Medical Exam Life Insurance BMI

With the emergence of no medical exam life insurance offerings from top insurers and fintechs, it is now possible for those in average to good health but have a higher BMI to qualify for no-exam life insurance. In fact, one company that offers instant-decision, instant-approval term life insurance allows an applicants BMI to go up to 42 and still remain eligible. For more information on no medical exam, instant issue life insurance and eligibility, take a look at our article, Instant Approval Term Life Insurance Coverage.

Bottom Line

Choosing the life insurance company that will offer you the best rates based on your specific height and weight is extremely important when shopping for life insurance.

Unfortunately, checking the life insurance company’s build chart is too often overlooked by the applicant and also the agent. This ‘minor’ oversight can end up costing the insured thousands or tens of thousands of dollars over the course of the policy. And it is all due to just a few pounds on the build chart and not taking the time to choose the right company.

To secure the best life insurance rates in the country for your height and weight, give us a call and we’ll shop the nation’s top 12 life insurance companies for you. This will save you time and money. Also, there is no charge for our services, the same price you receive from us is the same price if you go to the insurance company directly.


(FAQ) Frequently Asked Questions

How much do I have to weigh in order to get the best life insurance rates?

Use the table above and find your height and it will show you how much you have to weigh in order to receive the best life insurance rates.

How much does my weight affect life insurance rates?

Weight is the second determining factor for life insurance rates behind age. Since each company has their own height and weight guidelines, it’s very important to compare multiple life insurance to see which insurer has the best rates for your specific height & weight.

How much does bmi affect life insurance?

BMI is a major underwriting factor for life insurance. Height and weight (BMI) is the second biggest factor in determining your life insurance rate beside age.

Can I reapply for a lower life insurance rate in the future if I lose weight?

Yes! Many people will secure a policy now at their current weight, then when they lose the weight the reapply in the future for a better rate. This way there is no lapse in coverage.

How does a BMI of 30-35 affect life insurance rates?

Each life insurance company has their own bmi charts (height & weight guidelines). There are currently life insurance companies that offer a Preferred Best (top rate class) for those with a bmi of 30 or under. A Preferred (second best rate class) for those with a bmi of 33 or less and a Standard (average health class) for those with a bmi of 35 or less.

Can I get life insurance with a BMI over 40?

Yes, several of the top life insurance companies allow a BMI up to 45 and to still be eligible for regular term and permanent life insurance.

Can I get life insurance with a BMI of 45?

Yes, if you have a BMI of 45 or lower you may qualify for term life insurance. See the build chart above.

Why did the life insurance company add on weight to my current weight?

If you lose more than 10 lbs in a 12 month period, life insurance companies add half the weight you lost back on to your current weight. This is because statistically most people add some weight back on in the future.


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How to Get Instant Life Insurance Quotes Based On Your Height and Weight

  1. Enter your basic information on the quoter

    Enter your basic information on our quote engine. State, birth date, gender, tobacco use, health class, type of insurance and amount of insurance.

  2. Click ‘Compare Now’

    Click on the compare now button.

  3. Click on ‘Health Analyzer’ button

    Enter your height and weight and click ‘Continue’.

  4. The companies and their rates will appear in order

    The top companies and rates will appear in order from least to most expensive based on your height and weight.

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