More than 1 million Brits are too fat for life insurance while obese people offered policies could find themselves paying two and a half times as much as those of a healthy weight, analysis finds
- NHS data from 2018 shows that 1.4m people in the UK have a BMI of above 40
More than one million people in the UK are too fat for life insurance, it has been revealed.
Expert analysis has found that some life insurers reject customers with a BMI of over 38 – which falls in the category of obese.
Among those who are offered cover, obese policyholders could find themselves paying up to two and half times as much as those of a healthy weight.
NHS data from 2018 shows that 1.4 million people in the UK have a BMI of above 40.
According to Alan Lakey, of CIExpert, who carried out the analysis, this means that more than a million people could struggle to find life insurance cover as some insurers refuse customers with BMIs of over 38.
Weight gain around the centre of the body – known as visceral fat – is particularly dangerous because it places pressure on your internal organs (Stock Photo)
Aviva and Royal London are among those who charge additional premiums or even outright reject life cover.
Mr Lakey said: ‘More often than not someone with a BMI of 35 will have comorbidities such as high cholesterol, raised blood pressure or Type 2 Diabetes.’
According to The Telegraph, a spokesman for Aviva said that BMI is considered as part of its underwriting process.
She said: ‘This may result in a further adjustment to the customer’s premium or in certain scenarios means we are unable to offer cover.
‘Being overweight or obese increases the likelihood of other serious health conditions.’
A spokesman for Royal London said: ‘Being overweight or underweight brings an increased risk of developing a range of different health conditions.
‘As such, for some customers with a defined range we may charge additional premiums or for the most significant risks we may be unable to offer cover.’
An Association of British Insurers spokesman said: ‘Whether to offer life insurance and at what price is a decision for individual insurers, who will take a number of considerations into account.
‘If an insurer chooses not to provide cover, it could be for a variety of reasons such as health and lifestyle factors. If you’re struggling to access life insurance, a specialist provider may be able to help you find a suitable policy for your needs.’
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