Best high BMI life insurance companies [Top 10]

In this guide, we’ve ranked the top 10 best high BMI life insurance providers based on the maximum BMI limit they are willing to accept.

According to the NHS, you’re considered to be overweight if your BMI (Body Mass Index) is between 25 to 29.9, and obese if your BMI is over 30.

So, we’ve done the research for you and found that the best high BMI insurers the UK and their maximum BMI limits for life insurance are:

  1. Pulse Insurance - 60
  2. The Exeter - 55
  3. Scottish Widows - 47.3
  4. Zurich - 47
  5. LV= - 46
  6. Royal London - 45
  7. Guardian 1821 - 44.99
  8. Vitality - 40.4
  9. Aviva - 39
  10. Legal & General - 39

As you can see from this list, some insurers have a higher BMI threshold than others, so it’s important to shop around when looking to buy life insurance for overweight applicants.

At Reassured, the UK’s largest life insurance broker * , we can compare quotes from multiple insurers to help you find the right policy that suit your needs and budget.

Continue reading to learn more about each of the top 10 best life insurance companies for people with a high BMI in 2024…

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Best high BMI life insurance providers quick summary:

  • Our best high BMI life insurance providers list is ranked 1 to 10 based on the insurer’s maximum BMI limit alone and no other factors. For example, your age and medical history can also affect the availability of policies and premium rates
  • Pulse Insurance and The Exeter (ranked #1 and #2 respectively) are specialist life insurance providers. This means they may only be suitable in cases where you’re not able to secure life insurance with standard providers
  • When assessing your application and deciding the cost of your monthly premium, insurers will look at your BMI rating in relation to your age. Sex or gender is not taken into consideration
  • Monthly premiums tend to increase above the standard rate if your BMI is over 30, depending on your exact BMI, age and health. However, it could still be possible to get the right cover at the right price by shopping around
  • Some of the insurers offer free access to health and wellbeing support services while you’re a policyholder, which can allow you to keep on top of your health and access essential medical services
  • All insurers in our top 10 list are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)

The information in this article has been taken directly from the individual insurers websites and is correct as of 23/10/24

Body Mass Index (BMI) calculator

Use our simple calculator to work out your BMI and discover the most likely outcome of your life insurance application based on your reading.

Less than 18.5 = Underweight

Between 18.5 - 24.9 = Healthy Weight

Between 25 - 29.9 = Overweight

Between 30 - 39.9 = Obese

Over 40 = Morbidly Obese

Please fill in the required fields

1. Pulse Insurance

Pulse Insurance

Pulse Insurance BMI limits

  • Maximum BMI for life insurance is 60
  • Minimum BMI for life insurance is not specified

About Pulse Insurance

Pulse Insurance are a small specialist life insurance provider. They can often find cover for people who’ve struggled to secure cover with mainstream insurers because of their BMI, health or occupation. In fact, 80% of applicants declined elsewhere can get a quote through Pulse[1].

In 2024, Pulse Insurance were awarded Top 5 Speciality Insurance Company in UK by Insurance Business Review.

How does a high BMI affect Pulse life insurance?

Like with other insurers, Pulse will look at your BMI rating in relation to your age, as well as other factors such as your health and lifestyle when deciding whether to accept your application.

Typically, premiums start to increase if your BMI is over 30, which is fairly standard across all insurers. Your exact BMI rating and age will determine how much your premiums will be increased by.

Policy options include:

Pulse specialist life insurance is available through our advised team at Reassured. We can offer advice and support for applicants with a high BMI who’ve been declined by standard insurers.

2. The Exeter

The Exeter life insurance

The Exeter BMI limits

  • Maximum BMI for life insurance is 55
  • Minimum BMI for life insurance is 17

About The Exeter

The Exeter (or Exeter Friendly Society Ltd) are a specialist life insurance company that provide tailored cover to high-risk applicants, including those who have a high BMI. Like with Pulse life insurance, The Exeter life insurance is usually most suitable in cases where standard options aren’t available.

In 2023, The Exeter were highly commended for ‘Best Insurer for Protecting Hard to Cover Clients’ and won ‘Best Insurer for Protecting the Income of People with Higher Risk Occupations’ at the Protection Guru Awards[2].

If you take out a life insurance policy with The Exeter, you’ll receive free access to ‘Health Wise’, an app that offers remote GP appointments, second medical opinions, and lifestyle, dietitian and nutrition consultations.

How does a high BMI affect The Exeter life insurance?

The Exeter life insurance could be available to you if your BMI is under 55, but premiums may start to increase if your BMI is over 30 (or 32 if you’re aged over 50).

If your BMI is above 45, a nurse mini screening may be required so the insurer can better assess your health.

Policy options include:

The Exeter life insurance is available through the advised team at Reassured.

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3. Scottish Widows

Scottish Widows life insurance

Scottish Widows BMI limits

Life insurance:

  • Maximum BMI is 47.3
  • Minimum BMI is 15

Critical illness cover:

  • Maximum BMI is 45
  • Minimum BMI is 16

About Scottish Widows

Scottish Widows are a long-standing and reputable life insurance company with more than 6 million UK customers[3]. They’re one of the best life insurance providers for overweight applicants as their maximum BMI limit is 47.3 (depending on your age and medical history), which is higher than other standard insurers.

If you take out a policy with Scottish Widows, you’ll receive free access to ‘Scottish Widows Care’. This includes Red Arc medical support services for various situations such as mental health concerns, bereavement, and disability. It also offers ‘Clinic in a Pocket’, a remote GP and prescription delivery service provided by Square Health.

How does a high BMI affect Scottish Widows life insurance?

Scottish Widows say that in 100% of cases they can provide an instant decision on applications where a high BMI is disclosed (assuming there are no other medical conditions present).

You may experience inflated premiums above the standard rate if your BMI is over 30, but your age will also be considered.

Policy options include:

Scottish Widows life insurance isn’t available through Reassured.

4. Zurich

Zurich life insurance

Zurich BMI limits

Life insurance:

  • Maximum BMI is 47
  • Minimum BMI is 16

Critical illness cover:

  • Maximum BMI is 42
  • Minimum BMI is 16

About Zurich

Zurich are a global insurer that provide standard life insurance products to UK customers. They’ve won numerous industry awards including ‘Best Insurer’ and ‘Best Customer Team’ at the Insurance CX Awards in 2024[4].

How does a high BMI affect Zurich life insurance?

While Zurich’s maximum BMI limit is 47, whether you can secure a policy with them will depend on your age and medical history. For example, if your BMI is 40 and you’re aged between 30 and 39, your application may not be accepted. This is because there’s a greater risk of developing weight related health problems at a younger age. In this case, a specialist provider may be more suitable (such as Pulse Insurance).

Typically, Zurich can make an instant decision based on the information you’ve provided on the application. However, in some cases, they may ask for a medical exam or GP report to be able to offer you a quote.

Policy options include:

  • Level term life insurance
  • Decreasing term life insurance
  • Increasing term life insurance
  • Whole of life insurance
  • Life with critical illness cover

At Reassured, we can only offer whole of life insurance policies from Zurich (available through our advised service).

5. LV=

LV= life insurance

LV= BMI limits

Life insurance:

  • Maximum BMI is 46
  • Minimum BMI is 16

Critical illness cover:

  • Maximum BMI is 42
  • Minimum BMI is 16

About LV=

LV= are a forward-thinking UK insurance company offering a range of life cover, critical illness, income protection, pension and investment products.

LV= have won numerous industry awards such as ‘Outstanding Insurer of the Year’ at the LifeSearch Awards in 2023[5]. Their life insurance policies come with a range of benefits including free access to LV= Doctor Services which offers remote access to UK medical professionals, physiotherapy sessions, mental health support and a free health MOT.

How does a high BMI affect LV= life insurance?

It’s possible to secure LV= life insurance at the standard rate if your BMI is between 17 and 34 depending on your age and health. Monthly premiums may start to increase if your BMI is between 31 - 35.

If your BMI is over 40, you may need to provide a medical report or attend a physical exam with a health professional as part of your application.

Policy options include:

  • Level term life insurance
  • Decreasing term life insurance
  • Life insurance with critical illness cover

Compare LV= life insurance quotes through Reassured.

6. Royal London

Royal London life insurance

Royal London BMI limits

Life insurance:

  • Maximum BMI is 45
  • Minimum BMI is 16

Critical illness cover:

  • Maximum BMI is 40
  • Minimum BMI is 16

About Royal London

Royal London are an award-winning mutual society that provide life insurance, pensions and other financial products in the UK. Awards they’ve won include ‘Best Insurer for protecting hard to cover clients’ at the Protection Guru Awards and ‘Exceptional customer outcomes’ at the LifeSearch Awards in 2023[6].

As well as standard types of life insurance, Royal London also offer specialised policies for people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, making it easier for those with the condition to secure affordable protection.

Royal London policies give you free access to ‘Helping Hand’, a wellbeing support service. This includes 24/7 access to a virtual GP and a mental health support app.

How does a high BMI affect Royal London life insurance?

Royal London could offer life insurance at the standard rate if your BMI is between 18 and 33 (with your age taken into consideration). Monthly premiums may start to increase if your BMI rating is 31 to 34 depending on your age.

If your BMI is over 40, you may need to attend a mini screening.

Policy options include:

  • Level term life insurance
  • Decreasing term life insurance
  • Diabetes life insurance
  • Whole of life insurance
  • Life insurance with critical illness cover
  • Critical illness cover

Royal London life insurance isn’t available through Reassured.

7. Guardian 1821

Guardian life insurance

Guardian 1821 BMI limits

Life insurance:

  • Maximum BMI is 44.9
  • Minimum BMI is 16

Critical illness cover:

  • Maximum BMI is 39.9
  • Minimum BMI is 17

About Guardian 1821

Guardian 1821 are a well-established life insurance provider with numerous industry awards including ‘Leading Product Innovation’ at the LifeSearch Awards in 2023 and ‘Outstanding Individual Life Insurance’ at the Cover Excellence Awards in 2022[7].

Guardian 1821 life insurance policyholders can benefit from free access to support services, including a 24/7 remote GP service, emotional wellbeing consultations and aches and pains consultations.

How does a high BMI affect Guardian 1821 life insurance?

While most insurers will only consider your BMI to determine your weight status, Guardian 1821 will also consider your body shape (waist measurement) in relation to your BMI when assessing your application. This is because some people with a high BMI have a large amount of muscle instead of fat, which is actually a sign of good physical health. Therefore, Guardian 1821 may be one of the best life insurance providers for athletes and body builders who fall into this category.

Like with some other insurers, you may be charged a higher premium than standard if your BMI is over 31, and if your BMI is over 41 you may be required to provide further medical evidence in the form of a GP report, nurse screening or medical exam.

Policy options include:

  • Level term life insurance
  • Decreasing term life insurance
  • Increasing term life insurance
  • Family income benefit
  • Life insurance with critical illness cover
  • Critical illness cover

Guardian 1821 life insurance isn’t available through Reassured.

8. Vitality

Vitality life insurance

Vitality BMI limits

Life insurance:

  • Maximum BMI is 40.4
  • Minimum BMI is 16.5

Serious illness cover:

  • Maximum BMI is 40.4
  • Minimum BMI is 16.5

About Vitality

Vitality offer great quality life insurance products that help policyholders to live healthy lifestyles and earn rewards when doing so. They’re recognised for their innovative approach to life and health insurance and have won various awards including ‘Customer Experience Team of the Year’ at the UK Customer Experience Awards in 2021[8]. 

As a Vitality policyholder you’d have access to a range of discounts and savings on top UK brands that can help you stay healthy, including Nuffield Health, Apple Watch, Mindful Chef and Champneys.

How does a high BMI affect Vitality life insurance?

Vitality life insurance may be available if your BMI is under 40.4, depending on your age and whether you have any other medical conditions. Monthly premiums may start to increase above the standard rate if your BMI is over 30.

Policy options include:

  • Level term life insurance
  • Decreasing term life insurance
  • Increasing term life insurance
  • Whole of life insurance
  • Life insurance with serious illness cover
  • Serious illness cover

Vitality life insurance is available through Reassured. Get your free quotes today.

9. Aviva

Aviva life insurance

Aviva BMI limits

  • Maximum BMI for life insurance is 39
  • Minimum BMI for life insurance is 17

About Aviva

Aviva are one of the oldest insurers in the UK and have over 18 million customers across the UK, Ireland and Canada[9]. They offer a range of life insurance products to suit varying needs and budgets.

If you take out a policy with Aviva, you’ll get access to a variety of health and wellbeing services through the Aviva DigiCare+ smartphone app. This includes an annual health check, mental health support, nutrition support and the Bupa Anytime Healthline.

How does a high BMI affect Aviva life insurance?

Aviva may be able to offer you cover if your BMI is under 39, but premiums may be increased above the standard rate if your BMI is over 30. Your exact BMI rating and age will determine how much your premiums will be increased by.

Aviva may also ask for your trouser, skirt or dress size when working out your weight status. In most cases, an instant decision can be made based on the details you provide during the application process.

Policy options include:

  • Level term life insurance
  • Decreasing term life insurance
  • Life insurance with critical illness cover
  • Critical illness cover

Compare Aviva life insurance quotes through Reassured today.

Can I get life insurance with a high BMI?

Yes, you could get life insurance with a high BMI. Many insurers can offer cover if your BMI is under 45 (and you’re in good health).

However, your monthly premium may be increased above the standard rate due to the potential health risks associated with being overweight or obese.

Furthermore, if you have a high BMI and any pre-existing medical conditions related or unrelated to being overweight, this could also affect your application.

If your BMI is over 45 and/or you’ve found it difficult to secure life insurance in the past due to your BMI, then you may be able to secure cover through a specialist provider instead.

What is the best life insurance for high BMI applicants?

The best life insurance for high BMI applicants will depend on your own personal circumstances and budget.

Generally, term life insurance is a good choice for many as it’s usually the most affordable and available from most insurers.

Term life insurance is also the most popular as it can provide protection when loved ones may need it the most, for example while you’re paying off a mortgage or raising children.

If you need to get cover through a specialist insurer, then term life insurance is usually the only policy type they offer.

Other options you may wish to explore (depending on your needs and circumstances) include whole of life, over 50s life insurance (guaranteed acceptance if you’re a UK resident aged 50 - 85) or family income benefit.

How does a high BMI affect the cost of life insurance?

Generally, life insurance may cost more if you have a high BMI (a BMI over 30). The higher your BMI, the higher your premium may be.

However, other details about yourself will also be considered during the application process to determine exactly how much you’ll pay. These include:

  • Your specific BMI rating (and in some cases, your waist measurement)
  • Your age
  • Your health & wellbeing
  • Your lifestyle (for example, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, drug use)
  • Family medical history
  • Your chosen policy type
  • Your cover amount & term length

The cost of life insurance will also depend on the insurer you apply with, as each insurer has their own BMI limits and criteria to calculate monthly premiums.

For this reason, it’s important to compare quotes from multiple insurers. You can do this with the help of our award-winning broker service.

In some cases, it’s possible to secure life insurance at the standard rate if your BMI is under 33, you don’t smoke and you’re in good health.

Get in touch with our team to receive your free quotes.

Refused life insurance high BMI

Being overweight or obese may not mean that you’ll be refused life insurance, but additional risk factors like a health condition could make it more difficult to get the cover you need.

If you’ve been refused life insurance in the past due to having a high BMI and still need to arrange protection for your family, then get in touch with Reassured.

We offer a dedicated specialist impaired life insurance service that could help you find some form of cover with an alternative insurer.

Alternatively, we could help you secure an over 50s plan, which offers guaranteed acceptance if you’re a UK resident aged 50 - 85 and doesn’t require your height, weight or medical information.

How to buy life insurance for high BMI applicants

In this guide, we’ve uncovered the best high BMI life insurance providers for people who have a high BMI and explained how your BMI could affect your cover with each provider.

However, if you’re classified as overweight, obese or clinically obese, getting a quote directly from any insurer in our top 10 list may not give you the best available deal.

Comparing policies and quotes from different insurers will allow you to identify your possible options and find the right policy to suit your unique needs.

Reassured offer an award-winning broker service that has helped many people with a high BMI arrange protection for loved ones.

We compare quotes from a panel of leading insurers, including specialist insurers through our advised team, to get you our best rates.

One of our experts can also support you through the application process and answer any questions you may have.

Simply fill in our online form for your free, no obligation quotes.

Get Our Best Life insurance Quotes »

Sources:

[1] https://pulse-insurance.co.uk/about-pulse-insurance/

[2] https://www.the-exeter.com/about-us/awards

[3] https://www.scottishwidows.co.uk/about-us/who-we-are.html

[4] https://www.zurich.co.uk/about-us/award

[5] https://www.lvadviser.com/supporting-your-client/why-lv/our-awards

[6] https://adviser.royallondon.com/about-us/our-awards/

[7] https://guardian1821.co.uk/about-us/our-awards/

[8] https://www.vitality.co.uk/about/awards/

[9] https://www.aviva.co.uk/services/about-our-business/about-us

[10] https://www.legalandgeneral.com/insurance/life-insurance/guides/best-life-insurance/

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