Part of our guide: Impaired Risk Life Insurance Underwriting by Condition →
More than 40% of American adults have obesity, which means build is one of the most common reasons a case gets rated. It’s also one of the areas where carriers differ the most, and where shopping the case pays off.
Key takeaways
- Carriers set their own height/weight tables, and some are far more lenient on build than others.
- A healthy 5’11”, 265 lb male non-smoker or a 6’0”, 300 lb male with favorable blood pressure and cholesterol could qualify for Standard at some carriers.
- Co-morbidities such as diabetes, heart disease, or sleep apnea matter more than weight alone.
A 6’0”, 300-pound man could still qualify for Standard rates at an aggressive carrier, with credits for good blood pressure and cholesterol.
Why build is so carrier-specific
Every carrier publishes its own build chart, and the gap between the strictest and most lenient can be several rate classes for the same client. Some carriers also apply credits for favorable blood pressure, cholesterol, or lab results, which can offset a heavier build.
Build examples from A+ carriers
- Male non-smoker, 5’11” and 265 lbs, otherwise healthy: could qualify for Standard.
- Male, 6’0” and 300 lbs, with favorable blood pressure and cholesterol: could qualify for Standard with credits.
- Female non-smoker, 5’4” and 235 lbs, no co-morbidities: could qualify for Standard.
These are illustrations; the final offer depends on full underwriting.
What changes the picture: co-morbidities
Weight on its own is often manageable. The offer gets harder when build is combined with conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. Clients who have had weight-loss surgery can also do well once their weight is stable; see how one lap band case moved from Table 2 to Standard.
How to shop a build case
Get an accurate current height and weight (not an estimate), plus recent blood pressure and cholesterol readings. Send them to our Underwriting Team and we’ll tell you which carriers’ build charts and credit programs fit your client best.
Frequently asked questions
Can an overweight client get Standard life insurance rates?
Often, yes. Several carriers can offer Standard to clients well above average weight if they’re otherwise healthy, especially with good blood pressure and cholesterol.
What BMI is too high for life insurance?
There’s no single cutoff. Each carrier has its own build chart, and co-morbidities matter as much as the number. Very high builds may be rated or declined, so it’s worth a pre-screen.
Do blood pressure and cholesterol help a build case?
Yes. Some carriers give credits for favorable blood pressure and cholesterol that can offset a heavier build.
Reviewed by Tim Fuller on 2026-09-25
Tim Fuller
President, SRS Inc.
Tim leads SRS Inc., a full-service IMO (Independent Marketing Organization) and BGA (Brokerage General Agency), connecting independent financial professionals with life, annuity, disability income, and long-term care solutions from 60+ carrier partners.
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