Can I Qualify for Burial Insurance If I’m Dealing with Obesity?

When it comes to burial insurance, it’s understandable to have concerns about how obesity may affect your insurability. While obesity can impact your health, it doesn’t always prevent you from obtaining burial insurance.

The Role of Weight in Burial Insurance Applications

Some insurance companies use a “build chart” that sets limits on acceptable body weights based on different heights. If your weight doesn’t fall within the range specified on the build chart, you may face challenges in getting a policy. However, it’s important to note that not all companies follow build charts.

Many insurance providers don’t require build charts in their applications, and some may not even inquire about weight at all. While weight can affect life expectancy to some extent, it doesn’t always pose a life-threatening risk. Burial insurance applications typically focus on medical history, including conditions and lifestyle factors like tobacco use. Weight alone is often considered a non-factor.

When Does Obesity Impact the Ability to Obtain Burial Insurance?

Having obesity by itself doesn’t necessarily hinder your ability to secure good coverage without a waiting period. It’s the associated health conditions that can affect your eligibility for immediate, low-cost coverage. If you have a history of conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or stroke, your options may be more limited. You may need to pay higher premiums and might qualify only for burial insurance policies with a two-year waiting period, where the full death benefit is not released to beneficiaries unless you survive beyond those two years.

Severe obesity that interferes with activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing, eating, dressing, toileting, transferring, or continence may make it more challenging to find comprehensive coverage. In such cases, a guaranteed issue burial insurance policy might be a better option. Although the premiums will be higher and there will be a waiting period, you won’t be denied a policy.

Should I Wait Until I’ve Lost Weight to Apply?

You may think it’s best to wait until you’ve achieved a better physical condition before applying for burial insurance. However, in this situation, it’s advisable to get a policy sooner rather than later. It can take months to reach your weight goal, leaving you uninsured during that time. There’s no specific weight you have to attain before becoming insurable. You’re eligible for coverage as you are, and you can still qualify for immediate coverage at affordable rates.

Secure Your Burial Policy Today

We understand that individuals come in all shapes and sizes, and we’re here to help you find the policy you need. We work with providers who won’t hold your weight against you, allowing you to provide your loved ones with peace of mind at a reasonable cost. Call us today at (800) 398-9821 to learn more about your options.